Is Wraps low-in-carb premium white Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look past the marketing claims on the front of the package to the ingredient list on the back. For the Wraps low-in-carb premium white, the verdict is clear: they are unsafe for a gluten-free diet. The primary culprit is enriched wheat flour. This is standard flour derived from wheat, which contains gluten proteins (gliadin and glutenin) that trigger immune responses in those with Celiac disease.

However, it doesn't stop there. The recipe also includes malted barley flour. Barley is one of the three major gluten-containing grains (along with wheat and rye). Additionally, the presence of wheat gluten is added, likely to improve the texture and elasticity of the wrap, but this essentially concentrates the very protein you are trying to avoid.

There is also a significant concern regarding the enzyme listed. While enzymes can be derived from non-gluten sources, the specification here includes wheat starch. Wheat starch is generally not considered safe for a gluten-free diet unless it has been processed to remove the gluten protein to a negligible amount (Codex Alimentarius standards), but in a standard food product like this, it is a red flag. Finally, the oat fiber used is not certified gluten-free. Oats are frequently cross-contaminated with wheat during harvesting and processing, making them a risky ingredient for anyone requiring strict avoidance.

Nutritional Value

The 'low-in-carb' claim is the main draw for this product. Looking at the ingredients, the use of oat fiber and soy flour helps reduce the net carbohydrate count compared to a standard flour tortilla. However, this comes with a trade-off in additives. The product relies heavily on preservatives like calcium propionate and potassium sorbate to maintain shelf life, as well as various gums (guar gum, xanthan gum) to mimic the texture of traditional bread.

Regarding fats, the wraps contain canola oil and palm oil. While these fit within standard dietary limits, they are processed fats. For those monitoring their intake of processed foods, the long list of chemical additives (including fumaric acid and sodium metabisulfite) suggests this is a highly processed item. It fits a low-carb diet, but it is not necessarily a 'whole food'.