Kamil Perry
Walkers Cheese and Onion crisps are not gluten-free. In fact, none of the Walkers crisps are gluten-free. The company has removed the suitable for coeliacs label from its products and added an advisory statement that the crisps are made in a factory where gluten-containing ingredients are present. This change has frustrated many customers who are coeliac or gluten intolerant. While some people report reacting to Walkers crisps, others claim to have eaten them without any issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | No |
| Coeliac-friendly | No |
| Contain gluten | May contain gluten |
| Gluten-free labelling | Do not meet the legal criteria for gluten-free labelling |
| Advisory statement | Made in a factory with gluten-containing ingredients |
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What You'll Learn
Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps are not gluten-free
In 2012, Walkers removed the "suitable for coeliacs" message from their product labelling and added advisory statements that their crisps were made in a factory where gluten-containing ingredients were present. This change frustrated many customers, particularly those with coeliac disease. The company's processing procedures make it challenging to commit to making certain flavours of crisps gluten-free. They spray the flavourings onto the potato crisps, and it is difficult to clean the sprays between different flavourings.
While some people with coeliac disease may not react to the trace gluten levels in Walkers crisps, it is important to note that the company cannot guarantee their products are gluten-free. For those following a strict gluten-free diet, it is advisable to choose alternative crisp brands that explicitly state they are gluten-free and suitable for coeliacs.
It is worth noting that the ingredients in Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps do not contain artificial colours or MSG. However, a small number of their seasonings contain very small amounts of alcohol. As always, it is important to refer to the back of the pack for detailed information on ingredients and allergens.
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They are made in a factory that handles gluten
Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps are not gluten-free. While the crisps themselves may not contain gluten, they are made in a factory that handles gluten. This means that there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
In 2012, Walkers removed the "suitable for coeliacs" label from their product packaging due to changes in gluten-free labelling laws. The new laws require that products must contain no more than 20 parts per million of gluten to be labelled as "gluten-free" or "suitable for coeliacs". As Walkers cannot meet this requirement, they have added an advisory statement on their packaging, stating that their crisp products are made in a factory where gluten-containing ingredients are present.
This change has frustrated some consumers, particularly those with coeliac disease who relied on Walkers Crisps as a safe snack option. While some people with coeliac disease may not react to the trace amounts of gluten in Walkers Crisps, others may still experience symptoms. Therefore, it is important for individuals with coeliac disease to make an informed decision about whether to consume Walkers Crisps, taking into account their own level of sensitivity and the potential risks.
It is worth noting that other crisp manufacturers do offer gluten-free options that are explicitly labelled as "suitable for coeliacs". These options may be a safer choice for individuals with coeliac disease who want to avoid the risk of gluten contamination.
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The crisps may contain trace amounts of gluten
Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps are not gluten-free. While the crisps themselves do not contain gluten, they may have been in contact with gluten-containing foods during the manufacturing process. This is because Walkers sprays its flavourings onto the potato crisps, and it is difficult to clean the sprays between different flavourings. As a result, trace amounts of gluten from other products may be present in the Cheese and Onion Crisps.
The company has removed the "suitable for coeliacs" label from its packaging and added an advisory statement that the crisps are made in a factory where gluten-containing ingredients are present. This change was made due to the implementation of stricter legislation in 2012 that requires products to contain no more than 20 parts per million of gluten to be labelled as gluten-free or "suitable for coeliacs".
Some consumers with coeliac disease have expressed frustration over this change, as they can no longer confidently consume their favourite crisps. However, others have shared that they continue to eat Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps despite the new labelling, without experiencing any adverse symptoms.
It is important to note that the presence of trace amounts of gluten in Walkers Cheese and Onion Crisps may still pose a risk to individuals with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. The absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate that the product is safe for consumption for those with gluten intolerance. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals following a gluten-free diet to refer to the ingredient listings and allergen information on the packaging or consult the consumer services team for more information.
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Coeliacs are advised to strictly avoid them
Coeliacs are advised to strictly avoid Walkers Cheese and Onion crisps. While the product itself does not contain gluten, it may have been in contact with gluten-containing foods during the manufacturing process.
In 2012, Walkers removed the "suitable for coeliacs" message from their product labelling. This was due to changes in the law on gluten-free labelling, which meant that stricter criteria had to be met for manufacturers to indicate the suitability of their foods for people with coeliac disease. To be labelled 'gluten-free' or 'suitable for coeliacs', products must now ensure that they contain no more than 20 parts per million of gluten. As Walkers cannot meet this requirement, they have also added an advisory statement on packs that states that the crisp products have been made in a factory where there are gluten-containing ingredients.
Some people with coeliac disease have reported reacting to Walkers crisps and advised others to strictly avoid them. This is because, even if the product itself does not contain gluten, it may have come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients during the manufacturing process. While some people with coeliac disease may not react to trace amounts of gluten, others may experience symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain.
There are other crisp options available that are suitable for coeliacs, such as the Darling Spuds brand, which are explicitly labelled as suitable for coeliacs. Seabrook crisps are also gluten-free and offer a variety of flavours, including salt and vinegar, cheese and onion, prawn cocktail, ready salted, and beef.
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Gluten-free alternatives include Seabrook and Pom Pom Bears crisps
Walkers Cheese and Onion crisps are not gluten-free. However, there are several gluten-free alternatives available in the market.
Seabrook, for instance, offers a range of gluten-free crisps that are suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. Their crisps are made with carefully selected ingredients, including potatoes, vegetable oils, yeast extract, rice flour, and onion powder, resulting in a delicious and flavourful snack.
Pom Pom Bears crisps are another excellent gluten-free option. These crisps are cooked with sunflower oil, resulting in a light and crispy texture that melts in your mouth. Pom Bears are produced in a nut-free facility, making them suitable for individuals with nut allergies and intolerances.
Both Seabrook and Pom Pom Bears crisps provide tasty and inclusive options for those seeking gluten-free alternatives. These crisps offer the perfect balance of flavour and texture, ensuring that you don't have to compromise on taste while adhering to your dietary restrictions.
So, if you're looking for a gluten-free crisp to satisfy your cravings, Seabrook and Pom Pom Bears crisps are definitely worth considering. With their dedication to flavour and inclusivity, these brands offer a delightful snacking experience that everyone can enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Walkers cannot guarantee that any of their crisps are gluten-free.
The law on gluten-free labelling means a strict criterion has to be met if manufacturers want to indicate the suitability of their foods for people with coeliac disease. To label a product as 'gluten-free' or 'suitable for coeliacs', the product must ensure that it contains no more than 20 parts per million of gluten. As Walkers cannot meet this requirement, they have removed their 'suitable for coeliacs' label.
Seabrook crisps and Pom-Pom Bears are two alternatives that offer gluten-free cheese and onion crisps.
Darling Spuds is a brand that explicitly states that their crisps are suitable for coeliacs.
Coeliac UK produces a handbook listing several foods and ingredients that are suitable for people with coeliac disease.
