
Cheddar cheese popcorn is a tasty snack, but is it gluten-free? Well, plain corn is gluten-free, and regular air-popped kernels are also gluten-free. However, the problem arises when flavorings or toppings are added, as gluten can be introduced through these additions. Luckily, there are still many brands that offer gluten-free cheddar cheese popcorn, such as Smartfood, which offers a White Cheddar Flavor that is not only delicious but also gluten-free. So, if you're looking for a tasty and gluten-free snack, cheddar cheese popcorn could be a great option!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Flavors | White Cheddar, Movie Theater Butter, Sea Salt, and Lower-Calorie White Cheddar Cheese |
| Ingredients | Popcorn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, and/or Sunflower Oil), Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Whey, Buttermilk, Natural Flavor, and Salt |
| Calories | 160 calories per ounce |
| Sodium | 12% of the daily recommended amount per ounce |
| Fat | 15% of the daily recommended amount per ounce |
| Cholesterol | 2% of the daily recommended amount per ounce |
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What You'll Learn

Smartfood's White Cheddar Popcorn is gluten-free
Smartfoods White Cheddar Popcorn is a tasty, gluten-free snack option. The popcorn is air-popped and tossed in delicious white cheddar cheese. It is made with natural ingredients, including vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil), cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), whey, buttermilk, natural flavour, and salt.
The product is labelled as gluten-free on both the front and back of the packaging. This is great news for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as they can enjoy this tasty treat without worry. Popcorn, in its plain form, is naturally gluten-free. Whether it is air-popped or cooked in oil, it remains gluten-free. Even adding butter and salt does not affect its gluten-free status.
However, it is important to be cautious of gluten in popcorn seasonings. If wheat or gluten ingredients are added, the popcorn is no longer gluten-free. Therefore, it is crucial to always read the labels carefully before consuming any seasoned popcorn or adding seasonings to plain popcorn.
Smartfoods White Cheddar Popcorn is a popular choice among consumers, who praise its crispiness, cheesiness, and freshness. It is a healthy and tasty snack option, perfect for movie nights or a quick bite while waiting for lunch or dinner. The popcorn has a low-calorie content, and with 14g of whole grains per serving, it offers a great balance of flavour and nutrition.
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Plain popcorn is gluten-free
Plain popcorn, either air-popped or cooked in oil, is gluten-free. It remains gluten-free even with the addition of butter and salt. However, gluten can be introduced through toppings and seasonings, so it is important to read labels carefully to avoid wheat or gluten ingredients. Some common gluten-containing additives to look out for include malt flavouring, wheat starch, brewer's yeast, and soy sauce.
Many popular brands of popcorn are certified gluten-free, including Orville Redenbacher, Act II, and Jolly Time. These brands go the extra mile to ensure their products are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, not all brands are certified gluten-free, and there is always a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.
To ensure your popcorn is gluten-free, it is best to choose products that are labelled certified gluten-free. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stipulates that products labelled gluten-free must contain fewer than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. You can also make your own plain popcorn at home and flavour it yourself, ensuring it remains gluten-free.
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Popcorn is gluten-free unless wheat or gluten ingredients are added
Popcorn is a snack made from corn kernels that puff up when heated. Corn is a gluten-free grain, so plain popcorn is also gluten-free. This includes plain air-popped or oil-cooked popcorn, which can be safely consumed by people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, it's important to be cautious when it comes to flavoured or seasoned popcorn, as gluten cross-contamination can occur during processing and from ingredients added to enhance the flavour.
When buying store-bought popcorn, it's essential to read the labels carefully. While many brands carry a "gluten-free" label, some may pose a risk of cross-contamination. If a product contains wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients, it should be avoided by those with gluten sensitivities. In the case of seasoned popcorn, pre-mixed brands should be scrutinized to ensure they are gluten-free.
Some examples of gluten-free popcorn brands include Act II, Angie's, Black Jewell, Bob's Red Mill, and Great Northern. These companies offer a variety of flavours, from plain kernels to ready-to-eat bagged popcorn, all while maintaining gluten-free certifications.
However, it's worth noting that individual tolerance levels vary. Some individuals with gluten sensitivities may find that they react even to trace amounts of gluten in popcorn, especially in movie theatre popcorn where cross-contamination risks are higher. Making your own popcorn at home, either on the stovetop or in the microwave, allows for better control over ingredients and seasonings, ensuring a gluten-free snack.
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Kernel Season's offers gluten-free white cheddar popcorn seasoning
Popcorn is naturally gluten-free, as corn does not contain gluten. However, gluten can be introduced through seasonings, so it is important to carefully read the labels of any pre-mixed brands or seasoning products. Kernel Seasons offers a gluten-free white cheddar popcorn seasoning, which is made with real cheese and delivers a tangy, cheesy punch to your plain popcorn. The product is proudly made in the USA and can be purchased at Target, either in-store or online, with options for same-day delivery or pickup.
Kernel Seasons' gluten-free white cheddar popcorn seasoning is a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, who can rest assured that this product is safe for them to consume. The seasoning is also a healthy, low-calorie option, with only 2 calories per serving.
The serving size of 0.25 tsp provides 2 calories, with 0g of total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and sugars. The seasoning contains 90mg of sodium, which is 4% of the daily value.
Kernel Seasons also offers a range of other gluten-free popcorn seasoning flavors, including Nacho Cheddar, Parmesan & Garlic, Ranch, Salt & Vinegar, Sour Cream & Onion, and Ketchup. These products allow individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to enjoy flavored popcorn without worrying about the presence of gluten.
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Some brands may pose a risk of cross-contamination
While plain, air-popped, or cooked-in-oil popcorn is gluten-free, the addition of flavourings or toppings may introduce gluten. Some brands may use flavourings or toppings that contain gluten, or there may be a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process.
Smartfood Popcorn, for example, offers a White Cheddar Flavor that is gluten-free. The ingredients listed for this product include popcorn, vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil), cheddar cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), whey, buttermilk, natural flavour, and salt. This product is marketed as gluten-free and the ingredients listed do not contain any gluten-containing grains or derivatives.
However, it is important to read labels carefully and be cautious when purchasing flavoured popcorn. For example, Arrowhead Mills offers a variety of gluten-free products, but neither their white nor yellow popcorn appears on their gluten-free list. This could be due to a risk of cross-contamination during production, or it may be that these products contain gluten-containing ingredients. Similarly, NOW Foods sells non-GMO, organic popcorn, but it is not labelled as gluten-free, which may be due to a potential risk of cross-contamination or the presence of gluten in the ingredients.
When in doubt, choosing plain, air-popped, or cooked-in-oil popcorn and adding your own gluten-free toppings is a safer option. Kernel Season's, for example, offers several flavours of gluten-free popcorn toppings, including white cheddar, butter, caramel corn, kettle corn, and ranch. You can also make your own popcorn toppings at home using simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and spices.
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Frequently asked questions
Plain corn is gluten-free, and regular air-popped kernels are also gluten-free. Therefore, plain popcorn, either air-popped or cooked in oil, is gluten-free.
Cheese popcorn can be gluten-free, but it depends on the brand and the ingredients. Some brands, such as Smartfood, offer gluten-free cheese popcorn, while others may not. It's important to read the labels carefully to ensure that the product is gluten-free.
Smartfood Popcorn offers a White Cheddar Flavor that is gluten-free. Kernel Season's also offers a gluten-free white cheddar seasoning that can be sprinkled on home-popped corn.
Yes, there are plenty of gluten-free options for store-bought popcorn. Some brands to consider are Captain Season's, Live Love Pop, and SkinnyPop. However, it's always important to read the labels carefully to ensure that the product is gluten-free and does not contain any gluten ingredients or risk of cross-contamination.
Plain popcorn is gluten-free, but the problem arises when flavorings or toppings are added. It's important to read the labels carefully to avoid wheat or gluten in seasonings. Some brands may also pose a risk of cross-contamination, so it's best to be cautious if you are highly sensitive to gluten.

























