Andy Montoya
Popcorn is a popular snack, especially at the movies, and is generally considered a whole-grain, fiber-rich snack. While plain corn is gluten-free, and popcorn is made from corn kernels, the potential for gluten cross-contamination arises during processing and from gluten ingredients in flavorings. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it is important to be aware of gluten-free options and brands that pose a risk for cross-contamination.
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What You'll Learn
- Corn is gluten-free, but flavourings may not be
- Cross-contamination is a risk in some brands
- Gluten-free certified brands include Angie's, Act II, Black Jewell, and Bob's Red Mill
- Some brands to be wary of include Arrowhead Mills and NOW Foods
- Smartfood's gluten-free flavours include white cheddar, sea salt, and movie theatre butter
Corn is gluten-free, but flavourings may not be
Corn is a gluten-free grain, and plain popcorn is naturally gluten-free too. However, some flavourings and toppings may contain gluten, and there is also a risk of gluten cross-contamination during the processing of the corn. Therefore, it is important to carefully check the ingredients and preparation methods of flavoured popcorn products to ensure they are gluten-free.
Some brands, such as Arrowhead Mills, offer a variety of gluten-free products, but their white and yellow popcorn do not appear on their gluten-free list. This could be due to a risk of cross-contamination, which is a concern for those who are highly sensitive to gluten. Bob's Red Mill, a popular manufacturer of gluten-free products, has built a separate facility to prepare gluten-free products and batch tests all products in a controlled laboratory to protect consumers from accidental cross-contamination.
Many companies offer gluten-free flavoured popcorn products. Angie's, a subsidiary of ConAgra, offers a wide variety of interesting flavours that are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Act II, another ConAgra brand, offers ten flavours of microwavable popcorn that are considered gluten-free, with less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Smartfood Popcorn, the self-proclaimed favourite popcorn brand in America, sells several flavours of ready-to-eat bagged popcorn, four of which are gluten-free, including white cheddar and sea salt.
For those who enjoy making their own flavoured popcorn at home, it is important to ensure that all ingredients added are gluten-free. For example, gluten-free dry ranch seasoning can be combined with parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and onion powder, and then stirred into melted butter to create a delicious gluten-free topping for popcorn.
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Cross-contamination is a risk in some brands
While plain corn is gluten-free, and popcorn is just popped corn, it is possible to consume gluten when eating popcorn without knowing it. The problem with popcorn is the potential for gluten cross-contamination in processing and gluten ingredients in the flavourings used to make popcorn more interesting. Popcorn made in facilities that also manufacture glutenous foods may be at risk for cross-contamination.
Some common gluten-containing additives include malt flavouring, wheat starch, brewer's yeast, and soy sauce. Popcorn may be at risk for gluten cross-contamination depending on where it's manufactured. Certain popcorn brands may use gluten-containing flavourings or additives. If you're particularly sensitive to trace amounts of gluten, choosing a popcorn without additives or flavourings is a good idea.
Look at the ingredient list and choose a product that lists only "popcorn" or contains only corn kernels and salt. It's also a good idea to select 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. In addition, manufacturers are required by law to indicate common food allergens, including wheat, on the label.
Some brands that offer gluten-free products include Angie's, Act II, Black Jewell, and Great Northern.
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Gluten-free certified brands include Angie's, Act II, Black Jewell, and Bob's Red Mill
Popcorn is a whole grain, fibre-rich snack that is enjoyed by many. While plain corn is naturally gluten-free, flavoured popcorn products may contain gluten.
ConAgra, a grocery conglomerate, owns brands such as Act II and Angie's, which offer a range of gluten-free popcorn options. Act II's microwave popcorn in various flavours is considered gluten-free, with less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Angie's, meanwhile, offers a selection of certified gluten-free ready-to-eat bagged popcorn, including Sea Salt, Sweet 'n Salty Kettle Corn, White Cheddar, and Cheddar Cheese.
Black Jewell is another brand that offers gluten-free popcorn. Their "No Salt No Oil" microwave popcorn is made from natural, non-GMO verified popcorn, with their signature black popcorn that pops into small, bright white kernels.
Lastly, Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods provides a range of gluten-free products, including flours, meals, and baking mixes, ensuring that those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy their favourite treats without worry.
While Conn's cheese popcorn does not have explicit gluten-free certification, plain popcorn is naturally gluten-free, and flavoured popcorn products are often considered gluten-free. However, it is always good to check the ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
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Some brands to be wary of include Arrowhead Mills and NOW Foods
While there is no definitive answer to whether Conn's cheese popcorn is gluten-free, some brands to be wary of when looking for gluten-free products include Arrowhead Mills and NOW Foods.
Arrowhead Mills offers a variety of gluten-free products, including an all-purpose flour substitute. However, customer reviews suggest that this product may not be suitable for all baking needs. Some customers have reported that the flour does not bake properly, resulting in a thick, gummy, and goopy consistency. It is important to note that this specific product may not be suitable for traditional baking recipes and may require adjustments or alternative ingredients to achieve the desired results.
On the other hand, NOW Foods is another brand that offers gluten-free products, but it has faced lawsuits alleging that some of its products contain gluten. The lawsuits specifically mention the presence of gluten in their 'Gluten Digest' enzyme product, which is intended to help break down gluten during digestion. The presence of gluten in a product marketed as gluten-free can be concerning for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
When it comes to gluten-free options, it is always important to read labels, check ingredients, and be cautious of brands that have received mixed reviews or faced controversies related to gluten content. It is also worth noting that gluten-free products may vary in quality and performance, and some may require adjustments to recipes or baking techniques.
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Smartfood's gluten-free flavours include white cheddar, sea salt, and movie theatre butter
While plain corn is gluten-free, gluten can be introduced during the processing and flavouring of popcorn. Some brands to offer gluten-free popcorn include:
- Act II
- Angie's
- Arrowhead Mills
- Black Jewell
- Bob's Red Mill
- Great Northern Popcorn Company
- Smartfood
Smartfood sells several flavours of ready-to-eat bagged popcorn, and four of them are gluten-free: White Cheddar, Movie Theatre Butter, Sea Salt, and Lower-Calorie White Cheddar Cheese. Smartfood's gluten-free flavours are a great option for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, who need to be cautious about gluten cross-contamination in their food.
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Frequently asked questions
Plain corn is gluten-free, but the potential for gluten arises with flavouring or toppings. Conn's Cheese Popcorn is flavoured, so it is not gluten-free.
Some gluten-free options include:
- Smartfood Popcorn (only white cheddar, movie theatre butter, sea salt, and lower-calorie white cheddar cheese flavours)
- Act II (all flavours are gluten-free)
- Black Jewell (all flavours are gluten-free)
- Bob's Red Mill (tests gluten-free, but they process oats on shared equipment)
- Great Northern Popcorn Company (all flavours are gluten-free)
Some popcorn brands that are not gluten-free include:
- Arrowhead Mills (white and yellow popcorn)
- NOW Foods (organic, non-GMO popcorn)
Gluten is a protein found in certain grains including wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity must avoid it as it can cause an allergic reaction.
