Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

Perhaps the most popular chip brands out there, Sun Chips come in many varieties, like Ha​​rvest Cheddar and Garden Salsa, but do Sun Chips come gluten-free?

While they may have a whole grain appearance, Sun Chips do not come in gluten-free options. In fact, the first few ingredients of the Sun Chips Garden Salsa flavor is whole wheat, which falls unde​​r the umbrella of the gluten family. 

If you were hoping for a better answer, then have no fear! Keep reading to find out whether the other Sun Chip flavors contain gluten and other chip brands that offer gluten-free options!

What Are Sun Chips Really Made Of?

Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

Sun Chips are manufactured by the Frito Lay Company, which also makes popular favorites like Lays and Doritos. But unlike their counterparts, they’re notable for their grainy appearance and taste- this is why many people probably think that they’re gluten-free. 

Below are the ingredients in the French Onion Sun Chips flavor:

Whole Corn, Sunflower and/or Canola Oil, Whole Wheat, Brown Rice Flour, Whole Oat Flour, Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Sugar, Salt, etc. 

The good news is that Sun Chips do contain other types of grains like corn flour and some rice flours, there’s still the pesky addition of whole wheat flour. The sad news is that despite the delicious fla​​vors available, there is no gluten-free variety of Sun Chips on the horizon anytime soon- but never say never!

Why Do Some People Need Gluten-Free Options?

There are plenty of dietary restrictions that exist today, but the primary reason someone may need gluten-free options is because of Celiac’s disease which is an intestinal issue that is triggered by gluten consumption. 

Others may stay away from gluten for other health issues like general gut sensitivities. 

Read More >> Are Pita Chips Gluten Free?

Which Chips Are Gluten-Free?

Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

For chip lovers who need gluten-free options, or foodies who are open to trying gluten-free flavors, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of gluten-free options offered by an array of brands. 

Some great options that might satisfy your Sun Chips craving include: 

  • Thrive Market Avocado Oil Chips
  • Good Crisp Company Aged White Cheddar Potato Crisps
  • Deep River Snacks, UTZ Honey BBQ Chips
  • Cape Cod Original Sea Salt Kettle Chips
  • Uglies Original Chips
  • Sana Coconut Flour Tortilla Chips 
  • Plant Snacks Vegan Cheddar Chip 

But that’s just the tipping point. There are plenty of options out there and if you’re still searching for good options, The Canadian Celiac Association has a list of other gluten-free snack options on their website for people seeking delicious gluten free options. 

Why Aren’t There Gluten-Free Sun Chips?

Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

There’s no definite answer to this question, but here’s what we do know. 

Sun Chips have distinct and almost famous features that make them so loved by consumers across the world. The grainy texture, the ruffled design, and of course, the delicious flavor that comes with it. 

But because of these unique features, it seems apparent that Frito Lays has not made any attempt to re-formulate their famous chip brand. 

It seems that it’s not quite easy to reformulate the chip by swapping the wheat flour with an alternative like coconut flour or rice flour, which are popular gluten-free alternatives used in other chip products. 

Sun Chip Varieties

Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

If you’re not limited to gluten-free options and love your Sun Chips, then it’s wise to know the other flavors available. Sun Chips have been around for 30 years, as they made their debut in 1991. It’s really no surprise there is a wide (very wide) variety of Sun Chip flavors. Here’s the full list.

Frito Lays Products That Are Gluten-Free

Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

The good news is that maybe (I repeat maybe) in the near future there might be gluten-free Sun Chip flavors, which would make gluten-free foodies very happy.

 But in the meantime, the Frito Lays company has a list of Canadian and American products that are gluten-free, and don’t worry, there’s a lot of options available. Here’s the list:

For Canadian consumers, you can enjoy:

  • Cheetos 
  • Doritos
  • Lay’s 
  • Miss Vickie’s 
  • Ruffles 
  • Select Quaker Products 
  • Smartfood 
  • Select Tostitos products 
Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

For American consumers, you can enjoy:

  • Baked varieties of Lay’s, Ruffles, Tostitos and Cheetos 
  • Baken-ets
  • Chester’s 
  • Cracker Jack’s 
  • Dorito’s 
  • Isleno 
  • Frito’s 
  • Maui Style Potato Chips 
  • Santita’s 
  • Smartfood 
  • Ruffles 
  • Muncho’s 
  • Natu Chips 
  • Frito Lay Seed Varieties 

Now that’s a pretty extensive list if I do say so myself, and they all seem delicious. 

Read More >> Are Pringles Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free?

Conclusion

Are Sun Chips Gluten-Free?

The sad truth is that there aren’t gluten-free Sun Chips as yet, (but we can only cross our fingers that this will change soon!) 

But, the good news is that anyone who needs gluten-free options because of Celiac’s Disease or other food intolerance issues has some pretty good options available- the hard part is choosing which one!

There is a huge assortment of gluten-free options in potato chips, cheesy chips and flavored popcorn, and the list is practically endless. 

Frito Lays is a huge conglomerate company that offers many chip brands across the world and because of this, they have made a good effort in providing gluten-free options for customers who need a lot of variety. 

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