Crisps are one of those snacks that almost everyone loves. But if you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, choosing the right ones can feel like a bit of a minefield.
Luckily, these days, it’s easier to find crisps that you can trust. The trick is knowing which ones to go for and how to spot the sneaky gluten ingredients.
Most plain potato crisps are naturally gluten free. Potatoes themselves don’t contain gluten, so something simple like ready salted is usually a safe bet.
Walkers and Kettle, two of the big names, have several plain and lightly flavored options that tend to be safe, but I always say: double-check the packet. Sometimes flavors get tweaked, or factories change their processes.
Flavoured crisps can be a bit more complicated. Cheese and onion or salt and vinegar are often the culprits, with malt vinegar or wheat starch sneaking in.
Thankfully, brands have caught on and many now clearly label their gluten free options. Walkers, for example, have a dedicated gluten free range, with flavors like ready salted and smoky bacon clearly marked. Tyrrells and Kettle also offer gluten free options, especially those with simpler seasoning.
If you’re a fan of corn-based snacks like Doritos, be cautious. Some flavors are gluten free, but many are not. It’s always worth checking the label. And if you’re into alternative snacks made from rice or lentils, those are usually gluten free by nature, but again, look for that gluten free certification just to be sure.
Here’s my biggest piece of advice: never rely on assumptions.
Always read the label carefully. Look for a gluten free symbol or a clear statement. If you see malt vinegar, barley malt, or wheat starch, put that bag back on the shelf. And if your allergy is severe, stick to crisps made in dedicated gluten free factories to avoid cross-contamination.
At the end of the day, snacking should be fun and stress-free. With a bit of vigilance, you can enjoy plenty of crisps without worrying about gluten. Trust me, once you find your go-to reliable gluten free crisps, snack time becomes a whole lot easier—and tastier.
Sources and further reading
- Coeliac UK — Food and gluten-free labeling
Coeliac UK is the leading charity for people with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance in the UK. Their website has excellent guidance on how to identify gluten-free foods, including snacks like crisps.
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/food-and-diet/gluten-free-labelling/ - Food Standards Agency (FSA) — Gluten in food
The FSA provides detailed information about gluten in food, including labeling rules and allergen advice relevant to crisps and snacks.
https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/allergens/gluten - Walkers Crisps — Gluten free range
Walkers has a dedicated page outlining their gluten free crisps and clear labeling practices. Great for checking specific flavors.
https://www.walkers.co.uk/products/gluten-free - Kettle Chips — Ingredient transparency
Kettle Chips clearly marks gluten free flavors and provides ingredient info on their website, useful for gluten-sensitive consumers.
https://www.kettlechips.co.uk/ingredients - Tyrrells Crisps — FAQs and dietary info
Tyrrells offers info on gluten free options and allergen advice on their website.
https://www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk/faq/ - Gluten Free Society — Gluten in snacks
An informative blog discussing common gluten-containing ingredients in snacks and how to identify safe options.
https://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-in-snacks/
