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Can I eat crisps on a gluten free diet?

Crisps are one of the UK’s favourite snacks. Crisps are commonly made from potatoes which are simply sliced, fried, seasoned and then packed ready to enjoy. They can also be made from other vegetables like beetroot, parsnips and sweet potatoes. Although potatoes are by there nature gluten free, frying and seasoning may make some crisps unsuitable for a gluten free diet.

What to look out for?

Some flavoured seasonings contain wheat flour to help coat the crisps, these products would not be suitable for a gluten free diet. They may also have barley malt extract included in the flavour, again these would not be suitable for a gluten free diet unless labelled gluten free. Additionally there are crisps where the seasonings do not contain gluten but due to the manufacturing environment there is a risk of cross contamination, this would be highlighted on the packaging with a “may contain gluten” statement.

We’ve listed over over 600 crisp products that are suitable for a gluten free diet.

What about crisps not made from potatoes?

There are other savoury snacks like crisps that can be made from various flours and starches and made into to all sorts of shapes from cheese puffs, tortillas and monster claws. The flour used for these savoury snacks can be from gluten free flours like maize, quinoa, chickpeas and even potato, but they can also be made from gluten containing flours like wheat, barley, rye and oats. Like the crisps the seasonings can also contain gluten so always check the label. If you need help understanding product information, please visit our page on reading labels and look out for the handy video guide.

The latest guidance from Public Health England

See the Eat Well Guide from Public Health England for an idea of what your balanced plate should be like. Click here to download the latest information.

Fibre

Fibre is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. A gluten free diet can be low in fibre and wholegrains due to the removal of the cereals wheat, rye and barley. Find out how you can keep on top of your fibre intake.

Iron

Discover why iron is an important mineral which has many functions in the body. Most notably creating and maintaining numbers of red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body.

Calcium and vitamin D

Find out why maintaining a healthy, balanced and calcium rich gluten free diet is important to help keep your bones healthy and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Are you following a vegan, or vegetarian gluten free diet?

Following both a vegetarian and a gluten free diet means a more limited diet and you need to take steps to reduce your risk of nutritional deficiencies. Click here to download our latest guidance.

Diet and exercise

It’s recommended that all adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity (such as a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (such as running) each week.

Discover guidance on how to manage your exercise routine on a gluten free diet.

Can I eat crisps on a gluten free diet?

Crisps are commonly made from potatoes which are simply sliced, fried, seasoned and then packed ready to enjoy. Although potatoes are by there nature gluten free, frying and seasoning may make some crisps unsuitable for a gluten free diet.

What alcohol can be included on a gluten free diet?

Beer, lagers, stouts and ales contain varying amounts of gluten and are not suitable for a gluten free diet, but gluten free options are available. Find out more about what alcoholic drinks are suitable on the gluten free diet.

Oats and the gluten free diet

Oats contain avenin, which is a protein similar to gluten. Research has shown that most people with coeliac disease can tolerate gluten free oats with no problems.