Are Sun Chips Gluten Free? Ingredients, Nutrition and Healthier Alternatives

Are Sun Chips Gluten Free?

When it comes to snack foods, many people assume that the classic potato or tortilla chip varieties lining grocery store shelves are off limits for gluten-free, health-conscious eaters. However, some brands offer baked chips made from lentils, beans and other gluten-free whole grains that can make better-for-you alternatives.

Sun Chips has several flavors that are certified gluten-free, making them an option for anyone avoiding wheat and other common allergens. Read on to learn more about Sun Chips' gluten-free status, their health profile compared to regular chips, and other key factors to consider when choosing gluten-free snack chips.

Sun Chips' Gluten-Free Certification

Sun Chips achieved official gluten-free certification from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) in August 2021. The GFCO tests products to ensure they contain less than 10 ppm of gluten from wheat, rye or barley, an acceptable standard for most people who need to avoid gluten.

According to Frito-Lay, the company that makes Sun Chips, the following flavors are certified gluten-free:

• Original Sun Chips
• Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips
• French Onion Sun Chips
• Garden Salsa Sun Chips

Ingredient List for Gluten-Free Sun Chips

Instead of containing wheat, the primary ingredients in certified gluten-free Sun Chip varieties include:

• Stone ground corn
• Sunflower and/or canola oil
• Whole grain oats
• Rice flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Natural flavors

Sun Chips achieve their signature texture and crunch using a combination of corn meal, oats, rice flour and corn bran. Their manufacturing facilities also follow meticulous cleaning protocols and testing to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains.

Nutrition Profile of Gluten-Free Sun Chips

Here is how the nutrition facts break down for a standard 1-ounce (28 gram) serving of gluten-free Original Sun Chips:

• 140 calories
• 7 grams of fat
• 18 grams carbs
• 2 grams protein
• 2 grams fiber
• 0 grams sugar
• 170 mg sodium

Sun Chips get a moderate amount of their calories from healthier unsaturated plant oils. But a serving still packs around 140 calories and 170 mg sodium, so portion control is important.

How Sun Chips Compare to Regular Potato Chips

Ounce for ounce, Sun Chips offer some advantages over classic potato chips by containing:

• More protein and fiber
• No trans fats
• Fewer simple carbohydrates
• Around 20 fewer calories
• Less total and saturated fat in some flavors

However, both Sun Chips and regular chips are still high calorie snacks with plenty of sodium, so restraint matters when incorporating either option into a balanced diet.

Other Gluten-Free, Healthy Chip Options

Beyond certified gluten-free Sun Chips, health-conscious snackers can also consider these options:

1. Beanitos

Beanitos makes grain-free chips and puffs using a base of navy beans, black beans and lentils. With 4 grams of plant protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, Beanitos packs more nutrition than mainstream chips. Flavors span white bean, black bean, ranch, salsa and more.

2. Food Should Taste Good

This brand uses non-GMO whole grain corn, olive oil and natural seasonings for a healthier take on tortilla chips in flavors like multigrain and flax seed. Their blue corn and chia seed varieties offer bolder nutrition and antioxidant benefits.

3. Terra

Using stone ground exotic vegetable chips like taro, parsnip and batata, Terra makes grain-free chips that are nutrient dense. With 1 gram of sugar and only around 130 milligrams of sodium per serving, flavors like Sweet Potato and Beet offer a less salty crunch.

4. Popchips

These popped potato chips get their satisfying crispness from heat and pressure rather than deep frying. Along with less fat than regular chips, they have no cholesterol or trans fats in flavors that span Sea Salt, Barbeque and Sour Cream & Onion.

5. Black Bean Chips

Brands like Xochitl use gluten-free black beans as the base for crunchy tortilla style chips packing 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams protein per serving. They have a hearty, savory flavor great for scooping up dips and salsas.

What to Look for in Healthy, Gluten-Free Chips

Use this checklist when picking out better-for-you gluten-free chips:

1. Certified Gluten-Free

Look for chips certified as gluten-free by organizations like the Celiac Support Association and Celiac Sprue Association’s Recognition Program to ensure safety for gluten disorders.

2. Whole Food Ingredients

Choose chips made from beans, lentils, whole grains and vegetables over refined flours and oils for more fiber, protein and nutrients.

3. Lower in Salt and Saturated Fat

To limit these cardiometabolic risk factors, opt for 140mg sodium or less and no trans fat per serving.

4. Baked over Fried

Pick baking methods like hot air puffing rather than frying in oils to avoid excess calories, cholesterol and fat.

5. No Artificial Additives

Avoid ingredients like artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives by checking the product’s nutrient label.

Keeping these healthy guidelines and nutrition facts in mind while shopping can make navigating the chip aisle much more gut-friendly!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.