Gluten is a sticky, stretchy protein complex found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. Gluten gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise and keeping the shape of the baked goods. If you are gluten free, eating tortilla chips can be tricky.
Yes Tortilla Chips are Gluten Free. However make sure to check the ingredients carefully before use, because some types of Tortilla chips is not gluten free.
What Are Tortilla Chips?
Tortilla chips are a type of snack food made from corn tortillas. The tortillas are deep fried or baked until they become crisp, and then they are cut into strips. Tortilla chips can be eaten alone as a snack, but they are often used as a topping for nachos or tacos.
- The most common type of tortilla chip is the corn variety. Corn tortillas are slightly thicker than flour tortillas and have a more robust flavor. They may also be flavored with spices before being fried or baked in order to add more flavor to the finished product.
- The other main type of tortilla chip is the flour variety. Flour tortillas are usually thinner than corn-based tortillas and have a milder flavor than their corn counterparts. They may be flavored with spices before being deep fried or baked in order to add more flavor to the finished product.
Ingredients of Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are made from corn or wheat flour, vegetable oil, and salt. The most common ingredients used to season tortilla chips include chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and paprika. These are some of the ingredients that can be found in tortilla chips:
- Corn Flour: This type of flour is made from corn and it can be used as a thickener or as an ingredient in baked goods such as breads and cakes. It is also used to make tortillas and other types of flatbreads. In addition to being gluten-free, corn flour is high in fiber which makes it good for your digestive health.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oils such as sunflower oil are used for frying foods like tortilla chips because they do not burn easily at high temperatures like animal fats do. Vegetable oils may contain trans fats but these days there are many varieties that do not contain trans fats so it’s important to check the label before buying them.
- Salt: Salt is one of the main ingredients in most foods because it adds flavor and enhances the taste buds’ ability to detect other flavors in food.
Types of Tortilla Chips
There are many different types of tortilla chips. Tortilla chips are made from corn tortillas that have been cut into triangles and fried. They can be flavored with spices or other ingredients. Some brands offer different flavors, such as nacho cheese, barbecue, and even pizza chips. Corn tortillas are made from cornmeal and water. They are thinner than flour tortillas and do not contain wheat flour or gluten.
Corn tortillas are often used to make tacos or enchiladas. Some brands of tortilla chips are naturally gluten free while others may have small amounts of wheat flour added to them during processing. To ensure that a product is gluten-free, always read the ingredient label carefully.
Health Benefits of Tortilla Chips
Tortilla Chips are a popular snack item that can be found in most grocery stores. The chips are made from corn and can be eaten plain or dipped into salsa or guacamole. They’re also a great addition to any Mexican-themed meal. Tortilla Chips are a versatile food that can be used in many different ways. The chips can be used as a base for tacos, quesadillas, nachos and other dishes. They’re also good when eaten alone as a snack item.
There are many health benefits associated with eating tortilla chips regularly:
- They’re low in calories relative to other snacks like pretzels or potato chips.
- One serving (about 11 pieces of tortilla chips) has about 120 calories compared with 180 calories for potato chips and 160 calories for pretzels.
- Tortilla Chips provide complex carbohydrates that your body needs for energy production and muscle growth/maintenance.
- Tortilla Chips contain vitamins B6 (pyridoxine) and C, which help maintain healthy skin and bones by supporting the formation of collagen an important structural component of bone tissue as well as making red blood cells that transport oxygen.
Gluten is simply not used when making corn tortillas
Tortilla chips are a popular snack food, but not all varieties are gluten free. In fact, the possibility of cross-contamination makes it difficult for those with celiac disease or a gluten allergy to find a safe option. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten free, so you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination when eating them. All corn tortillas contain only corn flour, water and salt.
However, some brands use wheat flour as an ingredient in their products, which means they’re not safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten allergy. This is why it’s important to read labels carefully before purchasing any type of tortilla chip brand to ensure what you’re buying is actually safe for your needs.
Conclusion
Some people who are gluten sensitive or intolerant may choose to follow a strict gluten-free diet, avoiding foods with wheat products, barley, rye and malt. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, a person is considered gluten intolerant when consuming products containing wheat causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or flatulence. For those with celiac disease, eating even the smallest amount of wheat can cause damage to the small intestine.