By
Wendy Stoltz
/ Last Modified On April 30, 2023
You see them at the checkout stand at the grocery store and hanging in vending machines. Are Doritos gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities? If not, are there any alternatives that pack the same punch?
We’ve dived into why these tortilla chips may not be the safest option for people with gluten-related issues. We've also done some delicious research to find Dorito alternatives for those who love these addictive snacks – but aren't willing to risk a reaction!
Table of Contents
So, Are Doritos Gluten-Free?
Do Doritos have gluten? The best short answer we can offer is "maybe."
Looking at the back of a bag of regular Doritos, you won't find any glutinous ingredients. The official Doritos website also lists corn, vegetable oil, salt, and cheddar cheese flavoring as the main ingredients, along with an allergen warning that the chips "contain milk ingredients."
Since the label doesn't list wheat or gluten as allergens, does that mean Doritos are gluten-free? Well, the chips also have tons of other minor seasonings and ingredients, as well as the dreaded "natural flavor" ingredient (often a source of gluten in processed foods).
Frito Lay reveals that the chips aren't made with any gluten ingredients. But if you read a little further on their website, you'll discover a notice that indicates Doritos are manufactured on the same equipment as other foods that contain gluten. That means cross-contamination is a likelihood, and you’re taking a bit of a risk if you have a gluten sensitivity, a wheat allergy, or celiac disease.
Which Doritos Are Gluten-Free?
Over the years, Frito Lay has manufactured more than 100 different Doritos flavors, such as:
- Flamin’ Hot
- Cooler Ranch
- Taco
Frito Lay indicates that none of their Doritos are manufactured with gluten ingredients. That doesn’t mean, however, that Nacho Cheese Doritos and Cool Ranch Doritos aren’t made on equipment that contains glutinous ingredients. And that means it can be risky if you have celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivities.
Only one flavor of Doritos has a gluten-free badge. Simply Organic Doritos White Cheddar is the only celiac-friendly variety Frito Lay provides gluten-free ingredients and manufacturing equipment for. Not only do they come with a "gluten-free" label, but they're also an excellent alternative when you're pursuing a diet that’s free of artificial flavorings and colors.
Our 9 Favorite Gluten-Free Doritos Alternatives
Doritos are the most popular brand of chips – potato or otherwise. Therefore, it's unsurprising that other food companies have taken the concept of flavored tortilla chips and created their own versions. Some of these chips may have to be purchased online, while others are widely available at national and regional grocery store chains.
Note: As always, regularly check food labels as manufacturers may change ingredients, processing plants, or recipes.
1. Late July Snacks Tortilla Chips
If you're searching for a Doritos alternative, we really enjoy Late July Snacks’ Nacho Cheese and Garden Ranch flavors (a great celiac-friendly alternative to Cool Ranch Doritos). Made with organic, non-GMO corn, we think that Late July chips have a place at every party.
2. Trader Joe’s Rolled Tortilla Chips
While these might not have the same triangular shape as Doritos, hear us out: The Trader Joe’s Rolled Tortilla Chips in Chili Lime are stellar. With their unbelievable crunch, these gluten-free, dairy-free creations are made with stone-ground masa.
We think they might be the perfect way to eat guacamole.
3. Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips
Who says that your Doritos alternative needs to contain corn? Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips are made with cassava flour and avocado oil, and they contain the same addictive crunch you’re used to. Available in Ranch, Salted, Fuego, and Nacho, this family-run company has seemingly thought of everything. Ideal for people with multiple sensitivities and allergies, their entire line of products are:
- Vegan
- Corn-free
- Dairy-free
- Paleo
- Gluten-free
- Preservative-free
4. Hippease Chickpea Tortilla Chips
Hippeas’ Rockin’ Ranch tortilla chips are a healthier gluten-free alternative to Cool Ranch Doritos, and they’re also thicker and crunchier! They’re vegan, GMO-free, Kosher, and free of milk, soy, egg, peanut, and tree nuts. We won’t lie: It’s hard to resist eating the entire bag.
5. Beanitos
As the name suggests, Beanitos are non-GMO chips made with beans rather than corn. The Sea Salt varieties have five ingredients: beans, sunflower oil, rice flour, tapioca starch, and sea salt. This makes them an ideal choice for homes with multiple food sensitivities. They also contain 2.5x the fiber of corn tortilla chips! Looking for flavor? Try them in Hint of Lime, Nacho Nation, and Sweet Chili & Sour Cream.
6. Tia Lupita
A family-owned company, Tia Lupita is doing something incredibly unique for a corn-free tortilla chip. Non-GMO prickly pear cactus, cassava flour, chia seeds, and coconut flour combine to make an unbelievably crunchy chip. Vegan and keto-friendly, try these grain-free tortilla chips in five distinct flavors! These are the perfect party partner for our crack corn dip.
7. Great Value Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips
Eating gluten-free doesn’t have to cost tons of money. You should be able to find Great Value Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips at your local Walmart. Advertised as gluten-free, these naturally seasoned Doritos alternative means snacking to your heart’s content.
8. Paqui
With incredible-sounding varieties like Zesty Salsa Verde, Fiery Chile, Jalapeño Tropicale, and Mucho Nacho Cheese, Paqui tortilla chips are gluten-free, non-GMO, have zero artificial ingredients, no preservatives, and are Kosher-certified. For the adventurous, why not try their Haunted Ghost Pepper, too?
9. Beanfields Bean Chips Nacho
Beanfields is another company that produces its chips from beans instead of corn. These non-GMO, Kosher, and vegan snacks come with gluten-free certification, but that doesn’t mean they don’t pack serious flavors. Choose from varieties like Himalayan Salt & Vinegar, Cheddar Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Jalapeño Nacho, and Fiery Hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Doritos Are Gluten-Free?
The only gluten-free Doritos flavor is Organic White Cheddar (which is also free of artificial colors and flavors).
Are Cool Ranch Doritos Gluten-Free?
Like every Dorito flavor other than Organic White Cheddar, there’s no guarantee that Cool Ranch Doritos are safe for a celiac diet.
Is There Gluten in Doritos Chips?
While Doritos’ ingredient lists don’t necessarily include gluten, Frito Lay doesn’t guarantee a gluten-free manufacturing environment.
Therefore, there is no guarantee that Doritos are gluten-free.
It’s All About Balance
So are Doritos gluten-free? Maybe not. But the gluten-free alternatives we listed surely are!
While many are considered to be healthy, all diets require plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. The easiest way to get your daily 5? Spicing things up with Yo Mama’s Foods. We had no idea that the perfect ranch dressing could be dairy-free, gluten-free, preservative-free, and sugar-free!
Related:
- Are Funyuns Gluten-Free?
- Are Potatoes Gluten-Free?
- Are Oreos Gluten-Free?
- Are French Fries Gluten-Free?
