• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Good For You Gluten Free

Living your best gluten-free life with celiac disease and gluten intolerance

  • View GoodForYouGlutenFree’s profile on Facebook
  • View g4uglutenfree’s profile on Twitter
  • View goodforyouglutenfree’s profile on Instagram
  • View goodforyouGF’s profile on Pinterest
  • View goodforyouglutenfree’s profile on YouTube
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About Good For You Gluten Free
    • FAQs
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Bread
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Pasta
  • ARTICLES
    • Celiac Disease
    • Industry News
    • Eating Out
    • Health & Beauty
    • Products & Ingredients
  • RESOURCES
    • SHOP
    • Free Safe Dining Card
    • Free Quick Start Guide
    • Guide to Eating Out Gluten Free
    • Meal Plans
  • COURSE
  • BOOK
  • SUBSCRIPTION BOX
  • PODCAST
  • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
Home ยป Gluten-Free News & Information ยป Are Doritos Gluten-Free? 10 Chips Brands Tested for Hidden Gluten

Are Doritos Gluten-Free? 10 Chips Brands Tested for Hidden Gluten

Last Updated March 23, 2023. Published July 1, 2021 Good For You Gluten Free

Sharing is caring!

337 shares
  • Share
  • Email
Are Doritos Gluten-Free? 10 Chips Brands Tested for Hidden Gluten

Are Doritos gluten-free? And what other chips are safe to consume on a gluten-free diet? This post lists several mainstream chip brands and reveals their gluten status. It also reveals how ten chips fared when tested for hidden gluten. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosures.

Whether it’s summer BBQ season, you’re feeding a crowd to watch the big game, packing your child’s lunch, or settling in on the couch to munch on chips and watch Netflix, you want to know if your favorite brand of chips is free from gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats.

In this post, I examined some of the beloved top brands of chips – including Doritos, Cheetos, Lay’s, Pringles, and more – to determine if they’re safe for you to eat when following a strict gluten-free diet.

I tested several brands for hidden gluten using Nima Sensor, a portable gluten-detecting device. While some people find the device controversial, I find it an essential tool that allows me to test the exact piece of food for hidden gluten before I eat it. I need data before deciding what to eat, and Nima feeds the data geek inside me!

Please note that I didn’t test chips that overtly contained gluten in the form of wheat, barley, rye, or oats, and I also didn’t test chips with malt flavoring since malt is code for gluten.

Are Doritos Gluten-Free?

I did a little digging to determine if Doritos are gluten-free and safe for the community. Here’s what you need to know:

(1) Doritos do not contain any overt gluten ingredients like wheat, rye, barley, or oats. However, only products the company says are “gluten-free” have been tested and validated to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten as set by the FDA’s Gluten-Free Food Labeling final ruling.

(2) The Simply Organic White Cheddar-flavored Doritos are labeled gluten-free, but the Nacho Cheese variety, and other varieties, are not. You can view a list of Frito Lay chips with gluten-free claims on the Frito Lay website.

(3) I tested Doritos with my Nima Sensor, and Nima didn’t find any hidden gluten. (A smile indicates Nima didn’t find gluten.) As noted, the Nima Sensor is highly accurate at sniffing out gluten even below the 20 ppm FDA-set threshold, and it’s why some critics claim Nima is “too accurate” and therefore shouldn’t be used. (Talk about throwing the baby out with the bathwater!)

Bottom Line: Based on the ingredient list and the Nima test, I would personally feel comfortable eating Doritos; of course, the decision is ultimately up to you and your comfort level.

Doritos put to the Nima Sensor test and test gluten free

Are Cool Ranch Doritos Gluten-Free?

As mentioned, only the Simply Organic White Cheddar-flavored Doritos are labeled gluten-free and have been validated as “gluten-free” by Frito Lay. A reader asked me to test the Cool Ranch flavor for hidden gluten, and I was happy to oblige her request.

Here’s what you need to know:

(1) I reviewed the ingredient list and did not see any overt mentions of gluten (wheat, rye, barley, malt, oats, etc.). In fact, the ingredient list says its maltodextrin is derived from corn, which is good to know given that maltodextrin can be derived from wheat, corn, or other grains.

(2) I tested Cool Ranch Doritos with my Nima Sensor, and Nima didn’t find any gluten.

Bottom Line: Based on the ingredient list and Nima test, I would personally feel comfortable eating Cool Ranch Doritos, but, of course, the decision is yours.

Cool Ranch Doritos tested for gluten

Are Cheetos Gluten Free?

Cheetos are labeled gluten-free, and some bags show a gluten-free claim. Frito Lay says the following Cheetos varieties are gluten-free:

  • CHEETOSยฎ Baked Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Crunchy Cheddar Jalapeรฑo Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Crunchy Flamin’ Hotยฎ Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Crunchy Flamin’ Hotยฎ Limรณn Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Crunchy XXTRA Flamin’ Hotยฎ Flavored Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Fantastix! Chili Cheese Flavored Corn and Potato Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Fantastix! Flamin’ Hot Flavored Corn and Potato Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Pawsโ„ข Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Puffs Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Puffs Flamin’ Hotยฎ Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Simply Crunchy White Cheddar Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Simply Puffs White Cheddar Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Reduced Fat Puffs Cheese Flavored Snacks
  • CHEETOSยฎ Reduced Fat Puffs Flamin’ Hotยฎ Cheese Flavored Snacks

I independently tested two flavors of Cheetos for hidden gluten with my Nima Sensor, and Nima didn’t find any gluten in the original Cheetos or the Cheddar Jalapeรฑo Cheese flavor.

Are Fritos Gluten-Free?

I always keep a bag of original Fritos in my pantry to enjoy on top of my Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup. Fritos are labeled “gluten-free” on individual bags, and Frito Lay says on its website that the following varieties are gluten-free:

  • FRITOSยฎ Lightly Salted Corn Chips
  • FRITOSยฎ Original Corn Chips
  • FRITOSยฎ Reduced Fat Original Corn Chips
  • FRITOSยฎ Scoops!ยฎ Corn Chips

Nima Sensor didn’t find any gluten, either. These chips are gluten-free and safe to eat.

Fritos put to the Nima Sensor test and test gluten free

Are Lay’s Potato Chips Gluten-Free?

There’s nothing like a bag of Lay’s classic potato chips to complete a BBQ. The good news is that Lay’s potato chips are labeled gluten-free, and I tested them with my Nima Sensor to independently verify the claim. As you can see below, Nima didn’t find any gluten.

Testing Lays potato chips for gluten - nima says they're gluten free

Please note not all Lay’s flavors are gluten-free. Lay’s says on its website that it divides its “gluten-free” potato chips into two categories: (1) Products Not Containing Gluten Ingredients, which do not contain wheat, rye, barley, or oats but have not been tested to ensure they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, and (2) Gluten Free Products, which Lay’s says have been analytically tested and qualified as gluten-free.

While the following products are not labeled “gluten-free,” Lay’s says they do not contain gluten ingredients:

  • LAY’Sยฎ Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Cheddar Jalapeno Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Chile Limรณn Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Honey BBQ Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Extra Extreme Cheddar Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Extra Honey Habanero Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hotยฎ Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Flamin’ Hotยฎ Limon Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Jalapeรฑo Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Maui Onion Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Reduced Fat Smoky BBQ Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Reduced Fat Jalapeรฑo Cheddar Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Reduced Fat Original Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Reduced Fat Sea Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Kettle Cooked Sea Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Limรณn Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Poppablesยฎ Honey BBQ Flavored Potato Snacks
  • LAY’Sยฎ Poppablesยฎ Sea Salt Potato Snacks
  • LAY’Sยฎ Poppablesยฎ Sea Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Snacks
  • LAY’Sยฎ Poppablesยฎ Southwest Ranch Flavored Potato Snacks
  • LAY’Sยฎ Poppablesยฎ White Cheddar Flavored Potato Snacks
  • LAY’Sยฎ Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ STAXยฎ Flamas Xtreme Flavored Potato Crisps
  • LAY’Sยฎ STAXยฎ Queso Flavored Potato Crisps
  • LAY’Sยฎ STAXยฎ Salted Potato Crisps
  • LAY’Sยฎ STAXยฎ Spicy Chile Limon Flavored Potato Crisps
  • LAY’Sยฎ STAXยฎ Tangy Limon Flavored Potato Crisps
  • LAY’Sยฎ STAXยฎ XTRA Flamin’ Hot Flavored Potato Crisps
  • LAY’Sยฎ Sweet Southern Heat BBQ Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Wavy Hickory BBQ Flavored Potato Chips
  • LAY’Sยฎ Wavy Ranch Flavored Potato Chips

This information pertains to products distributed in the U.S. Products and was last updated on July 7, 2022. Read labels carefully, as formulas may change. The best and most accurate information about a product will always be on the label.

Are Ruffles Gluten-Free?

According to the Frito Lay website, the following varieties of Ruffles have been tested and validated as gluten-free:

  • RUFFLESยฎ Baked Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Potato Crisps
  • RUFFLESยฎ Baked Original Potato Crisps
  • RUFFLESยฎ Original Potato Chips
  • RUFFLESยฎ Simply Sea Salted Potato Chips

Are Trader Joe’s Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free?

One of my favorite chips – and a consumer’s choice favorite – is the Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips (chili and lime flavor) from Trader Joe’s. These chips are labeled “gluten-free,” and Nima didn’t find any gluten.

Trader Joe's Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Nima Tested

View how other products from Trader Joe’s fared when tested for hidden gluten in Testing Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Products for Hidden Gluten. Also, if you don’t have Trader Joe’s near you, a similar chip is known as Takis, although I think the Trader Joe’s version is better. See how Takis fared when tested for hidden gluten.

Are Veggie Straws Gluten-Free?

My kids love Veggie Straws, and they make the perfect crunchy snack. Each bag is labeled “gluten-free,” and It tested gluten-free when tested for hidden gluten with Nima.

Veggie Straws tested gluten free

Are Late July Chips Gluten-Free?

Costco carries big bags of Late July tortilla chips, ensuring Late July chips are always in my pantry. I usually purchase the Sea Salt and Jalapeno Lime flavors, and both are labeled certified gluten-free. All Late July tortilla chips, popcorn, and potato chips are certified gluten-free.

I independently tested the brand for hidden gluten, and Nima didn’t find any gluten.

Late July put to the Nima Sensor test and test gluten free

Are Pringles Gluten-Free?

Members of the Good For You Gluten Free community have asked me if Pringles are gluten-free. The answer is always no, they are not. The company says on its website that Pringles are NOT gluten-free since they contain wheat starch. Here’s a screenshot of the Pringles ingredient list:

In some cases, wheat starch can be considered gluten-free if labeled as such, but in the case of Pringles, the wheat starch used is not gluten-free.

If you love Pringles, I highly recommend Good Crisps. It is a better-for-you version of Pringles and is certified gluten-free by the GFCO. You can find Good Crisps at Walmart or online on Amazon.

Good Crisps are like gluten-free pringles

Trader Joe’s also makes a gluten-free-like Pringle chip called Saddle Potato Crisps, which passed the hidden gluten test. I think they’re too salty, to be honest.

Saddle Potato crisps tested gluten free

Missing a Chip You Love?

Am I missing a chip you love from this list? Want me to test your favorite chip brand for hidden gluten?

Please comment or contact me to recommend a chip to test next.

Additional Reading

See how these other products/brands/restaurants fared when put to the Nima Sensor test:

  • Is Tofu Gluten Free?
  • Guide to Gluten-Free Frozen Dinners (Nima Tested!)
  • Are Marshmallows Gluten Free and Testing Jet-Puffed Marshmallows for Hidden Gluten
  • Is Nutella Gluten Free? Nima Sensor Tested
  • What Ice Creams are Gluten Free? [Nima Sensor Tested]
  • Putting the Five Guys “Gluten-Free Menu” to the Nima Sensor Test
  • Store-Bought Soups that are Gluten Free
  • Are Chocolate Chips Gluten Free?
  • What’s Gluten Free at the Olive Garden

Learn more about the Nima Sensor in these articles:

  • What You Need to Know About Nima Sensor Before You Buy
  • Did Nima Sensor Go Out of Business?
  • Is the Nima Sensor Accurate?

Filed Under: Gluten-Free News & Information, Nima Tested, Products & Ingredients 10 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    August 21, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    Sensible Portions has veggie chips shaped like Pringles that are GF, Two flavors I’m aware of is: Cheddar, Veggie. I prefer the Cheddar.

  2. Joseph Poole says

    August 19, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    Has anyone heard of (light fat free) pringles? I somehow found that group of varieties to be wheat free, regardless of such case the BBQ variety itself at any group has (barley flour) and that counts as a gluten sourced term of gluten containing grains just like wheat and rye flours. The regular group of pringles would get anyone with a wheat allergy sick by wheat starch and gluten has nothing to do with the true allergenic of wheat. There’s 3 versions of communion wafers: regular made with flour, low gluten made with only starch, and gluten free which is wheat free as the same version. If soy sauces weren’t going to be wheat free, would it work to use wheat starch and not use wheat extract? the starch is gluten removed but the extract isn’t.

  3. Good For You Gluten Free says

    March 24, 2022 at 1:16 pm

    Yes as long as itโ€™s below 20 ppm the FDA says itโ€™s ok although there is discussion that the FDAs ruling should change to 10ppm.

  4. Amber Ison says

    March 24, 2022 at 8:48 am

    They were tested on gluten free watchdog and they had 5 ppm of gluten in them. My daughter has celiacs newly diagnosed, was wondering if this an acceptable amount for someone with celiacs?

  5. Good For You Gluten Free says

    February 5, 2022 at 3:10 pm

    Iโ€™m not sure. Iโ€™ll have to check.

  6. Megan says

    February 5, 2022 at 1:25 pm

    Are the new spicy sweet chilly doritos bluten free?

  7. Carolyn says

    September 30, 2021 at 6:31 pm

    I have a Nima sensor and use it on trips. It is an invaluable tool for me as I have Celiac disease and get extremely sick if I accidentally ingest gluten. We get test capsules through Amazon right now.

  8. Deborah J Tussing says

    July 13, 2021 at 8:33 am

    Lays Stax – Gluten Free?

  9. Nathan says

    July 6, 2021 at 7:29 am

    Walmart has a gluten free Doritos knock off that is labeled gluten free. My family really enjoys them! Thanks!

  10. Theresa says

    July 4, 2021 at 9:28 am

    I would be absolutely thrilled if Sunchips garden vegetable flavor was gluten free. Can we start a petition to make that happen?

Leave a CommentCancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Good For You Gluten Free

Hi, I'm Jenny Levine Finke and am passionate about the gluten-free lifestyle. I'm a certified integrative nutrition coach and self-taught expert on [most] gluten-free things. I have celiac disease and know the struggles you're going through first-hand. This is why I've dedicated this blog to serving the celiac and gluten sensitive communities with important information, product and restaurant reviews, and simple recipes I hope you'll love. Read Moreโ€ฆ

Read My Book!

Dear Gluten Book Cover

Download My Safe Dining Card

Free download - gluten-free safe dining card
Logos of publications that Good For You Gluten Free has been featured in

My Trending Blog Posts

  • Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake - Easy and Delic!
    Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake - Easy and Delic!
  • Simple Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free Pasta Dough
    Simple Two-Ingredient Gluten-Free Pasta Dough
  • The Ultimate List of 25 Gluten-Free Cereals [Tested for Hidden Gluten]
    The Ultimate List of 25 Gluten-Free Cereals [Tested for Hidden Gluten]
  • Monk Fruit Chocolate Chip Cookies Made with Almond Flour (Keto and Low-Carb)
    Monk Fruit Chocolate Chip Cookies Made with Almond Flour (Keto and Low-Carb)
  • 21+ Quintessential Gluten-Free Summer Desserts
    21+ Quintessential Gluten-Free Summer Desserts
  • Easy Gluten-Free Bread Recipe Using 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour
    Easy Gluten-Free Bread Recipe Using 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour
  • No-Fail Gluten-Free Pancake Recipe + Tips for Extra Fluffy Pancakes
    No-Fail Gluten-Free Pancake Recipe + Tips for Extra Fluffy Pancakes
  • The 10 MOST Common Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
    The 10 MOST Common Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
  • 8 Signs Your Gluten-Free Diet Is Working
    8 Signs Your Gluten-Free Diet Is Working
  • My Daily Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Challenge
    My Daily Apple Cider Vinegar Shot Challenge

Graduate of the:

Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Badge

Before Footer

You may not reproduce or publish any content on Good For You Gluten Free without written consent.

Copyright © 2025 Good For You Gluten Free. All Rights Reserved.

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • About Good For You Gluten Free
    • FAQs
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Bread
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Pasta
  • ARTICLES
    • Celiac Disease
    • Industry News
    • Eating Out
    • Health & Beauty
    • Products & Ingredients
  • RESOURCES
    • SHOP
    • Free Safe Dining Card
    • Free Quick Start Guide
    • Guide to Eating Out Gluten Free
    • Meal Plans
  • COURSE
  • BOOK
  • SUBSCRIPTION BOX
  • PODCAST
  • CONTACT
    • SUBSCRIBE
  • Blog
  • Disclosures & Disclaimers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us