Testing Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Products for Hidden Gluten

Is Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning gluten free? Is Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi gluten free? How about the Saddle Potato Chips? In this post, I test each of these products for hidden gluten with a Nima Sensor and share the results with you. This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosures.

Trader Joe’s is a no-frills grocery store that offers mostly privately-labeled foods at a reasonable price. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you’ll be thrilled to know that Trader Joe’s offers a huge selection of gluten-free packaged foods.

People with medical conditions such as celiac disease and gluten sensitivities cannot eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and derivatives of these grains, as it can make them very sick and result in damage and/or inflammation to their small intestines. You can learn more about gluten and what it is in this article.

You’ll find two types of “gluten-free” products at Trader Joe’s:

(1) Gluten-Free Labeled Foods: You’ll see products with the “gluten-free” label on them. These products do not contain gluten ingredients and Trader Joe’s acknowledges that they are gluten free. To be labeled gluten free, it means the products meets the FDA’s gluten-free labeling laws and thereby contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Please note that a product that is labeled “gluten free” does not mean the product has been “certified gluten free” by a third party agency like the GFCO. In fact, no Trader Joe’s gluten-free labeled products are certified by the GFCO or other GF certifying agency.

The grocery chain says on its website, “If you see “Gluten Free” on a Trader Joe’s product, this means that the product has been validated to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.”

(2) No Gluten Ingredients: You’ll also find products that appear to be free from gluten as they contain no gluten ingredients. Unfortunately, these products are not labeled “gluten free.” This is where things become a bit more tricky.

While many of these products may indeed be gluten free, Trader Joe’s has not validated or tested those products to verify that they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. These products are generally okay to eat when following a gluten-free diet, but they are a bit riskier nonetheless.

In this article, I put several of these products to the hidden gluten test. I tested both products that are labeled – and not labeled – gluten free, for hidden gluten using a portable device called the Nima Sensor. The Nima Sensor can detect hidden gluten in most foods within a matter of minutes.

Unfortunately, Nima Sensor may have gone out of business, and the device is no longer available for purchase. A new gluten-detecting device, the ALLIS Sensor, will be available in Fall 2021, and promises to take Nima’s place.

Testing for Hidden Gluten

I only tested products that were either labeled gluten free or do not contain gluten ingredients. Please note the results below are for entertainment purposes and they do not guarantee that the product you see on your local store shelves will get a similar result.

Also note that when the Nima Sensor detects gluten, it displays a wheat symbol and the message “Gluten Found.” When it doesn’t detect gluten, it displays a smiley face.

Here is how some of my favorite products at Trader Joe’s fared when put to the Nima Sensor test:

Are Trader Joe’s Saddle Potato Crisps Gluten Free?

Trader Joe’s Saddle Potato Crisps remind me of Pringles in both shape, taste and texture. They are very salty, but nonetheless, a great option if you miss Pringles. You can read my article, A List of Chips that are Gluten Free, for more options if you love potato chips but can’t eat gluten.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Are Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies Gluten Free?

I tested the new gluten-free chocolate chunk cookies, found in the bakery section, for hidden gluten. I’m happy to report that Nima is all smiles.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Is Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Ice Cream Gluten Free?

The seasonal pumpkin ice cream at Trader Joe’s is not labeled gluten free, but there doesn’t appear to be any red flag ingredients.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Is Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Cornbread Really Gluten Free?

A reader told me they tested the cornbread and Nima displayed a “gluten found” message. It could mean any number of things. Perhaps they tested it wrong (maybe they didn’t add a little water like you need to when you test powdery substances), Nima gave a false positive, or there really were trace amounts of gluten in the mix.

Regardless, my test came out just fine, and I personally trust Trader Joe’s labeling.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Gluten Free?

The Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend is a popular item at Trader Joe’s and with good reason. This delicious seasoning mix makes for a perfect topper to avocado toast. I use it when I make my own homemade gluten-free bagels.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi Gluten Free?

I’m single-handedly responsible for ensuring Cauliflower Gnocchi flies off of store shelves. I love the product so much and even more so love knowing that, while not marked gluten free, the gnocchi does not contain any hidden gluten.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Hummus Gluten Free?

Trader Joe’s pumpkin hummus isn’t labeled gluten free, so I’m always a little wary to enjoy products without the gluten-free label. I tested it with my Nima Sensor and Nima was all smiles.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning Mix Gluten Free?

It’s hard to find a gluten-free taco seasoning mix today, and spices are a controversial topic in the gluten free world. I have an entire article dedicated to answering the question, Are spices gluten free?

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Are Trader Joe’s Rolled Oats Gluten Free

Oats are controversial in the gluten-free world, and with good reason. Most oats, while naturally gluten free, are grown in fields also used to grow wheat. Farmers often use shared equipment when the harvesting and processing wheat as they do with harvesting and processing oats.

You can learn more about why oats are controversial in this article, Are Oats Gluten Free? Putting Bob’s Red Mill, Quaker Oats and Cheerios to the Test. Consider it essential reading for anyone with celiac disease.

Please note that the following Trader Joe’s rolled oats are labeled gluten free; however, don’t confuse them with Trader Joe’s rolled oats without the gluten-free label.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Are Trader Joe’s Pickle Chips Gluten Free?

I’m completely hooked on the generously dill-flavored tangy pickle chips from Trader Joe’s. The bag is labeled gluten free, and as you can see, Nima is all smiles.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Are Trader Joe’s Sour Jelly Beans Gluten Free?

This product is technically labeled gluten free, but it contains wheat. The label explains how this is possible: “The wheat has been processed to allow this food to meet the FDA’s requirements for gluten-free foods.”

Whether you eat it or not is ultimately up to you. Remember, however, that many people with non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity react to other components of wheat, not just gluten. And if you have a wheat allergy, avoid anything that contains wheat, gluten-free wheat or not.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Are Trader Joe’s Potato Tots Gluten Free?

Trader Joe’s Potato Tots are not labeled gluten free, so a reader asked me to test them to check. The ingredient list contains no visible gluten, and Nima is all smiles. No gluten found.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Is Trader Joe’s Hot Cocoa Mix Gluten Free?

As the season gets cooler, you might want to cozy up to some hot cocoa, and yes, you can safely enjoy Trader Joe’s instant hot chocolate mixes because they contain no hidden gluten.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found.

Is Trader Joe’s Pound Plus Dark Chocolate Bar Gluten Free?

I love chocolate and that’s why I was relieved to find out that the Trader Joe’s Pound Plus Dark Chocolate bars do not contain gluten. I break up one of these bad boys and store the squares in a zip top bag. I’ll nosh on a dark chocolate square when my cravings hit a fever pitch. The price can’t be beat, especially if you’re a chocolate addict.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

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

My daughter is obsessed with the Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips (chili and lime flavor) from Trader Joe’s. They are crunchy and well seasoned, making you want more and more with every bite. Thank goodness they’re gluten free!

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found

Are Trader Joe’s Brownie Crisps Gluten Free?

I had no idea that the Trader Joe’s Brownie Crisps were gluten-free. These delicious chocolate crisps are hidden away on the shelving above the frozen goods, and the gluten-free label is very small and buried on the back of the package. They contain oat flour, but because they’re labeled gluten-free, it means the oats do not contain gluten. Nima concurs. (Read: Are Oats Gluten Free?)

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Are Trader Joe’s Egg Fettuccine Pasta Really Gluten Free?

The egg fettuccine pasta is the real deal and tastes like real homemade pasta. It’s a bit pricey, even for Trader Joe’s, but that is my only complaint. If you are feeling randy, you can use my recipe to make your own gluten-free egg noodles from scratch.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Check out my round-up of gluten-free pasta options from Trader Joe’s!

Is Trader Joe’s Cheese Pizza Gluten Free?

I have to be honest with you, Trader Joe’s gluten-free pizza with a cauliflower crust isn’t good. It’s edible but not enjoyable. It’s gluten-free though, so if you like bland pizza, this is your guy. I tested more than a dozen frozen pizza brands for hidden gluten. Check out my article, Best Gluten-Free Frozen Pizza: Ranked and Tested for Hidden Gluten.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Are Trader Joe’s Savory Thin Crackers Gluten Free?

Trader Joe’s crackers are fair. Nothing to write home about. I’ve had better. I personally enjoy Crunchmaster and Milton’s cracker brands much more. But these crackers are gluten free and safe for you to eat while following a gluten-free diet.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Bread Really Gluten Free?

Of course no trip to Trader Joe’s would be complete without a loaf of bread. While the Trader Joe’s gluten-free white bread is indeed gluten free, there are better bread brands to be had if I’m being honest with you and myself. I personally enjoy Canyon Bakehouse bread in the stay-fresh packaging. Alas, Trader Joe’s gluten-free bread is indeed gluten free according to Nima Sensor.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Are Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Joe-Joe’s Cookies Really Gluten Free?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free OREO alternative, I recommend buying the new gluten-free OREO cookies. But if you’re looking for a cheap alternative, these Joe-Joe’s are for you. BTW, Joe-Joe’s work well in my Cookies & Cream Chocolate Pudding recipe.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Gluten Free?

A lot of shredded cheese can be coated with a starch to keep the shreds from sticking together. I didn’t see any gluten on the label, but I had Nima check just to be sure. All clear.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix Really Gluten Free?

The Trader Joe’s pancake mix is really good, and yes, it’s gluten free. Stock up!

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Eggplant Garlic Spread Gluten Free?

I buy the Trader Joe’s Eggplant Dip dip when I’m entertaining guests. It’s really delicious with tortilla chips or crackers.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Is Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pie Spice Gluten Free?

I use their grocery chain’s pumpkin pie spice when making my famous gluten-free pumpkin pie and my chocolate chip pumpkin cookies. I’ve always been curious if it’s g-free.

Nima Sensor Result:  No gluten found

Are Trader Joe’s Roasted & Salted Cashews Gluten Free?

Some of the packaged nuts at Trader Joe’s have a warning on them that says, “May contain wheat” or “Processed in a plant that also processes wheat.” However, some of the nuts have no such label, although they’re not labeled “gluten free” either.

I tested the roasted cashews upon the request of a reader.

Nima Sensor Result: No gluten found

Other Popular Gluten-Free Products (not tested)

Here is a list of some of the most popular gluten-free products at Trader Joe’s that I may not have tested, yet, for hidden gluten. Please note everything on this list is labeled gluten free.

Always be sure to verify a product is gluten free by reviewing the label on individual packages as ingredient lists and labels can change.

Bread and Crackers

• Gluten-Free Bread
• Gluten-Free Bagels
• Gluten-Free Hamburger Buns
• Gluten-Free English Muffins
• Everything but the Gluten Crackers
• Savory Thin Rice Crackers

Pantry Staples

• Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
• Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix
• Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese (boxed)
• Gluten-Free Granola
• Lentil and Brown Rice Spaghetti
• Gluten-Free Falafel Mix (although I prefer to make my own gluten-free falafels)
• Gluten-Free Instant Oatmeal
• Gluten-Free Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips (Nima Tested below)
• Gluten-Free Rice Crumbs (like breadcrumbs)

Candies and Sweets

• Gluten-Free Cupcakes
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix
• Gluten-Free Joe-Joe’s (similar to Oreo cookies)
• Crispy Crunchy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Gluten-Free Brownie Crisps – discontinued
• Gluten-Free Madeleine cookies
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip cookies (bakery)
• Gluten-Free Oatmeal Coconut cookies (bakery)

Refrigerated and Frozen Foods

• Gluten-Free Cookie Dough (break-and-bake style)
• Gluten-Free Pizza
• Gluten-Free Toaster Waffles
• Gluten-Free Egg Fettuccine Pasta
• Gluten-Free Battered Halibut
• Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese
• Gluten-Free Empanadas

Trader Joe’s Gets A+ for Being Gluten-Free Friendly

Overall, I give Trader Joe’s an A+ when it comes to not only creating gluten-free products but also making sure sneaky bits of gluten don’t get into its products.

Please be sure to bookmark this page. I add products to this list from time to time.

Other Articles

• Testing Costco’s Kirkland Brand Products for Hidden Gluten
• Complete List of Gluten-Free Spices (includes several Trader Joe’s spices that have been Nima Sensor tested)
• 13 Things You Need to Know about the Nima Sensor
• ALLIS Sensor: What You Need to Know