A trip to the movies isn’t complete without a bag of popcorn, but if you have a gluten intolerance, you may be wondering if popcorn is gluten-free. While it’s true that popcorn itself is gluten-free, the same cannot be said for popcorn sold at movie theaters.
Popcorn itself is a gluten-free food. It’s made from corn kernels, which are naturally gluten-free.
However, when it comes to popcorn sold at movie theaters, there are many different variables that need to be considered. Movie theater popcorn is typically cooked in oil or butter and flavored with salt and other seasonings. Unfortunately, these ingredients can contain wheat and other sources of gluten, making the popcorn unsafe for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Toppings
The toppings used on movie theater popcorn can also contain wheat or other sources of gluten. Common toppings such as caramel and cheese sauces may contain wheat flour or other ingredients derived from wheat.
Oils
Movie theater popcorn is also cooked in oil, which can also contain wheat or other sources of gluten. Some oils used in movie theaters may contain hydrolyzed wheat proteins or flour as an ingredient.
Cross-Contamination
Another factor to consider when it comes to movie theater popcorn is cross-contamination with other products that do contain gluten. Movie theaters often serve a variety of snacks such as hot dogs and pretzels that contain wheat or other sources of gluten. If these products are prepared in the same area as the popcorn, there’s a risk that the popcorn could become contaminated with traces of wheat or other sources of gluten.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it’s not recommended for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity to eat movie theater popcorn due to potential cross contamination with products containing wheat and because some ingredients used to make and top film theater popcorns may contain hidden sources of gluten.