Are Prawn Crackers Gluten-Free? (+Video)

Celiac.com 11/20/2024 - We answer questions about the gluten-free status of many products, especially snack foods. Lately, we've been seeing a number of questions about prawn crackers. Are prawn crackers gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? Here's the rundown.

Prawn Crackers Are Not Typically Gluten-Free

Traditional prawn crackers are not typically gluten-free, and are not safe for people with celiac disease. While they are made mainly from made with tapioca flour and ground dried prawn, they often contain wheat flour as a binding ingredient. This means most commercially available prawn crackers may not be safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

When Choosing Gluten-Free Prawn Crackers

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Check the Ingredients: Some brands may use only tapioca starch or rice flour, which would make them gluten-free, but wheat flour is common. Always check the ingredient list or look for a "Gluten-Free" label to confirm.

Cross-Contamination Risks: Prawn crackers are often produced in facilities that may also handle gluten-containing foods, so even gluten-free prawn crackers can be at risk of cross-contamination unless certified gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Alternatives: There are some brands and recipes that make gluten-free prawn crackers using tapioca starch or rice flour exclusively. Checking with Asian specialty stores or health food stores may help you find these options.

For those following a strict gluten-free diet, it’s safest to look for a certified gluten-free brand to avoid any risk.

Watch the video version of this article: