Trader Joe’s is certainly one of the prime places to shop for all sorts of groceries. Their Chicken Shawarma Thighs are are particular favorite among customers. However, if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, you may find yourself asking the question: Is Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs Gluten Free?
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs are not made with any ingredients that contain the gluten protein, such as wheat or even soy sauce. However, Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs may still be made with gluten thanks to cross-contamination, which may be why it does not bear a gluten-free stamp. Within the dish itself, there is no gluten!
In this article we will go over if this dish is suitable for a gluten-free diet, whether or not it may contain gluten, and a few answers to the most frequently asked questions related to this subject.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs: Is It Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
In order to decide whether or not Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs are suitable for a gluten-free diet, it is important to properly understand what a gluten free diet must consist of; especially if you are purchasing this tasty meal for a friend with a gluten allergy or sensitivity!
Gluten is a binding protein which can be found in the following base ingredients:
- Rye
- Wheat
- Triticale
- Oats
- Barley
Because these ingredients are used in many, many dishes, it can be difficult to understand which foods contain it.
For example, flour is used in baking a large majority of the baked goods we eat today, and it is usually ground from wheat and contains plenty of gluten. Pasta and the breading used for chicken often falls into this trap, too.
For this reason, it is understandable to be concerned about the presence of gluten in Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs. However, we are happy to report that Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs are suitable for a gluten-free diet!
This is because Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs contains none of the
Gluten in Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs: Is it a Concern?
According to the National Celiac Association, just 10 milligrams of gluten per day is enough to cause adverse reactions to those with a gluten sensitivity.
With that being said, Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs do not contain any gluten ingredients at all, therefore, they should not be a concern.
Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs and Gluten Sensitivity: What Are the Risks?
Those with a gluten sensitivity may suffer from eating gluten in a variety of ways. For example, those with celiac disease, one of the worst gluten sensitivities, may react to eating gluten because their immune system will injure the lining of the small intestine when it encounters the offensive protein.
Over time, this can lead to a lack of ability to absorb nutrients, which is detrimental to someone’s overall health.
Though this risk sounds great, if you can find a food like Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs, which does not contain any gluten content, you’ll be safe. There is little to no risk for those with a gluten sensitivity when it comes to eating Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs.
Ingredients in Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs
Basically, discovering whether or not something contains gluten all comes down to the ingredients used to make it.
After all, since gluten is a protein, one of the building blocks of reality here on earth, and is found in such a foundational component of our cuisine, it can sneak into a diet.
The best way to tell whether or not this sneaky business has happened to your food choices, like Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs, is to know the ingredients backwards and forwards. In that interest, we’ve comprised a list of the ingredients found in Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs for you to check out:
- Shawarma Spice Marinade (Containing Dehydrated onion, Sea Salt, Dehydrated Garlic, Parsley, Paprika, Spices, and Turmeric)
- Annatto Oil (Containing Annatto Seed and Soybean Oil)
- Vinegar Powder
- Rosemary Flavoring
- Lemon Juice
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh
The only ingredient which may be cause for concern to those with a gluten sensitivity is the Soybean oil contained in the Annatto oil ingredient. This is because soy sauces are known to contain gluten after being created with the use of wheat.
However, you’ll be happy to hear that soybean oil is not made with the same things as soy sauce, and is therefore gluten free. Altogether, Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs are gluten free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hungry for more info? Check out our F.A.Q. section below!
Is Chicken Shawarma Gluten Free?
Though chicken shawarma is made based on the recipe preferences of the chef or cook, the standard of most chicken shawarma recipes does not contain gluten and is therefore gluten free.
Is Trader Joe’s Pollo Asado Gluten Free?
No, unfortunately this dish is made with soy and wheat together, meaning it does contain trace amounts of gluten.
How Many Calories Are in Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma?
Per serving, Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs contain 160 calories.
How Long Does Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Last?
Chicken Shawarma is safe to eat for four days after it’s original purchase and cooking of the dish, but only if refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, those with celiac disease or any gluten sensitivity may be concerned that Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs contain gluten. However, there is no need for this concern: Trader Joe’s makes this delicious dish without any wheat-based ingredients, even in the soybean oil included!
Instead, Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs are made with boneless skinless chicken thighs and a variety of spices in a marinade. Luckily, none of these include gluten.
While it is always better to be safe than sorry when eating a food that does not have a gluten-free certification like Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs, it is also profitable to check the ingredients yourself. In this case, since Trader Joe’s Chicken Shawarma Thighs don’t contain wheat or rye or any other gluten ingredients, they are safe to eat!
