Is Trader Joe's Southwest Salad Gluten Free?


Ingredients
Salad (romaine Lettuce, Sweet Corn [corn, Water, Sugar, Salt], Cooked Black Beans [black Beans, Water], Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Red Bell Peppers, Green Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Crumbled Cotija Cheese [cotija Cheese (pasteurized Milk, Pasteurized Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Sea Salt, Microbial Enzyme), Whey (anti-caking Agent), Sugar Cane Fiber Anti-caking Agent), Natamycin Mold Inhibitor) ), Chipotle Ranch Dressing (lowfat Yogurt [cultured Pasteurized Milk, Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pectin], Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Seasoning [salt, Cane Sugar, Garlic Powder, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Spices (including Celery Seed), Xanthan Gum], Sugar, Milk Powder [nonfat Dried Milk Powder, Cultured Nonfat Dry Milk Powder], Sea Salt, Cumin Powder, Dried Oregano, Lime Juice Concentrate, Chipotle Pepper Powder, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Paprika Oleoresin [extractives Of Paprika, Canola Oil]). Contains Milk.
What is a Gluten Free diet?
A gluten-free diet excludes all foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. It's essential for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or wheat allergy, as consuming gluten can trigger inflammation and digestive issues. Common gluten-containing foods include bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods, though many gluten-free alternatives now exist using rice, corn, or almond flour. Beyond medical necessity, some people choose a gluten-free lifestyle for perceived health benefits, though experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals when eliminating gluten-containing grains.


