Last Updated on April 21, 2022
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: are Nilla wafers gluten free? And take a look at where you can buy them. Nilla wafers are absolutely delicious and the perfect sweet snack if you’re needing a sweet treat to get you through the day. Nilla wafers are incredibly popular, but are they gluten-free? Let’s first take a look at what they are, and the ingredients they contain.
What Are Nilla Wafers?
You probably already know what Nilla wafers are, but if you don’t Nilla is the brand name, and Nilla wafers are simply vanilla wafer-type cookies. They’re small, light, and melt in your mouth. Nilla wafers have actually been around for over a decade! No wonder Nilla wafers are a much-loved household favorite.
Learn more about: Are Animal Crackers Gluten-Free? (& GF Recipe)
Are Nilla Wafers Gluten Free?
Unfortunately, Nilla wafers are absolutely not gluten-free. This is because the main ingredient in them is wheat flour. And wheat is a gluten-containing grain and should be avoided at all costs when you’re following a gluten-free diet. While Nilla wafers may not be gluten-free, there are plenty of gluten-free wafer alternatives.
Nilla Wafers Nutritional Information
If you’re looking for nutritional information on Nilla wafers, look no further. Per serving (8 wafers), the nutritional value is:
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 115mg
- Carbohydrate: 21g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Where To Buy Gluten Free Vanilla Wafers
If you’re looking for the best gluten-free vanilla wafers to buy, then look no further! While there isn’t a huge selection on offer, there are a few brands that offer gluten-free options, which you can find at most grocery stores.
Kinnikinnick
Without a doubt, Kinnikinnick is the best option when it comes to gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies. They taste very similar to the Nilla wafers and they’re easily accessible. What’s great about the Kinnikinnick Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers, is that not only are they gluten-free, but they also do not contain dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, or soy. This means that they’re suitable for a range of dietary lifestyles.
These popular vanilla wafers cost around $4.50 a box and contain the following ingredients:
- cane sugar
- tapioca syrup
- egg whites
- white rice flour
- potato starch
- palm oil
- modified palm oil
- pea starch
- tapioca starch
- cellulose
- water
- natural flavors
- salt
- baking powder
- modified cellulose
- sunflower lecithin
- beta carotene
It’s worth noting that these wafers are most definitely the recommended choice when it comes to wafer cookies among the gluten-free community.
Schar
Schar is one of my go-to gluten-free brands. They offer a huge selection of gluten-free products, including wafers. If you’re looking for a traditional wafer cookie, this may not be the choice for you. They’re slightly different than the usual wafer cookies, but they’re equally delicious.
The Schar Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers have a vanilla filling, which makes them even more tasty than usual (in my opinion). They cost around $3.49 per packet and contain the following ingredients:
- potato starch
- sugar
- coconut oil
- skim milk powder
- rice flour
- whey powder
- soy flour
- sunflower lecithin
- natural vanilla flavor
- guar gum
- baking soda
Vegan Gluten-Free Vanilla Wafers Recipe
Vegan and gluten-free are sometimes dietary lifestyles that go hand in hand. If you’re looking for a vegan gluten free recipe, look no further! This recipe is adapted from Ela Vegan.
Ingredients
You need the following ingredients for this recipe:
- 2 flax eggs (flax eggs are made using 2 tablespoons of flax seeds and 5 tablespoons of water)
- 1 cup of rice flour
- 6 tablespoons of Erythritol (you can also use sugar)
- 1/2 cup of almond flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- a pinch of sea salt
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons of plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
Recipe
Now all you need to do is:
Step 1: Prepare the Mix
Preheat your oven to 350F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Make your flax eggs in a bowl by using two tablespoons of flax seeds and 5 tablespoons of water. Mix well. Grab a large bowl and add all of the dry ingredients and mix well. Ensure there are no lumps in your mixture. Now add the wet ingredients and combine well until you make a dough.
Step 2: Work with the Dough
Take out a small amount of dough (roughly half a tablespoon) and make a ball. Flatten the ball with your hands and place it on the baking sheet you prepared earlier. Continue repeating step five until you have used up all of the dough
Step 3: Bake and Enjoy!
Place in the center of your preheated oven for around 15 minutes. You can adjust the time slightly if you like your wafer cookies softer, or crisper. Leave to cool on a cooling rack – and enjoy!
Read more about Chocolate Wafer Cookies Substitutes
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped to answer the question: are Nilla wafers gluten-free? And give you an idea of how to make your own wafer cookies at home. While Nilla wafers aren’t gluten-free, there are a few options to try if you’re looking to satisfy that craving.
Do you know of any other gluten-free brands of vanilla wafer cookies? Or have your own gluten-free recipe you’d like to share? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
FAQs
What Are the Ingredients in Nilla Wafers?
The ingredients in Nilla wafers are as follows: wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, sugar, soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, whey, eggs, natural and artificial flavors, salt, baking soda, calcium phosphate, mono-and-diglycerides and soy lecithin.
What is a Good Substitute for Vanilla Wafers?
If you're looking for a replacement, any small gluten free cookie will work (and these are usually much easier to find). If not, shortbread cookies work really well, and are just as yummy! In fact, I prefer shortbread cookies to vanilla wafer cookies. If you're using the vanilla wafers for something like a pie crust, you can try using gluten free graham crackers instead, as these are super easy to find in your local grocery store.
Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.
