Last Updated on June 2, 2022
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: does sweet potato have gluten? And taking a look at whether sweet potato-related products like sweet potato fries are typically gluten-free. Sweet potatoes are becoming increasingly popular, with people opting for sweet potatoes, as opposed to white potatoes. This is because they have less carbohydrates and are seen to be better for you. But do they contain gluten? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable. They are very starchy and usually quite large. The flesh is an orangey color and easily distinguishable from that of a white potato. They taste much sweeter (hence the name) and are perfect as baked potato and sweet potato fries.
Learn more about: Are Red Potatoes Gluten-Free? (& How To Make Perfect Roasties)
Nutritional Information Of Sweet Potatoes
You may be wondering about the nutritional value of sweet potatoes. Each singular sweet potato contains the following:
- calories: 112
- fat: 0.1g
- sodium: 71.5mg
- potassium: 438mg
- carbs: 26g
- dietary fiber: 3.9g
- sugars: 5g
- protein: 2g
Does Sweet Potato Have Gluten?
Sweet potatoes do not typically contain gluten. In fact, all potatoes in their natural form are gluten-free and safe to consume when following a gluten-free diet. Sweet potatoes are perfect to introduce to your diet
Gluten Free Potatoes List
It’s worth noting that all raw potatoes will be gluten-free, as long as they have no seasoning or additives. It’s common for products like oven potatoes to contain gluten because wheat flour is often used to help the potatoes go crispy, or give them additional flavor.
However, the following potatoes are gluten-free:
- sweet
- red
- white
- russet
- fingerling
- petite
- purple
There are many varieties of potatoes available, but the ones above are the most common.
Gluten Free Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Many sweet potato fries in the freezer section will contain gluten. That’s why it’s usually easier to make your own – especially with how easy it is. This recipe from A Saucy Kitchen makes the perfect gluten-free sweet potatoes, in no time at all. Let’s take a look at how to make them.
Ingredients
The ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are:
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (any heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Recipe
Now all you need to do is:
Step 1: Prepare
Gather all of the ingredients you need and preheat your oven to 425F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and leave it to one side. Peel the potato and cut it into thin pieces. They should all be a similar size to ensure they cook around the same time.
Step 2: Season
Place the fries into a bowl alongside the cornstarch. Shake well to ensure that each fry is coated. Now add the oil and toss. Next, add the garlic powder and paprika – mix well. Then season with salt.
Step 3: Bake
Place the potatoes onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fry. You want to ensure they can get nice and crispy! Place in the center of your preheated oven for around 15 minutes. Turn the potatoes over at this point and cook for a further 15 minutes. Now turn the oven off and leave it inside the oven for around 10 minutes. This helps to make them extra crispy.
Step 4: Serve
Season with salt (and pepper) again if you’d like and your fries are ready to serve! Enjoy as a snack or as a side dish.
Read more about: Are Alexia Sweet Potatoes Gluten-Free?
Ways To Use Sweet Potatoes
You may be wondering about the best way to add sweet potatoes to your diet, and while there are obvious ways, such as baked potatoes, roast potatoes, and mashed potatoes, there are many other ways to use them in your cooking. Here are some of our favorite ways.
- sweet potato noodles
- sweet potato biscuits
- fish cakes (using sweet potato)
- sweet potato gnocchi
- quiche with a sweet potato crust
- sweet potato smoothie
- sweet potato soup
- grilled sweet potato salad
- sweet potato bread
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped to answer the question: does a sweet potato have gluten? And give you an idea of how to incorporate sweet potato into your diet, with ease. Potatoes are a great way to include carbs in your diet, after removing gluten. Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile – and I find them even tastier than regular potatoes.
Do you know of any other sweet potato recipes that are gluten-free? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
FAQs
Do Sweet Potato Fries Have Gluten in Them?
If you're making your own sweet potato fries, it's very unlikely that they will contain gluten. However, if you buy them from a store - they will usually contain gluten. This is because flour is often added to help with the crispiness of the fries; and unfortunately, wheat flour is often used rather than wheat flour. However, always be sure to check the ingredients label of anything you purchase, and opt for products that carry a gluten free label where possible.
Can You Eat Potatoes If You Are Gluten Intolerant?
Absolutely! Potatoes are naturally gluten free and can happily be enjoyed on a gluten free diet. If you're buying potatoes that have been flavored or are ordering them in a restaurant, always check with your server or the ingredients, as there's a chance that gluten may be used; or they may be cooked in the same fryer as gluten containing products.
Can Celiac Eat Sweet Potato?
Yes! Celiacs can eat sweet potatoes with no issues at all. Sweet potatoes are said to be more nutritious than other varieties of potatoes, so it's a good addition to your diet.
Can You Suddenly Become Gluten Intolerant?
Yes. In fact, I wasn't gluten intolerant until I was 25! It can come on at any time in your life, even if you've tested negative before. It's now very easy to get tested for celiac disease, and all symptoms can be helped by following a completely gluten free diet.
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.
