Coles Gluten Free Tempura Prawns
Posted: January 7, 2025 Updated: January 7, 2025
Holy moly there was a reaction when Coles brought out I’m Free From tempura prawns in November 2024. I saw the post shared in a Facebook group and the original poster kindly let me share her photo. Over 900 likes later, needless to say the gluten free community was ready.
So, what they are like? Well it took me a few weeks before I found them, and then a few more before I got around to eating them in early December.
If you haven’t actually heard about or seen these in store yet I’ll give you a bit of detail before the taste test.
Coles tempura prawns ingredients
Like the non-gluten free tempura prawns at the supermarket it is nearly half batter. Actually, there’s a higher prawn ratio in the GF ones (43%) than the non-GF (40%).
The prawns and the product are from Vietnam. I recall someone on Facebook being quite annoyed by this but… so are the regular wheaty ones?
If we were using Aussie prawns and Australian labour these would cost at least four times as much.
Something best reserved for a restaurant I think. 🙂
In terms of allergens there are very few, just crustacean and a may contain for sesame.
Preparing the gluten free tempura prawns
I know it continues to shock a lot of my readers but, I, Kati Keksi, a gluten free human, do not own an air fryer.
I prepared mine in the oven, 180°C fan forced. They suggest 14 – 16 minutes, turning once. I did a little longer just to make sure all the edges were crispy.
You definitely need to turn them at the half way point, I noticed the batter was a bit soggy on the underside. They could perhaps even benefit from being cooked on a raised tray.
Out of the oven I briefly popped them on some absorbent paper before plating them up with a bit of herb garnish.
The taste
The batter was definitely crunchy, it wasn’t super oily, definitely wasn’t stodgy. Having said that, it wasn’t the lightest batter ever, not like a real, fresh tempura at a restaurant.
You could taste the sweetness of the prawn meat. The only downside I think is the volume of prawn inside, they are quite small.
But I think as Australians we’re accustomed to massive Aussie prawns which to be honest is unrealistic when it comes to a processed, imported product like this.
The verdict
I’d happily eat these again, to me they are a relatively cheap little party snack to have occasionally.
I say party snack quite deliberately. I don’t think this product would be good as part of a main meal. If I had these and chips for dinner I would feel like I missed my protein quota. If you had some fish and two prawns as a bonus side, you’d be happy.
These would make a great part of a snack platter alongside some spring rolls or gluten free dumplings.
Where to find Coles gluten free tempura prawns
Sounds a bit silly right? Where to buy a product made by Coles.
Well, I always have this section in reviews because usually it’s about private brands with an exclusivity deal.
However, these prawns can be tricky to find in store!
If it’s not in the dedicated gluten free freezer section, then check the crumbed fish freezer section. I’ve seen this stocked in these areas between stores. Sometimes even in both at the same store.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Gluten free: Legit, not detected.
Vegetarian / vegan: Nope, prawn.
Allergens: Crustacean. May contain: Sesame.
Serving size: 10 prawns.
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