Is Butterball Turkey Gluten Free?

As someone who follows a gluten-free diet, I often get asked whether popular food brands and products are safe to eat. One question I get a lot around the holidays is – is Butterball turkey gluten free?

The short answer is yes, Butterball turkeys are gluten free! Keep reading and I’ll explain in more detail.

Why Turkey is Usually Gluten Free

Turkey is inherently gluten free. Turkey meat does not naturally contain any gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye.

So unless gluten is intentionally added during processing or preparation whole turkeys and turkey meat are gluten-free and safe to eat on a gluten-free diet.

The only exception would be if a turkey was fed a diet that contained gluten-containing grains like wheat. But the turkey meat itself would still be gluten free.

Are All Butterball Turkeys Gluten Free?

Yes, all Butterball whole frozen and fresh turkeys are labeled “gluten free.” Both their self-basting and non-basted turkeys are gluten-free.

I checked Butterball’s website and product labels and didn’t see any gluten or wheat ingredients listed. Their ingredients include:

• Turkey
• Water
• Contains 2% or less sea salt, carrageenan, natural flavor

None of these contain gluten. So Butterball whole turkeys are a gluten-free option.

However, some Butterball pre-cooked turkey products and seasoned turkey varieties may contain gluten. As with any processed food, always check the ingredient labels.

Watch Out for Glazes, Rubs and Gravy Packets

One thing to watch out for is that whole turkeys, including Butterball, often come with gravy packets, spice rubs or glazes Some of these flavor additions may contain gluten

For example, the Butterball Cajun Style Self-Basting Young Turkey comes with a Creole style gravy mix. The ingredients in the gravy mix include wheat flour. So that would not be gluten-free.

I always recommend preparing your own gluten-free gravy, rubs and glazes instead of using ones included with the turkey. That way you can control all the ingredients and ensure it’s safe.

How to Choose a Gluten-Free Turkey

Here are some tips for picking a gluten-free whole turkey:

• Check the ingredients list and nutrition facts. Make sure no gluten ingredients like wheat, barley or rye are listed.

• Look for a “gluten free” label on the packaging. This indicates the manufacturer has tested the product to verify it’s below 20ppm of gluten.

• Call the 1-800 number listed on the turkey packaging and ask the company directly if it’s gluten free.

• Stick to plain, unseasoned turkeys or check the flavors added. Seasonings may contain gluten.

• Avoid pre-stuffed turkeys, as the stuffing often contains gluten.

• Prepare your own gluten-free gravy, rubs and broths rather than using ones included with the turkey.

Other Gluten-Free Turkey Brands

In addition to Butterball, several other turkey brands clearly label their turkeys “gluten-free” including:

• Honeysuckle White
• Shady Brook Farms
• Norbest
• Plainville Farms

So if you see those brands, you know their whole turkeys are a gluten-free choice.

Some turkey brands don’t explicitly label their whole turkeys “gluten-free” but are safe if they don’t contain gluten ingredients. Read labels carefully.

Cook a Delicious Gluten-Free Turkey Meal

With a gluten-free turkey like Butterball as the centerpiece, you can create a tasty gluten-free Thanksgiving or holiday meal.

Pair it with gluten-free sides like mashed potatoes, squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, salad and gluten-free cornbread or biscuits. Finish off the meal with gluten-free pumpkin pie for dessert.

With some simple tweaks like preparing your own gluten-free gravy and sides, you can enjoy turkey just like everyone else this holiday season. Don’t settle for a sad gluten-free meal. With a little planning, your Thanksgiving can be just as festive and delicious while keeping you safe.