Are Oscar Mayer Bacon Bits Actually Gluten-Free?

Crunchy, smoky, salty bacon bits are a popular way to add flavor to salads, baked potatoes, soups, and more. But when grabbing a bottle of bacon bits, how can you be sure they are gluten-free, especially if made by a major brand like Oscar Mayer? Let’s investigate the ingredients and production process to determine if classic Oscar Mayer bacon bits are gluten-free and safe when avoiding gluten.

Oscar Mayer Bacon Bits’ Gluten-Free Status

The good news is that standard Oscar Mayer bacon bits are certified gluten-free, according to General Mills, the company that owns Oscar Mayer This applies to both the Original and Less Sodium varieties of Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits sold in the United States

Both varieties display a “gluten-free” certification logo on the packaging. Additionally both state “No Gluten Ingredients” and are listed as gluten-free foods on the General Mills gluten-free products list.

So Oscar Mayer bacon bits are produced in a gluten-free facility and tested to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA’s standards. This makes them safe for the vast majority of those on a medically necessary gluten-free diet.

What Oscar Mayer Bacon Bits Are Made Of

To understand what makes Oscar Mayer bacon bits gluten-free. let’s look at the ingredients

• Bacon (cured with water, salt, smoke flavoring, sugar, sodium phosphate, erythorbate)
• Soy protein concentrate
• Partially hydrogenated soybean oil
• Salt
• Hydrolyzed soy protein
• Flavoring
• Disodium inosinate
• Disodium guanylate
• Smoke flavoring
• Silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent)

The primary ingredient is real cured bacon. No grains or gluten sources are added. The combination of bacon, soy, and flavors like smoke provide the taste.

Artificial preservatives and stabilizers are used for shelf life. But these do not contain gluten either. So there are no inherently gluten-containing ingredients.

How Oscar Mayer Bacon Bits Are Produced

In addition to gluten-free ingredients, Oscar Mayer also produces its bacon bits in designated gluten-free facilities. This avoids any chance of gluten cross-contamination.

Per General Mills, their manufacturing facilities adhere to rigorous allergen control procedures. Ingredients are stored separately, production schedules are carefully coordinated, and equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between gluten and gluten-free production runs.

Other Tips for Avoiding Gluten in Bacon

When buying any bacon product, there are some additional tips to keep in mind to avoid gluten:

• Check labels: Always verify “gluten-free” is stated on packaging. Don’t assume all bacons are gluten-free.

• Look for added ingredients: Bacon cured or flavored with malt, beer, or certain spices may contain gluten.

• Avoid dusting: Opt for bacons that aren’t dusted with flour or other coatings between slices.

• Buy presliced: Choosing presliced packaged bacon minimizes the risk of cross-contact from deli slicers.

• Cook thoroughly: Make sure to cook bacon thoroughly if concerned about potential surface contamination.

Healthiest Bacon Bits Options

While gluten-free, Oscar Mayer bacon bits are still highly processed and high in sodium. For better nutrition, consider these alternatives:

• Make your own – Bake real bacon strips, chop into bits, and use immediately for freshest flavor.

• Look for reduced sodium – Some brands offer reduced sodium bacon bits with around 25% less salt.

• Use real crumbled bacon – Buying real bacon crumbles provides more meaty bacon flavor.

• Top with nuts or seeds – Sprinkle sliced almonds, pepitas, or sunflower seeds on salads for crunch.

• Use roasted chickpeas – Roasted, salted chickpeas provide satisfying crunch and nutrition.

The Verdict on Oscar Mayer Bacon Bits

So are Oscar Mayer’s classic bacon bits gluten-free? The answer is yes – both the Original and Less Sodium kinds sold in the US are certified gluten-free and safe for the vast majority following a gluten-free diet. They are produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities using bacon and other gluten-free ingredients.

However, for better nutrition, be sure to use real crumbled bacon or whole food alternatives like nuts and seeds as often as possible. Enjoy Oscar Mayer bacon bits sparingly as a grab-and-go gluten-free flavor enhancer. Check labels to verify gluten-free status, and contact manufacturers with any questions to ensure the bacon bits you buy align with your gluten-free needs and diet.