Is Members Mark Ham Gluten Free? What to Know Before You Buy

Wondering if you can enjoy Members Mark spiral ham, smoked ham, or other holiday ham products on a gluten-free diet? With confusing labeling and the potential for cross-contamination, it can be tricky to determine if store brands like Members Mark are truly gluten-free. This article will break down everything you need to know before purchasing Members Mark ham.

What is Members Mark Ham?

Members Mark is the signature brand of Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart. It offers store brand versions of popular grocery items at member-only warehouse prices. The brand has a wide range of ham products for the holidays and year-round, including:

• Fully cooked spiral hams
• Half hams
• Boneless hams
• Smoked and honey-baked hams
• Ham steaks and slices
• Cured, uncured, and maple-glazed hams

Members Mark ham is commonly found prepackaged in the refrigerated meat section or sliced to order at the deli counter of Sam’s Club locations. It offers convenient ham options at budget-friendly prices compared to premium national brands

Is Members Mark Ham Gluten-Free?

According to Sam’s Club customer service, Members Mark fully cooked bone-in and boneless spiral hams, smoked hams, and other whole muscle ham cuts do not contain any gluten ingredients. However, they said the ham is produced in facilities that also process wheat, so cross-contamination is possible.

Members Mark does not label any of their hams as certified gluten-free or test individual products for trace gluten So those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity proceed with caution

Tips for Choosing Safe Members Mark Ham

If you want to buy Members Mark ham but need to avoid gluten, here are some tips:

• Read ingredient lists carefully. Look for added flavors, broths, or glazes that may contain gluten. For example, a honey baked ham may have a wheat-based glaze.

• Ask about dedicated equipment. Inquire if Members Mark hams are sliced on equipment only used for ham to reduce cross-contamination.

• Purchase whole hams. A sealed fully cooked whole ham is less likely to be cross-contaminated than ham steaks or deli slices. Apply your own gluten-free glaze at home.

• Ask for unopened packages. If buying deli ham, ask for unopened, pre-packaged slices rather than newly sliced meat which has more risk of contact with glutenous surfaces.

• Consider premium brands. Opt for national gluten-free brands like Boar’s Head, Jones Dairy Farm, or Nodine’s Smokehouse as a safer choice.

What About Cross-Contamination?

Even if Members Mark ham contains no gluten ingredients, cross-contamination during processing and handling is still a concern.

Potential sources of gluten cross-contamination include:

• Shared slicing equipment at the deli counter
• Shared production lines and facilities
• Ham brined or smoked in a broth containing gluten
• Application of a wheat-based glaze
• Deli case located near glutenous products

Sam’s Club does not provide details on their facilities or equipment used for Members Mark ham. Those highly sensitive should exercise caution when purchasing.

Best Practices When Cooking Members Mark Ham

If you do choose to cook a Members Mark ham at home, follow these tips:

• Rinse ham under cold water before cooking to remove any debris that could contain traces of gluten.

• Apply your own gluten-free glaze made with ingredients like maple syrup, honey, brown sugar and spices.

• Cook the ham in a clean pan lined with foil to prevent cross-contact.

• Use a clean knife and carving board. Do not cut on surfaces that touched bread.

• Throw away the outer black netting and any included glaze packet.

Gluten-Free Brands at Sam’s Club

While not labeled gluten-free, Members Mark ham may be fine for some with mild gluten sensitivity. But for those with celiac disease, brands certified gluten-free are recommended.

Sam’s Club does carry gluten-free ham options from trusted brands:

• Nodine’s Smokehouse Ham: Naturally hardwood smoked, sold as a whole ham. Separate gluten-free products facility.

• Columbus Craft Meats Deli Ham: Gluten-free certified pre-sliced ham. No wheat, barley, rye or oats.

• Dietz and Watson Virginia Brand Ham: Certified gluten-free by the National Celiac Association to less than 5 ppm.

Check with your local Sam’s Club deli to see if these brands are available. Purchasing certified gluten-free ham provides added assurance.

The Bottom Line

While Members Mark ham likely does not contain gluten ingredients, the risk of cross-contamination means it is not considered gluten-free. Use caution when purchasing, check labels carefully, and look for dedicated equipment. For those highly sensitive, certified gluten-free brands remain the safest choice. But with care taken to avoid cross-contact, Members Mark ham may potentially be tolerated by some gluten-free consumers. As always, know your personal sensitivity level and make the safest choice for you.