is old trapper beef jerky gluten free

Is Old Trapper Beef Jerky Really 100% Gluten-Free?

As someone who loves snacking on beef jerky but also avoids gluten, I often get asked if popular brands like Old Trapper are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet. With so many potential sources of gluten hiding in pre-packaged foods, it’s smart to be skeptical.

I decided to thoroughly investigate if Old Trapper’s beef jerky is truly gluten-free. I checked their ingredients manufacturing process, and even contacted the company directly to get the inside scoop.

Keep reading for the full run-down on Old Trapper beef jerky and gluten, including:

• Evaluating questionable ingredients
• Risk of cross-contamination
• Alternative jerky brands for gluten-free diets
• Tips for safely enjoying jerky with gluten sensitivity

Let’s dig into the details so you can make an informed decision whether America’s original beef jerky brand fits into your gluten-free lifestyle or not.

An Overview of Gluten and Gluten Sensitivity

Before diving into Old Trapper specifically, let’s quickly cover what gluten is and why it’s problematic for many people.

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps give dough its elasticity and chewy texture. It’s extremely common in breads, baked goods, cereals, pasta, etc.

Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity experience a range of gut issues and other symptoms when they consume gluten. Damage to the small intestine prevents proper absorption of nutrients from food.

Reactions can occur with even small traces of gluten. That’s why it’s crucial for those with celiac or gluten intolerance to completely avoid it in their diet by reading labels carefully.

Now let’s see how Old Trapper’s ingredients stack up when it comes to gluten…

Evaluating the Ingredients in Old Trapper Beef Jerky

When reviewing Old Trapper’s beef jerky ingredients for gluten-containing offenders, three stick out:

• Soy sauce
• Caramel color
• Hydrolyzed soy protein

Traditional soy sauce contains wheat. However, Old Trapper uses tamari soy sauce, which is gluten-free. Tamari is made with just soybeans and salt, no wheat.

Caramel color and hydrolyzed soy protein are two ingredients that may contain hidden sources of gluten depending on how they are processed.

Certain manufacturers use wheat or barley in the production of caramel color and hydrolyzed soy protein. So while these ingredients themselves don’t contain gluten, cross-contamination is possible depending on the supplier.

I contacted Old Trapper to learn more about the sourcing of their specific caramel color and hydrolyzed soy protein. They confirmed both are made without the use of wheat, barley, rye, or oats.

So while these two ingredients can be risky, Old Trapper seems to use gluten-free versions.

Risk of Cross-Contamination

Even if all ingredients check out gluten-free, cross-contamination is still a potential concern in processed, packaged foods.

This occurs when gluten-containing ingredients come into contact with gluten-free ingredients through shared equipment, storage, utensils, etc. Even tiny amounts can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

I asked Old Trapper about their manufacturing process and precautions taken to avoid cross-contamination.

They told me they prohibit wheat, rye, barley, and oats in their facility and have allergen control plans in place. Regular audits are done to verify gluten-free status.

While they aim to avoid cross-contamination, it’s impossible to fully guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment. If you are highly sensitive, there may still be a risk.

Alternatives to Old Trapper Beef Jerky

If you follow a gluten-free diet and still feel uncertain about Old Trapper’s jerky, plenty of other brands specifically cater to gluten-free consumers:

• Perky Jerky
• Vermont Smoke & Cure
• Chef’s Cut
• Krave Jerky
• Duke’s Meat Snacks
• Mission Meats

I like that these options use simple ingredients and are transparent about their facilities and allergen precautions taken. No questionable additives or processing aids.

Many explicitly state “gluten-free” right on the label for peace of mind. You’ll pay a bit more but for sensitive individuals, the extra confidence in safety is worth it.

Tips for Safely Enjoying Jerky

If you decide to indulge in Old Trapper or other jerky with gluten sensitivity, keep these tips in mind:

• Carefully read labels each time, even for “trusted” brands – recipes can change.
• Look for “gluten-free” labeled options when possible.
• Start with a small serving size to test tolerance.
• Check for signs of allergic reaction after eating.
• Inquire directly with the brand about their gluten-free status and protocols.
• Opt for jerky with simpler ingredients and no questionable additives.
• Focus on jerky made from whole muscle meat rather than chopped and formed.
• Avoid flavors with soy sauce or teriyaki unless explicitly gluten-free.

Following these guidelines will make it much easier to find a delicious jerky to safely snack on if you’re living the gluten-free lifestyle!

The Verdict on Old Trapper Beef Jerky and Gluten

After thoroughly investigating, my verdict is that Old Trapper beef jerky has a relatively low risk for gluten content and cross-contamination compared to other gas station snack brands.

However, they do not claim to be 100% gluten-free or processed in a dedicated facility. So for those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive, there may still be some risk of reaction.

If you have milder sensitivity and have tolerated Old Trapper well in the past, enjoying their jerky sparingly is likely fine. But I would choose one of the allergy-friendly specialty brands if you need to be extra cautious.

Whatever jerky you opt for, be sure to review the label each time before eating and listen to your own body’s signals. We all react differently, so personalized trial and error is key for staying safe.