Here’s an admission: those of us in the Celiac/gluten-free community can, at times, be a paranoid group. We worry (obsessively) about gluten contamination in our food, usually because we’ve had an experience (or several) that has shaken our confidence in what we can eat where. Regaining that confidence is a difficult process – it can take time, if it happens at all.
It’s not a bad thing to be cautious. It is what keeps us healthy in what otherwise might be unsafe situations for eating. As awareness about gluten continues to grow, and products and restaurants are more clearly labeling what is and isn’t in their food, it has become easier to safely negotiate the gauntlet of gastronomy, and to perhaps even regain some of that confidence lost.
But I’ve recently discovered that sometimes, a little information about gluten is more dangerous than none at all. Here’s the story:
Back in late October, I blogged about Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, which are gluten-free. Not to worry…they remain gluten-free, but read on, for this is a cautionary tale. About one month ago, I got sick twice within two days, both very much in line with how my body responds to gluten cross-contamination. I was initially puzzled, since we have a gluten-free kitchen. The only common denominator between the two meals was one thing: Boar’s Head Black Forest Ham. Funny, since it’s gluten-free.
I went back to the source of my ham: the deli counter at my local King Soopers supermarket, which is part of the Kroger family of stores. Over the course of the last year, the supermarket completed a full renovation, including the deli counter, which now serves only meats and cheeses cut fresh to order. And they only serve two brands: Boar’s Head, and Private Selection, which is Kroger’s in-house brand.
The deli counter proudly displays a sign heralding the gluten-free status of Boar’s Head. But what if the Private Selection meats weren’t gluten-free? They’re cut on the same slicers as the Boar’s Head, and could easily cross-contaminate. This is a perfect example of a time where a little information about gluten is worse than none at all. Whereas I might otherwise have steered away from deli meats for fear of gluten, the sign at the deli gave me a false sense of security that, yes, I could safely order and eat the meat.
Of course, this is all predicated on gluten in the Private Selection meats in the first place. So, I followed the trail farther up the food chain and contacted Kroger customer service. Getting a definitive answer has thusfar proven elusive. The company sent me a PDF document of all Kroger-brand (including Private Selection meats from the deli) products that are in theory gluten-free. Yet, in the very same document, they also state that they don’t guarantee that any of their deli meats or cheeses are gluten-free. What’s more, in the wake of my initial communication with Kroger, my local King Soopers added a new sign to the deli counter, proclaiming “no gluten” in the Private Selection meats and cheeses.
Is your head spinning yet? Because mine sure is. My “case” has now been referred to the manager of my local King Soopers, who I have yet to hear from. In the meantime, I’m left with a questionable situation with regards to my deli meats and cheeses. And even if the Private Selection meats and cheeses turn out to be gluten-free, the Kroger parent company still says you risk cross-contamination from other parts of the deli counter. But if that’s true, isn’t it disingenuous to promote gluten-free meats and cheeses that you can’t guarantee are gluten-free? And what would the folks at Boar’s Head think about this?
I’m not suggesting any deliberate mal-intent on the part of King Soopers and Krogers. But I am suggesting that a little gluten awareness mixed with a little gluten ignorance is a dangerous combination. My sense of security has faltered. And paranoia returns (to a degree).
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Want to learn more about us? We’re Pete and Kelli Bronski, the husband-and-wife team behind the website.
For those who need to follow a gluten-free diet, one common question is – can you safely eat Boar’s Head turkey products? With its wide range of high-quality deli meats, Boar’s Head is a popular brand found in many grocery stores. But with so many products boasting buzzwords like “natural” and “premium,” it can be tricky to know if they fit into a gluten-free lifestyle.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide key information on Boar’s Head turkey and gluten, so you can enjoy their products with confidence and peace of mind.
An Overview of Gluten
Before diving into Boar’s Head specifically, let’s review some gluten basics Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It helps give foods like bread their chewy texture For most people, gluten poses no issues.
However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and fatigue. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
This means reading labels diligently and avoiding products with wheat barley rye or ambiguous ingredients like “natural flavors.” Even trace amounts of gluten can cause issues for those who are highly sensitive.
The Good News: Boar’s Head Turkey is Gluten-Free
The great news is that Boar’s Head turkey, as well as all their meats, cheeses, condiments and hummus, are certified gluten-free. This makes Boar’s Head a safe bet for those with celiac disease or who follow a gluten-free diet due to sensitivity.
Boar’s Head states clearly on their website that none of their products contain gluten ingredients. They recognize that other brands often add questionable fillers, while Boar’s Head relies on simple, high-quality ingredients to craft their premium meats and cheeses.
Tips for Purchasing Boar’s Head Turkey
While Boar’s Head turkey in general is gluten-free, there are a few tips to ensure you choose a safe option:
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Carefully read labels of any seasoned or flavored turkey products. Some may contain added ingredients that are not gluten-free.
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Opt for basic roasted or smoked turkey varieties to be extra cautious.
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Ask deli counter staff if meats were sliced on the same equipment as bread. Request freshly sliced turkey if concerned about cross-contamination.
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Check Boar’s Head’s website for up-to-date information on gluten in their products if you have any concerns.
Enjoying Boar’s Head Turkey on a Gluten-Free Diet
The bottom line is that Boar’s Head can be considered a trusted brand when it comes to gluten-free lunch meats. Here are some great ways to enjoy their turkey:
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Layer slices on a gluten-free sandwich or wrap.
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Roll up in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
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Chop or shred to add to salads, omelets, casseroles and more.
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Pair with cheese slices for an easy protein-packed snack.
With some vigilance in the grocery aisles, those avoiding gluten can be assured that Boar’s Head turkey is a delicious addition to the gluten-free diet. Double check labels and ingredients lists, and enjoy the exceptional flavors of their premium deli meats.
Common Questions about Boar’s Head and Gluten
For those new to navigating the world of gluten-free eating, making the right choices at the grocery store can feel overwhelming initially. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is all Boar’s Head turkey definitely gluten-free?
Yes, Boar’s Head states that all their turkey is gluten-free. However, always verify by looking for the gluten-free label to be 100% sure.
What about other Boar’s Head products like ham and roast beef?
Their entire line of premium meats, cheeses, condiments and hummus are certified gluten-free for those looking to avoid gluten.
Can I eat Boar’s Head if I have celiac disease?
Those with celiac disease can safely eat Boar’s Head products labeled gluten-free. Just take precautions against cross-contamination.
Are there Boar’s Head items that do contain gluten?
A few specialty items may contain gluten, like sandwiches on bread. Check labels carefully for any gluten ingredients.
Can I find Boar’s Head gluten-free turkey at any major grocery store?
Yes, major stores that carry Boar’s Head should have gluten-free turkey options. Just verify the product you’re purchasing is labeled gluten-free.
Is there risk of cross-contamination at the deli counter?
Yes, be sure to clearly state you need gluten-free items sliced separately to avoid contamination.
Reading labels, verifying gluten-free status and taking precautions against cross-contamination are key when you need to avoid gluten. With some consistent vigilance, the exceptional flavors of Boar’s Head meats can be safely enjoyed by all.
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