Is Butterball Turkey Gravy Gluten Free?

Butterball turkey gravy has gone through some changes in recent years regarding its gluten content. Many who follow a gluten-free diet, like those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, want to know if they can safely consume Butterball’s turkey gravy. Here is an overview of Butterball turkey gravy and its gluten status.

Background on Butterball Turkey Gravy

Butterball is a well-known brand for whole turkeys, especially around the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many of their turkey products come with gravy packets for convenience.

In the past, these gravy packets contained wheat flour, which means they were not gluten-free. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people who cannot tolerate gluten, even small amounts can cause issues.

The Change to Gluten-Free Gravy Packets

In 2009, Butterball began making a transition to gluten-free gravy packets. They reformulated their gravy to use rice flour instead of wheat flour. This means the new packets are safe for people with celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten.

However, the change did not happen overnight. For a period of time, both gluten and gluten-free packets were available on the market. This caused some confusion among consumers trying to determine if the gravy was gluten-free or not.

Identifying Gluten-Free Butterball Turkey Gravy

To identify if a Butterball turkey gravy packet is gluten-free you need to carefully read the ingredients label. Look for rice flour rather than wheat flour. Also make sure the packet does not list any additional sources of gluten like barley, rye malt, or brewer’s yeast.

According to Butterball, any newly manufactured gravy packets are gluten-free However, some older packets containing wheat flour may still be on store shelves during the transition period Checking each label is important.

You can also contact Butterball directly if you have any questions about a specific product. Their customer service team can look up the exact formulation and confirm if it is gluten-free.

Exceptions to Butterball’s Gluten-Free Gravy

While most Butterball turkey gravy packets are now gluten-free, there are two exceptions:

• Butterball Stuffed Turkey: The stuffing contains gluten, so this product is not safe for those with celiac disease or an intolerance. Even though the gravy packet is gluten-free, cross-contamination is a concern.

• Butterball Frozen Meatballs: These contain gluten and are not safe for those avoiding gluten.

So check both the turkey product itself and the gravy packet to ensure there is no gluten. Do not assume the gravy is gluten-free just because it comes from Butterball. The exceptions are important to note.

Tips for Using Butterball’s Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy

When preparing your Butterball turkey this holiday season, keep these tips in mind if using the gluten-free gravy:

• Check each gravy packet by reading the ingredients list carefully before use.

• If concerned about any cross-contamination, prepare and cook the turkey separately from the gravy.

• Add extra seasonings like sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the gravy’s flavor if needed.

• For additional thickness, mix in corn starch or potato starch while the gravy simmers.

• If the packet is accidentally gluten-containing, make homemade gravy using turkey drippings and gluten-free roux.

• When basting the turkey, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of the packet gravy.

Bottom Line on Butterball’s Gluten-Free Status