Is Fletcher’s Bacon Gluten Free? What to Know Before You Buy

As someone who follows a gluten-free diet I’m always researching products and brands to determine if they are safe for me to eat. Bacon is one of those versatile foods that can be included in all kinds of meals. But is the popular brand Fletcher’s bacon actually gluten-free? I decided to investigate further.

What Exactly Is Gluten?

Before getting into whether Fletcher’s bacon contains it or not, let’s quickly cover what gluten actually is.

Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and other related grains. It acts as a “glue” that helps foods maintain their shape and structure.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and fatigue.

Avoiding gluten is the only treatment for gluten-related disorders. That’s why it’s critical for those following a gluten-free diet to verify packaged foods are 100% gluten-free. Even small amounts can cause issues.

How Gluten Gets Into Bacon

Bacon starts from pork belly or pork loin cuts from a pig. So you may wonder how gluten enters the picture.

There are a few ways gluten can make its way into bacon during processing:

• Flour dusting – Flour may be used on production lines to prevent sticking.

• Seasonings – Spice blends, garlic powder, onion powder and flavorings can contain gluten as anti-caking agents.

• Curing agents – Binders and fillers made from grains can be used in curing salts.

• Shared equipment – Cross-contamination can occur from shared slicers, conveyor belts, etc.

So unless a company actively tries to avoid it, gluten can sneak its way into bacon during manufacturing.

Does Fletcher’s Bacon Contain Gluten?

After thorough research, I found the following signs pointing to Fletcher’s bacon being gluten-free:

• The Fletcher’s FAQ page states their products are gluten-free when checking labels.

• I contacted their customer service line and they confirmed the brand is gluten-free.

• Other celiac bloggers have reported eating it safely.

• I couldn’t find any consumer reports of reactions to Fletcher’s bacon.

Based on this information, it seems Fletcher’s bacon products should be safe for gluten-free diets when following package label confirmations.

Tips for Buying Gluten-Free Bacon

If you need to avoid gluten, here are some shopping tips when selecting bacon brands:

• Carefully read labels for allergen statements.

• Look for dedicated gluten-free brands or symbols.

• Opt for uncured or naturally cured bacon without additives.

• Contact the manufacturer if ever in doubt.

• Purchase bacon from specialty butchers to avoid processing.

• Stick to reputable brands with 3rd party audits.

While Fletcher’s appears to be gluten-free friendly, always advise your server when dining out that you need gluten-free preparation. And listen to your own body’s signals when trying new products.

Cooking and Storing Gluten-Free Bacon

Once you’ve purchased gluten-free bacon, follow these tips for safely cooking and storing it at home:

• Designate gluten-free prep zones, pans, utensils, etc.

• Wash all surfaces, hands, and cooking tools thoroughly before prepping.

• Cook bacon separately from gluten-containing foods like pancakes or sandwiches.

• Transfer cooked bacon to a clean plate lined with paper towels.

• Store leftovers in a sealed container away from glutenous foods.

• Label gluten-free bacon clearly so it’s not mistaken later on.

With proper precautions in the kitchen, you can safely enjoy your favorite fried egg and bacon breakfast without gluten worries.

Is Turkey or Beef Bacon a Healthier Option?

For those looking to further reduce health risks beyond just gluten concerns, turkey and beef bacon may be better options than traditional pork bacon.

Potential benefits include:

• Lower in saturated fat than pork varieties

• Contain less sodium

• Provide more protein

• Shorter ingredient lists with less preservatives

However, these alternative bacons may not deliver quite the same smoky flavor or crispy texture as traditional pork bacon. It comes down to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

The Bottom Line on Fletcher’s Bacon

Based on all my research, Fletcher’s bacon appears to be a reliably gluten-free option for those with celiac disease or on gluten-free diets. As long as you double check labels to be safe.

For the health-conscious, turkey or beef bacon may be smarter alternatives. But for the occasional indulgence, Fletcher’s pork bacon remains a go-to brand for crispy, smoky gluten-free goodness.

Just be vigilant about cross-contamination risks when cooking at home and dining out. With proper precautions, bacon lovers with gluten concerns can still enjoy this tasty breakfast staple in moderation.