Like many of you, this Examiner grew up having Honeybaked ham for the holidays. It is such an easy meal and one that is a real crowd pleaser, so it was disturbing to learn that even thought the ham and the turkey are gluten free the glaze used on each contained gluten making it unsafe for those on the gluten-free diet.
Back in 2008, Honeybaked reformulated their glaze and removed gluten and soy making the hams/turkeys safe for those on a gluten-free diet, but not every store had the gluten-free versions. By 2009 all of the stores had the gluten-free version of the hams/turkeys, but there was still some confusion in the gluten-free community. To clear things up, the home office personally contacted the different divisions to be sure everyone had adopted the allergen-friendly glazes and found that they had. (Their modified food starch is corn based and the caramel color doesn’t contain gluten).
Now those of us on the gluten-free diet can have the ham/turkey from Honeybaked anytime of the year and we don’t have to worry about eating it if it is offered at a work or social function.
The ingredients listed below come from their nutrition page and don’t contain wheat or gluten.
————————— Author Information: Jennifer D. Harris, Atlanta, GA Jennifer D. Harris, http://www.jenniferglutenfreeingeorgia.blogspot.com Gluten-Free Product Specialist, Return to Eden Program Chair, Atlanta Metro CeliacsTwitter@jenniferGFinGA
Eating a delicious honey baked turkey for the holidays is a tradition for many families. However for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity determining if honey baked turkey is safe can be tricky. I had a lot of questions when I was first diagnosed with celiac disease, so I did my research to find out if this popular holiday centerpiece is gluten free or not.
After thoroughly looking into it, here is what I found out about the gluten free status of HoneyBaked turkeys and hams
A Brief History of Gluten in HoneyBaked Products
HoneyBaked Hams and Turkeys have long been popular choices for holiday meals and special occasions. However, for many years, the glaze used on their products contained gluten, making them unsafe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Back in 2008 HoneyBaked reformulated their glaze removing gluten and soy. This made their hams and turkeys safe for gluten free diets. However, not every store location had the new gluten free versions at first. By 2009, all store locations carried the reformulated gluten free glaze.
Are HoneyBaked Turkeys Gluten Free?
Yes, HoneyBaked whole turkeys are considered gluten free, according to the company. I contacted the corporate office of HoneyBaked to inquire about the gluten free status of their turkeys. They assured me that all of their turkeys are gluten free.
Specifically, the sliced and glazed turkey, as well as the roasted and smoked turkey do not contain any gluten ingredients, according to the nutrition information on the HoneyBaked website.
The ingredients lists for these HoneyBaked turkey products do not contain wheat, barley, rye or any gluten derivatives.
What About Cross-Contamination Risks?
While the turkeys themselves are gluten free, I did have some concerns about potential cross-contamination. Since HoneyBaked products are prepared in shared cooking and preparation areas, traces of gluten could potentially get into the “gluten free” items.
I asked HoneyBaked about this, and they said that while they can’t guarantee no cross-contamination, they follow procedures to minimize the risk as much as possible.
Some celiacs report eating HoneyBaked turkeys without issue, while others choose to avoid them due to cross-contamination concerns. It’s ultimately up to each individual to assess their own level of risk.
Personally, I would only eat it if I felt comfortable with the small possibility of CC. I know some celiacs are far more sensitive than I am.
Are Honey Baked Hams Gluten Free?
In addition to turkeys, HoneyBaked hams are also considered gluten free, according to the company.
The boneless ham, as well as the classic honey baked ham, do not contain any gluten ingredients based on the nutrition information from HoneyBaked’s website.
Again, even though the hams themselves are gluten free, the same cross-contamination risks apply in shared preparation and cooking areas. It’s up to each person to decide if they are comfortable with the potential for traces of gluten.
Tips for Eating HoneyBaked Turkey and Ham
Here are some tips if you do choose to eat HoneyBaked turkey or ham:
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Carefully inspect the ingredients list on the packaging when you purchase it. Make sure it aligns with the gluten free lists on the company’s website. Look at the ingredients in the glaze too.
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Ask at the store if they follow procedures to minimize gluten cross-contamination on turkey/ham prep surfaces and utensils.
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Request that your turkey or ham is prepared first thing in the morning, before other gluten-containing items are prepared in the kitchen.
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Use a separate roasting pan and cutting board if reheating any leftovers at home. Don’t reuse surfaces/utensils that have touched gluten.
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Enjoy your holiday meal, but be aware of any symptoms in the following hours/days just in case.
The Bottom Line
HoneyBaked whole turkeys and hams are advertised as gluten free, according to the company. However, there may be a slight risk of cross-contamination during preparation and cooking in shared kitchens.
Many celiacs report eating HoneyBaked products with no issues. But some prefer to avoid them, especially very sensitive individuals.
My advice is to check the ingredients carefully, inquire about precautions at your local store, and make your own judgment call on whether you feel comfortable consuming it. If you do enjoy a HoneyBaked turkey or ham, pay attention to any symptoms afterwards. And as always when dining out, make sure you have medication available if needed to treat accidental exposure.
Meet The Ham Fam: Honey Baked Turkey Breast
FAQ
Is honey roasted turkey gluten-free?
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Why is turkey not gluten-free?
Is HoneyBaked Ham and Turkey gluten free?
Honeybaked Ham and Turkey is Indeed Gluten Free (GLUTEN WARNING – READ COMMENTS) It is such an easy meal and one that is a real crowd pleaser, so it was disturbing to learn that even thought the ham and the turkey are gluten free the glaze used on each contained gluten making it unsafe for those on the gluten-free diet.
Is turkey meat gluten free?
The good news is that, except for gluten added after processing, turkey meat is naturally gluten-free, including turkey fed with wheat or gluten-containing grains. These brands of whole turkeys and turkey products are labeled “Gluten Free.” That means that you can breath extra easy about serving them to people with celiac disease.
Where can I buy a gluten-free Turkey?
Empire brand turkey products can be found in most major grocery stores. Foster Farms Fresh Young Turkey and Fresh Young Turkey Breast are both gluten-free. Honeysuckle White markets gluten-free turkeys. The company’s website recommends that consumers “refer to product packaging for current and most accurate product information.”
Is Ham and Turkey gluten free?
It is such an easy meal and one that is a real crowd pleaser, so it was disturbing to learn that even thought the ham and the turkey are gluten free the glaze used on each contained gluten making it unsafe for those on the gluten-free diet.