For those avoiding gluten, holiday meals can present challenges. Favorite dishes often contain gluten ingredients or pose cross-contamination risks. One holiday staple that prompts questions is Kentucky Legend ham. With its smoked, cured flavor, is this classic brand actually gluten-free and safe to enjoy?
Kentucky Legend ham holds a special place in many households. Its hickory-smoked flavor provides a tasty centerpiece for celebrations and gatherings. But people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to know if they can safely feast on this iconic ham.
Below, we’ll explore Kentucky Legend’s gluten-free status, identify any risks, and provide tips for safely incorporating this traditional brand into your gluten-free lifestyle
Kentucky Legend’s Position on Gluten
Kentucky Legend states that they specially designate any products considered gluten-free with clear “gluten-free” labeling For consumers avoiding gluten, this takes the guesswork out of choosing safe options
Several of their ham varieties prominently feature the “gluten-free” label on packaging. These guaranteed gluten-free choices include
- Hickory Smoked Ham
- Brown Sugar Ham
- Honey Ham
- BBQ Ham
- Black Forest Ham
Kentucky Legend notes that all ingredients used in these gluten-free labeled hams are free of gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye, and oats. They avoid adding any problematic thickening agents, binders, or fillers.
Verification Testing Conducted
In addition to using gluten-free ingredients, Kentucky Legend states their suppliers must provide verification that raw materials meet gluten-free standards before being used in production.
The company also conducts finished product testing on all items marked gluten-free. This adds another layer of assurance that the ham contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
No Gluten Ingredients, But Questions Persist
By proactively labeling gluten-free varieties and verifying through testing, Kentucky Legend provides more safety assurances than most ham brands. But some uncertainty remains that is important for gluten-free consumers to consider:
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No certification – While Kentucky Legend tests finished products to ensure they meet gluten-free standards, their facilities and products are not certified gluten-free by an independent, third-party organization.
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Shared facilities – The company states that products not labeled gluten-free are produced in the same facilities, on shared equipment. They did not provide details on how equipment is cleaned between production runs.
So while the gluten-free labeled hams contain no gluten ingredients, there is still a chance of cross-contact with gluten during processing. Individual sensitivity levels play a role in determining if this poses a risk.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Kentucky Legend Ham
Here are some tips for safely incorporating Kentucky Legend into your gluten-free diet:
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Stick to certified brands if very sensitive – Those who react to trace amounts of gluten may want to choose a certified gluten-free ham brand instead like Dietz & Watson.
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Check each package – Don’t assume all Kentucky Legend variety hams are gluten-free. Only purchase those clearly marked “gluten-free” on the packaging.
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Avoid added glazes – Kentucky Legend gluten-free hams do not include glazes, but avoid added on glazes which may contain gluten thickening agents. Make your own glaze using gluten-free ingredients.
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Use a dedicated ham holder – If cooking a bone-in ham, use a ham holder or foil to keep the meat separate from any cookware that may pose cross-contact risks.
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Ask about prep if dining out – If ordering Kentucky Legend ham at a restaurant, inquire about steps taken to prevent cross-contamination during prep and serving.
Can You Enjoy This Holiday Favorite?
When managed carefully, Kentucky Legend’s labeled gluten-free hams can likely be enjoyed by most gluten-free consumers. Individuals with celiac disease or sensitivities should weigh their personal risks.
By starting with a ham guaranteed to have no gluten ingredients, then taking extra care around prep and serving, even very sensitive individuals may be able to partake in small portions. As with any new food, monitor symptoms to assess personal tolerance.
With its smokehouse pedigree and gluten-free varieties, Kentucky Legend can still take center stage at your next holiday feast. Follow the tips above for safely savoring their traditional hams, and look for the clear gluten-free label when buying. This allows you to continue enjoying a tasteful part of Kentucky holiday heritage.
Behind the Brand with Kentucky Legend Ham
FAQ
Is Kentucky ham gluten-free?
What brands of ham are gluten-free?
What are the ingredients in Kentucky Legend ham?
Is a Kentucky legend ham a real ham?
Is fresh ham gluten-free?
“Fresh ham” is uncured ham. It has not been cooked, smoked, or injected with chemicals and other ingredients. This type of ham does need to be cooked before eating. You also might like these articles on gluten-free thanksgiving recipes, gluten-free thanksgiving desserts, are potatoes gluten-free, and are oats gluten-free.
Are farmland hams gluten-free?
Farmland, another division of Smithfield Foods, makes an extensive variety of hams and ham products. The Farmland hams that appear on Smithfield’s gluten-free list include: Hatfield has five bone-in hams, 16 boneless hams, and seven ham steaks. However, Hatfield’s list of gluten-free products does not list any these hams.
Are Cook’s hams gluten-free?
Cook’s specifies that all ingredients used in its ham production be gluten-free, but the company still warns that its suppliers may change their formulations without telling Cook’s ahead of time. Nonetheless, this company seems pretty diligent when it comes to crafting gluten-free hams. Products include:
Is HoneyBaked Ham gluten-free?
HoneyBaked Ham states that its Signature meats—Bone-In Ham, Boneless Ham, and Turkey Breast—all are considered gluten-free. However, be warned that many people have reported reactions to these products in the past.
