Is Kirkland Bacon Gluten Free?

Kirkland is Costco’s signature brand, known for providing quality products at bulk prices. Their bacon is no exception – it’s tasty, affordable and comes in big packs perfect for large families or meal prepping. But an important question for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is, is Kirkland bacon actually gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look.

About Kirkland Bacon

Kirkland offers several varieties of bacon including

• Fully Cooked Hickory Wood Smoked Bacon
• Fully Cooked Applewood Smoked Bacon
• Fully Cooked Cherrywood Smoked Uncured Bacon
• Fully Cooked Center Cut Bacon

The bacon is sold in packs of 6-24 slices depending on the variety. It’s produced for Costco by major bacon manufacturers like Smithfield Farmland Foods Hatfield Quality Meats and others.

Kirkland bacon gets high marks for taste and value. But it’s especially appealing to the gluten-free community if it can be safely consumed.

Is Bacon Naturally Gluten Free?

Most basic bacon contains just two ingredients – pork belly meat and salt. Some varieties add sugar, spices or wood smoke flavoring as well.

Since bacon doesn’t inherently contain gluten, it’s often considered naturally gluten-free. The main exception would be if a producer explicitly adds wheat or related grains during processing and preparation.

So in its pure unadulterated form, bacon generally doesn’t pose a gluten risk. But for certified gluten-free assurance, it’s best to look for bacon that’s specifically labeled as such.

Is Kirkland Bacon Labeled Gluten Free?

Unfortunately Kirkland bacon is not labeled as gluten-free. The ingredients just list pork belly, water, sea salt, natural smoke flavor, sugar and sodium phosphate.

There’s no indication that wheat or gluten sources were added. But the lack of a “gluten-free” label means it hasn’t gone through gluten testing and certification.

So for very sensitive celiacs, the ingredient statement alone may not provide enough assurance. The bacon could theoretically pick up traces of gluten during processing on shared equipment.

What About Testing Kirkland Bacon?

To cover all bases, some folks have sent Kirkland bacon out for third party gluten testing:

• ConsumerLab tested samples of Kirkland bacon and found gluten levels under 5 ppm (considered gluten-free).

• FoodIsGood.com used ELISA testing specific for the gluten protein and reported non-detectable levels in Kirkland bacon.

These independent lab results are reassuring and suggest Kirkland bacon is likely gluten-free to a high degree of certainty. But without an explicit guarantee from the manufacturer, a tiny risk of exposure still exists.

Other Bacon Brands Labeled Gluten-Free

While most major bacon brands are likely low gluten, a few go the extra step to test and label their products gluten-free:

• Wellshire Farms
• Pederson’s Natural Farms
• Applegate Organics
• Shelton’s
• Whole Foods 365 Organic

So if you want to remove any shadow of doubt, these certified gluten-free options are available. Though they do come at a higher price point in most cases.

Is Kirkland Bacon Okay for a Gluten-Free Diet?

At the end of the day, Kirkland bacon appears to be a fairly low risk gluten-wise based on ingredient lists and independent lab results. But without an explicit guarantee from the manufacturer, it’s impossible to completely rule out any chance of gluten exposure.

Here are some tips on enjoying Kirkland bacon while gluten-free:

• Check with your doctor if you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive. Bacon is generally not recommended for celiacs due to the lack of certification. But levels may be low enough for those simply avoiding gluten.

• Stick to 1-2 slices per serving and eat bacon only occasionally to limit any potential exposure.

• Look for symptom reactions each time you eat it. If you react, discontinue use.

• Rotisserie chicken, sausages and other Kirkland meats are likely lower risk, since poultry and pork are less likely to be contaminated.

• For maximum assurance, opt for certified gluten-free bacon like Wellshire Farms whenever possible. Or verify gluten-free status through third party testing.

The Bottom Line

Kirkland bacon is not certified gluten-free or labeled as such. However, independent lab results suggest it contains very low to non-detectable levels of gluten. So while not 100% guaranteed gluten-free, it may be fine for many following a gluten-free diet, especially in moderation. But for those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive, certified gluten-free bacon is the safest choice.