* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family to enjoy delicious meals together. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the abundance of gluten-containing foods can make holiday celebrations challenging. Fortunately, with the right information and preparation, you can safely indulge in holiday favorites like smoked turkey.
What is Gluten and Why is it Problematic?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. Consuming gluten causes uncomfortable digestive symptoms and can lead to malnutrition and associated health complications.
To manage their condition, gluten-sensitive individuals must maintain a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding all foods and ingredients containing gluten. Cross-contamination is also a concern, as even tiny amounts of gluten can cause issues.
Is Plain Smoked Turkey Gluten Free?
The good news is that plain smoked turkey meat without additives is naturally gluten free! Turkey does not inherently contain gluten
However, many commercially packaged smoked turkey products include additional flavorings, glazes or gravies that may contain gluten sources Always check labels carefully Plain turkey is safest.
What About the Brine?
Some whole smoked turkeys are brined or self-basting. The brine or basting solution commonly includes known gluten grain ingredients.
Make sure any brined or self-basting turkey is specifically labeled “gluten free” Do not consume brined turkeys without a gluten-free confirmation
Deli Meat Safety Tips
Sliced smoked turkey deli meats also require caution. Some delis use glazes or other gluten-based seasonings on their sliced turkey. Cross-contamination from nearby gluten-containing lunchmeats is also a risk.
Your safest bet is to choose sealed packages of sliced smoked turkey from brands that explicitly label products “gluten free.” I recommend sticking with reputable gluten-free brands like Boar’s Head.
When purchasing sliced turkey meat from the deli counter, be sure to ask about ingredients and preparation to confirm the meat is unseasoned and uncontaminated.
Other Additives to Watch For
Aside from obvious breading or seasonings, there are a few other problematic ingredients that can lurk in smoked turkey:
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Malt vinegar – Malt is derived from barley and therefore not gluten free. Opt for plain cider vinegar instead.
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Soy sauce – Many soy sauces contain wheat. Tamari is a gluten-free substitute.
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Hydrolyzed vegetable/plant protein – Can be derived from wheat. Check sources.
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Modified food starch – May be derived from wheat. Confirm cornstarch.
When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to verify ingredients and preparation.
Delicious Gluten-Free Smoked Turkey Options
With proper precautions, you can safely enjoy delicious gluten-free smoked turkey this holiday season. Here are some tasty options:
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Plain smoked whole turkey (unbrined or brined with only gluten-free ingredients)
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Sliced smoked turkey breast from Boar’s Head or other explicitly gluten-free brands
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Smoked turkey legs or drumsticks without additives
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Gluten-free smoked turkey lunchmeat rolls from trusted brands like Diestel
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Leftover smoked turkey meat used in sandwiches, casseroles, soup and other recipes
With the popularity of specialty diets, many major brands now accommodate gluten-free needs. You can even find gluten-free smoked turkey options at stores like Walmart and Target. Check labels carefully and contact brands directly with any questions.
The holidays should be fun, comforting and flavorful for everyone. With proper precautions, those with gluten issues can safely partake in beloved traditions like enjoying delicious smoked turkey. Confirm ingredients, watch for cross-contamination risks and enjoy your celebration!
WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU FIND?
4 servings per container Serving size (56g)
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| % Daily Value* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat 1g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Polyunsaturated Fat | ||
| Cholesterol 25mg | 8% | |
| Sodium 500mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 1g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars 1g | ||
| Includes 1g added sugars | 2% | |
| Protein 10g | ||
| Calcium 0mg | 0% | |
| Iron 0mg | 0% | |
| Potassium 90mg | 2% | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | |
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients Turkey Breast Meat, Water, Contains 2% or Less of Salt, Potato Starch, Turbinado Sugar, Rice Starch, Carrageenan (from seaweed), Baking Soda, Cultured Celery Powder, Sea Salt, Cherry Powder
Promotions, product information and packaging are subject to change. Please refer to the packaging on store shelves for the most up-to-date information.
Wouldn’t it be great if all lunch meat didn’t contain preservatives? We think so. That’s why we make HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® lunch meat with no preservatives and nothing artificial. Leaving just great tasting lunchmeat. Naturally. We’ve slow smoked our classic turkey over applewood chips for that signature smoky and savory flavor. Craft a delicious sandwich, wrap or snack with HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® 100% natural (minimally processed, no artificial ingredients) Smoked Deli Turkey. Use HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® lunch meat to add protein to your favorite salad, or pair with cheese on a cracker for a great afternoon snack. HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Sliced Applewood Smoked Deli Turkey Lunch Meat comes in a convenient resealable package to retain freshness. Pick up this packaged lunch meat on your next trip to get groceries.
- 10 grams of protein and 50 calories per serving – and only 11 100% natural ingredients (minimally processed-no artificial ingredients)
- Great on sandwiches, to add protein to a salad or pair with cheese on crackers for a tasty afternoon snack
- No added nitrates or nitrites except for those naturally occurring in celery powder and sea salt
- No artificial ingredients, no preservatives, no gluten and no added hormones (Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in poultry)
- HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Sliced Applewood Smoked Deli Turkey Lunch Meat comes in a convenient resealable package
Natural means minimally processed and no artificial ingredients.
Slow Smoked Turkey – Naturally glutenfree
FAQ
Does smoked turkey have gluten?
Are smoked meats gluten free?
Why is turkey not gluten free?
Is Boar’s Head Smoked Turkey gluten free?
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.
Is whiskey gluten free?
Whiskey is gluten free drink. It is made with wheat, barley or rye. Even though it is considered as gluten free because of distillation process. So, whiskey can be considered as gluten free drink.
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 a turkey breast a gluten-free meal?
They raise all of their animals humanely. All of their lunch meat products are gluten-free and casein-free. Their lunch meat is whole-30 approved and sugar-free. Their Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast contains turkey breast, water, sea salt, potato starch, chicken broth, and rosemary extract. Each serving packs 11 grams of protein for a guilt-free meal.