Is Kentucky Legend Ham Gluten-Free? Enjoy This Classic Brand Safely

For those of us avoiding gluten, holiday meals can be challenging. Many of our favorite dishes contain gluten or pose cross-contamination risks. One holiday staple that often raises questions is Kentucky Legend ham. With its iconic smoky, cured flavor, can this classic brand be safely enjoyed on a gluten-free diet?

Kentucky Legend ham has a special place in many homes Its signature hickory-smoked taste provides a mouthwatering centerpiece for celebrations and get-togethers But people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to know if they can feast worry-free on this beloved ham,

Below we’ll explore Kentucky Legend’s gluten-free status identify potential concerns, and offer tips for incorporating this time-honored brand into your gluten-free lifestyle.

Kentucky Legend Clearly Labels Gluten-Free Varieties

Kentucky Legend states that any products considered gluten-free are specially marked with clear “gluten-free” labeling. This takes the uncertainty out of choosing safe options for gluten-free consumers

Several of their ham varieties prominently feature the “gluten-free” label on the packaging. These guaranteed gluten-free choices include:

• Hickory Smoked Ham
• Brown Sugar Ham
• Honey Ham
• BBQ Ham
• Black Forest Ham

Kentucky Legend confirms that all ingredients used in these labeled gluten-free hams are free of gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye, and oats. They avoid adding any problematic thickeners, binders, or fillers.

Supplier Verification and Product Testing Conducted

In addition to using only gluten-free ingredients, Kentucky Legend requires their suppliers to verify all 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 provides extra assurance that the final ham contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

No Gluten Ingredients, But Contamination Risks Exist

By proactively labeling gluten-free options and testing finished products, Kentucky Legend offers more safety guarantees than most ham brands. But some uncertainty remains that gluten-free consumers need to consider:

• No third-party certification: While Kentucky Legend tests products to ensure they meet gluten-free requirements, their facilities and products are not certified gluten-free by an independent organization.

• Shared facilities: The company states that non-gluten-free items are made on the same lines and equipment. Details were not provided on how equipment is cleaned between production runs.

So while the labeled gluten-free hams contain no gluten ingredients, cross-contact with gluten could potentially occur during processing. Individual sensitivity levels determine if this poses a risk.

5 Tips for Safely Enjoying Kentucky Legend Ham

Here are some tips for safely enjoying Kentucky Legend as part of your gluten-free diet:

• Choose a certified brand if highly sensitive: Those who react to trace gluten may prefer a certified gluten-free ham brand like Dietz & Watson.

• Check each package: Don’t assume all Kentucky Legend hams are gluten-free. Only buy varieties clearly labeled “gluten-free”.

• Avoid added glazes: Kentucky Legend’s gluten-free hams don’t include glazes, but steer clear of after-market glazes that may contain thickening agents with gluten. Make your own glaze using gluten-free ingredients.

• Use a dedicated ham holder: When cooking a bone-in ham, use a ham holder or foil to isolate the meat from cookware that poses cross-contact risks.

• Ask about prep if dining out: If ordering Kentucky Legend ham at a restaurant, ask what steps they take to prevent cross-contamination during prep and serving.

The Verdict: Enjoy This Holiday Favorite Carefully

When handled carefully, Kentucky Legend’s labeled gluten-free hams can likely be enjoyed by most gluten-free individuals. Those with celiac disease or sensitivities should assess their personal risks.

By starting with a ham guaranteed to have no gluten ingredients, then taking extra precautions during prep and serving, even highly sensitive people may be able to safely enjoy small portions. Monitor symptoms to gauge your personal tolerance, as with any new food.

With its rich pedigree and clearly marked gluten-free varieties, Kentucky Legend can still steal the show at your next celebratory feast. Follow these tips to relish their traditional hams, and always check for the clear gluten-free label when buying. This allows you to continue delighting in a cherished Kentucky holiday tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kentucky ham gluten-free?

Kentucky Legend’s ham options labeled gluten-free include: Baked Honey Ham, BBQ Ham, Black Forest Ham.

What brands of ham are gluten-free?

Several brands sell gluten-free cooked ham, including Kirkland Master Carve Half Ham (Costco), and Burgers’ Smokehouse Boneless Sliced Sweet Smoked City Ham. Dietz & Watson and Jones Dairy Farm also sell certified gluten-free ham.

What are the ingredients in Kentucky Legend ham?

Ingredients include: Water, Salt, Sodium Lactate, Sugar, Sodium Phosphate, Brown Sugar, Dextrose, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.

Is Kentucky Legend ham real ham?

Yes. Kentucky Legend hams are hand-selected, hand trimmed, cured with natural ingredients and slowly smoked over hickory wood. This traditional process results in real, authentic ham.

Is fresh ham gluten-free?

Yes. Fresh uncured ham without added ingredients is naturally gluten-free. However, fresh ham still needs to be cooked thoroughly before eating.