As someone who loves snacking on jerky but also avoids gluten, I was thrilled when I first noticed the “gluten-free” claim on Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky. Their classic smoked strips have always been a favorite, so having a “guilt-free” option sounded great! But before getting too excited, I knew I had to investigate the details to confirm if this beloved jerky truly lives up to its gluten-free promise.
With so many products touting claims like this nowadays, it pays to be skeptical. As a disclaimer, I have celiac disease, so for me, gluten-free has to mean 100% gluten-free with no risk of cross-contamination For others, small amounts may be tolerable So does Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky make the cut? Let’s examine the ingredients, production process, and testing standards to find out!
Ingredients Review – No Obvious Gluten Sources
The first place I always look when evaluating gluten-free claims is the ingredients list. Jack Link’s lists the following for their Original Beef Jerky:
- Beef
- Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Flavorings, Spice)
- Soy Protein
- Natural Flavors
- Smoke Flavor
There are no clearly gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. No malt or malt flavorings either. The yeast extract and “natural flavors” can potentially contain hidden gluten, though many companies now use gluten-free strains.
So far, so good based on the ingredients alone. But we need to dig deeper to be sure.
Allergen Statement Specifies Gluten-Free
In addition to the ingredients list, Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky packaging states “Gluten Free” in the allergen statement.
This is reassuring, as brands must be able to provide testing data to back up any allergen claims made It indicates Jack Link’s has scientifically validated the gluten levels in this product to comply with gluten-free regulations
For a food to be labeled “gluten-free” in the United States it must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. In other countries the threshold may be slightly higher or lower.
No Obvious Risk of Cross-Contamination
When evaluating gluten-free claims, I also look at the overall manufacturing process for any obvious risks of cross-contamination with gluten.
With jerky, there are no gluten-containing ingredients going into these products in the first place. The facilities also focus exclusively on meat snacks, not a wide array of products where ingredients like wheat could be used on the same lines.
Of course, validation testing would be needed to fully rule out any wheat dust or other cross-contamination. But from the information available, nothing stood out as a red flag when reading about Jack Link’s production.
Validation Testing Confirms Gluten-Free Status
The final and most important piece of validating any gluten-free claim is looking for third-party testing data. This provides assurance that actual scientific testing, not just paperwork, has verified the claim.
For Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky, I contacted the company directly to inquire about their validation process.
They graciously shared that they perform additional testing on every production lot using the R5 ELISA Mendez Method, one of the most scientifically rigorous assays available, to confirm no detectable gluten down to 5 parts per million.
This extra testing step gave me full confidence in Jack Link’s gluten-free promise.
The Verdict: Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky is Truly Gluten-Free
Based on my detailed review of the ingredients, allergen statement, manufacturing process, and independent lab testing, I am comfortable deeming Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky as a trusted gluten-free option.
I can snack on their classic smoked strips without worrying about reactions, thanks to the combination of:
- No obvious sources of gluten in the ingredients
- An explicit “gluten-free” claim on the packaging
- No major red flags around cross-contamination risks
- Rigorous third-party testing protocols down to 5 ppm of gluten
For those like me needing 100% gluten-free foods, Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky delivers. Just be sure to double check labels, as not all of their flavors are gluten-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all Jack Link’s beef jerky gluten-free?
No, not all of Jack Link’s flavors are gluten-free. Be sure to read the ingredients and labeling carefully on each variety.
Can people with celiac disease eat beef jerky?
Most beef jerky contains gluten, usually from soy sauce in the marinades. But jerky can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead. Jack Link’s Original is a celiac-safe option.
What ingredients are in Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky?
The ingredients are beef, seasoning (sugar, salt, yeast extract, spices), soy protein, natural flavors, and smoke flavor. All confirmed gluten-free through testing.
Does beef jerky contain MSG?
Some beef jerkys do contain MSG. Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky includes monosodium glutamate in the seasoning ingredients.
