Are Corned Beef Spice Packets Gluten-Free?

Corned beef is a popular delicacy, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. The distinctive pink meat is salty and flavorful making it a staple in many households. While corned beef itself is naturally gluten-free many come packaged with spice packets for seasoning during cooking. But are these corned beef spice packets safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

What is Corned Beef?

Corned beef gets its name from the “corns” of salt used to cure the meat. It’s made by soaking beef brisket in a brine solution, which both preserves the meat and infuses it with flavor. The brine usually contains water, salt, spices, and curing agents like sodium nitrite. After brining, the meat is slow-cooked until tender. This process turns the beef a characteristic pink color.

Traditionally, corned beef came packed with a spice packet for seasoning. But today, you can also find “uncured” corned beef without nitrites or spices added

Are Corned Beef Spice Packets Gluten-Free?

Corned beef spice packets typically contain seasonings like pepper, mustard seed, bay leaves, and coriander. These ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, some spice packet ingredients may contain hidden sources of gluten.

Potential sources of gluten in corned beef spice packets include

• Flour: Added as an anti-caking agent. Wheat flour is a common ingredient.

• Starch: Added to help distribute seasoning evenly. Wheat starch is sometimes used.

• Maltodextrin: A food additive derived from corn, potatoes, rice, or wheat. The wheat version contains gluten.

• Hydrolyzed wheat protein: Adds flavor. Contains gluten from wheat.

• Soy sauce: Used to enhance savoriness. May contain wheat.

• Modified food starch: Vague additive that could come from wheat.

So while corned beef spice packets are often gluten-free, it’s important to check the ingredients list to confirm. Potential sources of hidden gluten include wheat flour, wheat starch, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, soy sauce, and modified food starch.

How to Check if a Spice Packet is Gluten-Free

To determine if a corned beef spice packet is gluten-free, follow these steps:

• Read the ingredients list: Scan for any ingredients containing wheat, rye, barley, malt, or oats. Also watch out for vague terms like “starch” or “natural flavors.”

• Check for “gluten-free” labeling: Manufacturers may voluntarily label spice packets as “gluten-free” if they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. This label provides added assurance.

• Contact the manufacturer: If in doubt, reach out to the corned beef producer. Ask if a particular spice packet is gluten-free or contains wheat.

• When in doubt, leave it out: Don’t risk getting glutened. If a spice packet contains questionable ingredients, err on the side of caution.

Gluten-Free Brands of Corned Beef

Many major corned beef companies now offer gluten-free spice packets or unseasoned corned beef options. Here are some of the top gluten-free brands:

• Wellshire Farms: Their corned beef is cured without nitrates/nitrites or gluten. No spice packet needed.

• Hormel: Select varieties of Hormel corned beef are packaged with a gluten-free spice packet.

• Hebrew National: Their corned beef contains only beef, water, salt, sugar, and sodium nitrite. No spices added.

• Niman Ranch: Their “all natural” corned beef packs come with a gluten-free spice blend.

• Oberto: Oberto corned beef is gluten-free and cured without wheat.

• Armour: Most Armour corned beef products are gluten-free, but always verify ingredients.

Making Gluten-Free Corned Beef at Home

For full control over ingredients, consider making homemade corned beef. You can buy an unseasoned corned beef brisket and make your own gluten-free brine and spice blend. Here’s one recipe to try:

Brine:

• 1 gallon water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice

Gluten-Free Spice Blend:

• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons mustard seed
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Combine brine ingredients and submerge brisket. Refrigerate 3-10 days. Rinse brisket, pat dry, and coat with spice blend. Slow cook until fork tender. Slice and enjoy!

Corned Beef Options for a Gluten-Free Diet

With so many gluten-filled pitfalls, corned beef may seem off-limits on a gluten-free diet. But by reading labels carefully and choosing reputable brands, you can enjoy tasty corned beef safely. Opt for unseasoned varieties or confirm the spice packet is gluten-free. Even better, make your own corned beef at home with total control over ingredients. A little extra diligence goes a long way in indulging your cravings while protecting your health!