Is Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork Gluten-Free?

Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people looking to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons This has led many to wonder – is Jack Daniel’s pulled pork gluten-free?

As someone who follows a gluten-free diet myself, I decided to do some research to find out. Keep reading for a detailed look at whether Jack Daniel’s pulled pork contains gluten or not.

What is Gluten?

First, let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly gluten is. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape and structure. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem

However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue. That’s why following a strict gluten-free diet is essential for managing these conditions.

Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork Ingredients

To determine if Jack Daniel’s pulled pork is gluten-free, we need to look closely at the ingredients list:

• Boneless Pork
• Water
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Sodium Phosphate
• Brown Sugar
• Carrageenan
• Granulated Garlic
• Granulated Onion
• BBQ Sauce (Sugar, Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Onion, Molasses, Soy Sauce, Tomato Paste, Modified Cornstarch, Soybean Oil, Dehydrated Garlic, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Vinegar, Salt, Worcestershire Sauce, Lemon Juice, Dark Chili Pepper, Paprika, Caramel Color, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper)

At first glance, this looks like a gluten-free ingredients list. None of the main components like pork, water, and spices contain gluten.

However, there are two potential sources of gluten we need to investigate further:

1. Soy Sauce – Most soy sauces contain wheat. However, the label specifies that Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce uses a soy sauce made with soybeans and wheat. This means the soy sauce definitely contains gluten.

2. Worcestershire Sauce – Traditional Worcestershire sauce recipes contain barley malt vinegar, which is derived from barley (a gluten grain). However, the Jack Daniel’s product uses a Worcestershire sauce made without barley malt vinegar.

Verdict: Jack Daniel’s Pulled Pork is NOT Gluten-Free

After closely examining the ingredients list and digging into the potential sources of gluten, I can definitively say that Jack Daniel’s pulled pork is NOT gluten-free due to the soy sauce.

While the Worcestershire sauce may be safe, the soy sauce clearly contains wheat. Even small amounts of gluten from soy sauce could be problematic for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

This means that Jack Daniel’s pulled pork is off-limits for those following a gluten-free diet. Having an occasional “cheat” with gluten may be ok for some gluten-free dieters, but Jack Daniel’s pulled pork should not be considered a reliably gluten-free option.

Tips for Finding Gluten-Free Pulled Pork

If you’re looking for gluten-free pulled pork options, here are a few tips:

• Check ingredient lists carefully and avoid products with soy sauce or malt vinegar
• Look for pulled pork made without BBQ sauce or use gluten-free BBQ sauces
• Make your own pulled pork at home from pork shoulder and gluten-free spices
• Ask your local barbecue restaurant if they offer gluten-free pulled pork options
• Stick to plain pulled pork without sauce when eating out to avoid cross-contamination

With so many BBQ sauces containing gluten, finding gluten-free pulled pork can be tricky. But with careful label reading and using gluten-free sauces at home, you can definitely still enjoy pulled pork on a gluten-free diet.

Enjoying Jack Daniel’s Products on a Gluten-Free Diet

While Jack Daniel’s pulled pork contains gluten, some other Jack Daniel’s products may be suitable in moderation for those following a gluten-free diet:

• Jack Daniel’s Whiskeys – Straight bourbon whiskey is distilled from corn, rye, and barley. The distillation process removes gluten proteins, leaving trace amounts (less than 20ppm) that most gluten-free dieters can tolerate in moderation.

• Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauces – Some of their BBQ sauce varieties may be gluten-free when soy sauce is not used, but always check labels to be sure.

• Marinades and Rubs – Spice rubs and marinades often do not contain glutenous ingredients. But again, double check spice mix labels before using.

While Jack Daniel’s pulled pork is off the menu for gluten-free diets, those looking to avoid gluten can likely still enjoy an occasional whiskey or gluten-free sauce from Jack Daniel’s in moderation. Just be sure to thoroughly check all labels first.

The Bottom Line

Sticking to plain pulled pork or making your own gluten-free version at home are your safest options. But with proper precautions, some Jack Daniel’s products may be suitable in moderation for gluten-free diets. Just be diligent about reading labels and finding gluten-free alternatives to enjoy barbecue without the pain of gluten.