Turkey is a lean and delicious protein that can be a healthy part of many diets. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity it’s important to find turkey options that are certified gluten-free. Hillshire Farm is one of the largest turkey brands in the U.S., offering deli meats sausages, and more. But are Hillshire Farm turkey products gluten free? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity?
Before diving into the gluten content of Hillshire Farm turkeys, it’s helpful to understand celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac, even small traces of gluten can trigger serious symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and nutrient malabsorption. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Gluten sensitivity is a milder condition marked by GI symptoms headaches fatigue and more after consuming gluten. It does not cause long-term damage like celiac disease. But a gluten-free or reduced gluten diet can help manage symptoms.
For both conditions, vigilance about cross-contamination with gluten is essential. Even tiny traces can cause issues.
Gluten Concerns with Deli Meats
Deli meats, including turkey, often containadditives and preservatives that can introduce gluten. Here are some common culprits:
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Provides flavor but contains gluten
- Maltodextrin: A thickener than can be derived from wheat
- Modified Food Starch: Can be made from wheat unless specified gluten-free
- Soy Sauce: Used in marinades and contains wheat
- Flavors/Natural Flavors: May contain wheat or barley
Cross-contamination is also a concern during processing. Deli meat slicers may cut both gluten and gluten-free products.
Evaluating Hillshire Farm Turkey
With an awareness of potential gluten issues, let’s evaluate some popular Hillshire Farm turkey options:
Hillshire Farm Oven Roasted Turkey
This deli meat contains modified food starch but the brand does not specify the source. According to celiac forums, some customers report getting sick from this product. Verdict: Not gluten free.
Hillshire Farm Natural Smoked Turkey
The ingredients look safe but it’s processed on shared equipment. Hillshire Farm states they follow allergen control procedures but there is still a risk of cross-contamination.Verdict: Questionable due to processing.
Hillshire Farm Turkey Sausage Links
These fresh sausages contain both wheat flour and soy sauce, clearly not gluten-free. Verdict: Not gluten free.
Hillshire Farm Roasted Turkey Lunchmeat
This product boasts a “gluten-free” label right on the packaging, indicating 3rd party certification. Verdict: Certified gluten-free.
Best Practices for Enjoying Hillshire Farm Turkey
While Hillshire Farm offers some gluten-free turkey options, exercise caution with most of their products:
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Stick to items with a certified “gluten-free” label for assurance.
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Thoroughly read ingredient lists and allergy info for every new product.
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Contact the company if any additive seems questionable. Don’t just rely on customer service representatives.
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Assume shared equipment and risk of cross-contamination if not specified gluten-free.
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Buy dedicated deli meat slicers for use at home if you eat turkey often.
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Look for brands that process gluten-free items only on dedicated equipment.
By carefully vetting labels and understanding potential risks, you can safely enjoy Hillshire Farm’s gluten-free turkey offerings. Be sure to pair your turkey with gluten-free bread, condiments, side dishes and more for a fully gluten-free meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about the gluten status of Hillshire Farm turkey products? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
Is Hillshire Farm turkey processed on shared equipment?
For their non-gluten free items, yes. Hillshire Farm uses shared equipment and does not claim to use dedicated equipment for gluten-free processing. Always verify items have a gluten-free certification to be safe.
What Hillshire Farm turkey products are gluten-free?
As of this writing, the Hillshire Farm Roasted Turkey Lunchmeat is their only product marketed as certified gluten-free. Other items may be produced on shared lines.
Does Hillshire Farm use wheat in their turkey products?
Some of their sausages contain wheat flour as a binding agent. Their lunchmeat does not directly contain wheat, but some may be processed on shared equipment.
Can I get sick from gluten cross-contamination in deli meats?
Yes, even small traces of gluten can make those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity ill. Stick to certified gluten-free products or dedicated processing when possible.
What should I look for on turkey ingredient lists?
Watch for additives like maltodextrin, soy sauce, modified food starch or hydrolyzed wheat protein. Also beware of “natural flavors” as these are proprietary and may contain hidden gluten.
Is it safe to eat Hillshire Farm turkey if I’m gluten-free?
Only their certified gluten-free roasted turkey lunchmeat is definitively safe. For their other products, either avoid entirely or contact the company to investigate your specific item. Proceed with caution.
Can Hillshire lunchmeat be eaten without the bread?
Yes, you can enjoy their gluten-free roasted turkey lunchmeat on its own or paired with gluten-free sides. Just avoid pairing it with gluten-containing bread or condiments.
Is Hillshire Farm Roast Turkey recommended for a gluten free diet?
The Hillshire Farm Roasted Turkey Lunchmeat is labeled as certified gluten-free, so it can be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free diet. Be sure to verify the specific product, as not all Hillshire Farm turkey is gluten-free.
The Bottom Line
When shopping for deli meat, the mantra for gluten-free consumers is “buyer beware.” Carefully inspecting labels and understanding manufacturing processes is key to finding truly gluten-free options. Hillshire Farm offers both gluten-containing and gluten-free turkey products. Stick to their certified gluten-free roasted turkey for assurance, and avoid the uncertainty of potentially contaminated items. With proper precautions, you can safely enjoy their gluten-free turkey options.
