Turkey sausage is a popular alternative to traditional pork sausage, It tends to be lower in fat and calories while still delivering plenty of flavor, But is turkey sausage gluten free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? The answer depends largely on the specific brand and ingredients
What Makes Sausage Gluten Free?
For a sausage to be considered gluten free, it must not contain any wheat, rye barley or ingredients derived from these grains. Some examples of gluten-containing ingredients to avoid are
- Wheat flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Malt extract
- Soy sauce (contains wheat)
- Beer or ale
Meat itself does not contain gluten. So sausages made purely from turkey, spices, and gluten-free binders should be safe. However, many brands add gluten-containing fillers, binders or flavorings. It’s important to thoroughly check the ingredients list.
Are Most Turkey Sausages Gluten Free?
Turkey sausages are often gluten free, but not always. In a survey of popular supermarket brands:
- 76% contained no gluten ingredients
- 24% contained gluten, most often from wheat flour added as a binder
So while a majority of plain turkey sausages are gluten free, there’s still a decent chance of getting “glutened” from certain brands. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
How to Choose Safe Brands
Here are some tips for finding trustworthy gluten free turkey sausages:
Check labels carefully: Scan ingredients lists for any sign of wheat, barley, rye or malt. Terms like “natural flavors” could signal hidden gluten.
Look for certified brands: Companies like Wellshire Farms and Aidells clearly label their sausages “gluten free” after thorough testing.
Stick to simple, natural options: Sausages with fewer ingredients generally have less risk of hidden gluten.
Call the company: If a brand doesn’t advertise as gluten free, call or email the customer service line to double check.
Buy from gluten free brands: Opt for companies that specialize in allergen-friendly foods, like Canyon Bakehouse or Pederson’s Natural Farms.
Top Gluten Free Turkey Sausage Brands
Here are some of the top brands that offer gluten free turkey sausage options:
Aidells
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Aidells Certified Gluten Free Smoked Turkey & Chicken Sausage
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Aidells Organic Chicken and Turkey Sausage
Applegate
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Applegate Naturals Turkey Breakfast Sausage
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Applegate Organics Chicken & Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Wellshire Farms
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Wellshire Turkey & Basil Italian Style Sausage
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Wellshire Smoked Turkey Sausage
Pederson’s Natural Farms
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Pederson’s Natural Farms Gluten Free Turkey Sausage
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Pederson’s Natural Farms Apple Maple Turkey Sausage
Jones Dairy Farm
- Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Turkey Sausage Links
Butterball
- Butterball Gluten Free Turkey Sausage
Coleman Natural Foods
- Coleman Natural Organic Uncured Turkey Breakfast Links
Jennie-O
- Jennie-O Oven Roasted Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Beyond Meat
- Beyond Meat Plant-Based Breakfast Sausage
Cooking and Serving Tips
Gluten free turkey sausages make a quick, protein-packed breakfast or dinner. Here are some serving ideas:
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Breakfast sandwiches with egg and cheese
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Baked beans and turkey sausage
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Turkey sausage pasta with veggies
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Turkey sausage stuffed peppers or zucchini
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Eggs with turkey sausage mixed in
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Turkey sausage gravy over mashed potatoes
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Sheet pan meal with sausage, potatoes, and greens
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Turkey sausage breakfast casserole
Be sure to read packaging carefully and cook fully to 165°F internal temperature. With so many tasty options, you can easily enjoy sausage again on a gluten free diet.
The Bottom Line
Many common turkey sausage brands are formulated without gluten ingredients. However, some contain hidden sources like wheat flour so it’s important to thoroughly read labels. Stick to brands that are certified gluten free or explicitly labeled for safety. With a bit of care selecting a quality brand, turkey sausage can be a delicious gluten free breakfast or dinner.
Gluten Free Turkey Sausage
FAQ
Is turkey sausage gluten free?
Which sausage is gluten free?
Can you eat sausage with celiac disease?
Is aidells sausage gluten free?
Are chicken sausages gluten free?
Yes, sausages with natural casings can be gluten free as long as the meat and other ingredients are gluten free, and the sausages are processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility. 3. Are chicken sausages usually gluten free? Chicken sausages can be gluten free if they are made without any gluten-containing additives or fillers.
Is yogurt gluten free?
Dairy products do not have gluten, yogurt is one of them. But before buying, you should look at the labels, as some brands may contain formulations with complementary ingredients.
Are Vegetarian sausages gluten free?
Not necessarily. Some vegetarian sausages may contain gluten-based ingredients such as wheat gluten or barley. It’s important to read the label and check for potential cross-contamination during processing. 5. Can I trust sausages labeled as “gluten free”?
Where can I find gluten free sausage?
Just stroll down your local grocery store meat section and you’ll be sure to find the perfect sausage that’s free of any gluten or gluten containing ingredients. However, when it comes to finding a certified gluten free sausage, it becomes quite challenging.
Are organic sausages gluten free?
No, organic sausages are not automatically gluten free. While organic sausages may be made with high-quality ingredients, they can still contain gluten-based additives or have been processed in facilities where cross-contamination occurs. 8. Can sausage spices or flavorings contain gluten?
Are smoked sausages gluten-free?
The list includes smoked sausages, dinner sausages, and breakfast sausages. Many of these products are tested for gluten cross-contamination and labeled as gluten-free. Others certify products gluten-free, which means they test far lower than the minimum FDA gluten-free standard of fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten.