Want to know if ham doesn’t have gluten? You’ve come to the right place! Read this article to learn what to look for in gluten-free ham. Plus BRANDS THAT ARE!.
I’ve also included our family-favorite recipe for sweet baked ham. I hope you like it as much as we do!.
Ham in its natural form is gluten-free. However, sometimes ham is subject to cross contamination with gluten during processing. Some ham is made with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. (Including deli ham. ).
This is why it’s very important to read the label and check the nutritional information before you buy ham products at the store. You might be able to eat the ham without the glaze packet since many of them have gluten in them.
But if you’re sensitive to trace amounts of gluten, stick to brands that are clearly labeled gluten-free.
Smithfield’s signature brown sugar glazed ham is an iconic holiday tradition for many families. But for those avoiding gluten, the classic Virginia-style ham poses some questions. With its sweet, glistening glaze coating, is Smithfield’s signature ham actually gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look.
A Brief History of Smithfield Ham
The town of Smithfield, Virginia has been mass-producing cured hams since the 1700s. Using a traditional process of salt-curing, hickory smoking, and aging, Smithfield ham gets its distinctively salty, smoky and complex flavor.
In the early 1900s large producers like Smithfield Foods started coating their hams with a sweet brown sugar glaze before smoking. This caramelized layer gives Smithfield ham its trademark balance of savory smoky and subtly sweet tastes.
Is the Ham Itself Gluten-Free?
The Smithfield ham is simply cured and smoked pork, so the meat contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. However, the signature brown sugar glaze is a potential source of gluten for those with celiac disease or sensitivity.
What Smithfield Says About Gluten
According to Smithfield Foods, their products test as gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million They avoid using barley, rye, oats or wheat in production.
Despite these reassurances, some gluten-sensitive individuals still report reacting to Smithfield ham, possibly due to cross-contamination. Those highly sensitive should use caution
Analyzing the Glaze Ingredients
While Smithfield doesn’t share their exact glaze recipe, they state it contains brown sugar, honey, molasses and natural flavors. Analyzing the labels shows a typical glaze contains:
- Brown sugar
- Sugar
- Water
- Honey
- Molasses
- Natural flavors
So the glaze appears to be made of gluten-free ingredients. Of course, recipes can change over time so it’s wise to always verify.
The Risk of Cross-Contamination
Even if the glaze has no gluten ingredients, cross-contamination during production is possible. Shared equipment and processing lines may transfer traces of gluten to the glaze or ham.
Smithfield does have sanitation protocols between products, but sensitive individuals still seem to react, indicating a low risk of cross-contact.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Smithfield Ham
For gluten-free individuals wanting to enjoy Smithfield ham, here are some tips:
- Carefully read glaze ingredients to confirm they are wheat-free
- Purchase pre-sliced ham to avoid deli cross-contact
- Opt for a glaze-free ham and make your own honey glaze
- Request freshly sliced ham before glazing from your local butcher
- Stick to major grocery store chains for better quality control
- Inquire about dedicated equipment and sanitation at the deli counter
- Start with a small serving to test your reaction
Best Practices for Gluten-Free Ham
When selecting any ham for a gluten-free diet, it’s smart to:
- Thoroughly read all ingredients on ham and glazes
- Verify “gluten-free” claims directly with the manufacturer
- Look for a trusted 3rd party certification like GFCO
- Opt for major brands with clear gluten-free status
- Know that seasonings and glazes often contain gluten
- Be extra cautious of deli-sliced hams due to cross-contact
- Only buy products with clear, unopened packaging
- Contact the company if you have any concerns
The Verdict on Smithfield’s Signature Ham
Based on available information, Smithfield’s signature hams appear to be made without gluten-containing ingredients. However, the potential for cross-contamination means sensitive gluten-free consumers should take some precautions enjoying these products.
Those who are highly gluten-intolerant are safer choosing a certified gluten-free ham from a brand like Jones Dairy Farm. People who can tolerate small amounts of gluten can likely eat Smithfield in moderation.
For very gluten-sensitive individuals, the safest option is always certified gluten-free pre-packaged ham from trusted brands. But Smithfield’s glazed hams may be tolerable for less sensitive gluten-free eaters when enjoyed occasionally in small portions. As always, your comfort level depends on your individual reaction history and sensitivity.
Other Tips for Choosing Gluten-Free Ham
No matter what brand you buy, keep these general tips in mind:
- Read all ingredients carefully, including glazes
- Seek out trusted gluten-free certifications
- Stick to major, transparent brands
- Know that seasonings often contain gluten
- Avoid loose deli hams and opt for sealed packages
- Contact companies directly about gluten-free status
With some label reading and extra care, even gluten-free eaters can enjoy the tradition of a perfectly glazed holiday ham. Brands like Smithfield provide hams that should be safe for most in moderation, but those highly gluten-sensitive have safer certified options. Do your homework and get to know your preferred brand’s production to find a delicious ham you can enjoy without worry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious sweet brown sugar glaze
- Moist and flavorful
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for holiday dinners
- Easy to make in advance
Here’s what you’ll neeed to make this gluten-free ham recipe:
- Do not use a pre-sliced ham. Instead, use a bone-in butt, shoulder, or shank cut. It also works well with the Costco Master Carve Half Ham (Applewood Smoked).
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar goes well with brown sugar and mustard. It adds tang and moisture and makes a DELICIOUS glaze!.
- Dry mustard powder: All you need is a little dry mustard powder to make a great ham with a savory taste.
- To dress up ham, brown sugar is the best thing ever. It gives the glaze that sticky, sweet, irresistible taste that makes baked ham so tasty.
You also might like this 3 ingredient ham glaze.
What Is Ham Made Of?
Ham is a type of pork that comes from the back thigh of a pig.
Because most ham is cured before it goes on sale, it doesn’t need to be cooked before it’s eaten. Chemicals such as sodium phosphate and sodium nitrite are injected into ham to cure it. Brown sugar, salt, and natural flavors are also added. Then it is cooked in a smoker or oven before being packaged.
“Fresh ham” is uncured ham. It has not been cooked, smoked, or injected with chemicals and other ingredients. This type of ham does need to be cooked before eating.
There are a few brands that sell certified gluten-free ham, and others that sell gluten-free ham (not certified). Here are some of the top options:
No matter what time of year it is, ham is always a holiday favorite! In our family, we love making a sweet baked gluten-free ham for both Easter and Christmas.
I ALWAYS use bone-in ham that is NOT pre-sliced. It changes the taste, texture, and moisture of the ham so much that you’ll never go back to pre-sliced lean boneless ham again!
The brown sugar sauce in this recipe is so tasty and makes the ham really stand out. It has just the right amount of sweet brown sugar, savory mustard, and tangy apple cider vinegar.
For the best holiday meal, serve your sweet baked ham with green beans or asparagus and classic cheesy potatoes.
Check out this full collection of gluten-free easter desserts!
Smithfield spiral ham honey glaze
FAQ
Are Smithfield glazed hams gluten-free?
Does ham glaze have gluten?
Is Signature ham gluten-free?
What is in the glaze for Smithfield ham?