Is Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky Really Gluten-Free?

Beef jerky makes for the perfect high-protein snack to stash in your bag on-the-go. With its meaty umami flavor and chewy texture, it’s no wonder this savory dried meat is a favorite among hikers road trippers and busy professionals alike. However, if you follow a gluten-free diet, you may be wondering – can you safely snack on popular brands like Jack Link’s? Specifically, is their famous Original Recipe beef jerky actually gluten-free?

In today’s market, you can find many jerky brands that advertise as “gluten-free.” However, savvy snackers know to always inspect the ingredients list and nutrition labels closely. When it comes to Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky, the answer is not a simple “yes” or “no.” Read on to learn more about the gluten status of this classic jerky and how to enjoy it safely on a gluten-free diet.

What Exactly is Gluten?

Before diving into whether Jack Link’s Original Jerky contains gluten let’s start with the basics – what exactly is gluten?

Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and other related grains. Some examples of foods that naturally contain gluten include:

• Bread
• Pasta
• Cereal
• Baked goods
• Beer

Gluten provides elasticity and helps foods maintain their shape. It’s commonly added to processed foods as a binder, stabilizer, or thickening agent.

However, those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten. For these individuals, following a strictly gluten-free diet is a medical necessity. Even small amounts of gluten can cause serious health issues.

Now that we know why gluten is problematic for some people, let’s look at its potential presence in Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky.

Checking the Ingredients List

Whenever evaluating a food product for gluten, the first place to check is the ingredients list printed on the packaging.

At first glance, beef jerky appears to be a naturally gluten-free food. Jerky is made from sliced and dried beef, along with added seasonings.

However, when you check the ingredients label on a bag of Jack Link’s Original Recipe Beef Jerky, here is what you’ll find:

• Beef
• Sugar
• Salt
• Spices
• Hydrolyzed Soy and Corn Protein
• Maltodextrin
• Soy Sauce Solids
• Flavoring
• Caramel Color

The ingredients in bold are potential sources of gluten, either as direct ingredients or via cross-contamination.

Common Sources of Gluten in Beef Jerky

While meat itself is naturally gluten-free, many brands of beef jerky add sauces, seasonings, and flavorings that contain gluten or increase the risk of cross-contamination. Here are some of the most common potential sources of gluten found in beef jerky:

• Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce contains wheat. Some jerky brands use tamari or coconut aminos instead to avoid gluten.

• Maltodextrin: This is typically derived from wheat or barley and contains gluten.

• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein: Added to enhance flavor. Contains gluten.

• Caramel Color: May be derived from barley malt and contain trace gluten.

• Teriyaki Flavors: These often indicate soy sauce, which contains gluten.

• Shared Equipment: Even if the ingredients look gluten-free, cross-contamination is possible at manufacturing plants that also process wheat-based foods.

So in the case of Jack Link’s Original jerky, both the hydrolyzed soy and corn protein and maltodextrin would be sources of concern for those avoiding gluten.

Jack Link’s Gluten-Free Labeling

Jack Link’s states that their Original Beef Jerky recipe is gluten-free to less than 20ppm, meeting the FDA’s standards for gluten-free labeling.

However, they do note that the product is made on shared equipment that processes wheat and wheat by-products. They advise consumers to use their own judgment regarding the low risk of cross-contamination.

For those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive, this advisory may make them hesitate to consume the Original Beef Jerky. However, many gluten-intolerant consumers find Jack Link’s products to be well-tolerated when consuming them in moderation.

Other Tips for Enjoying Jack Link’s Jerky

If you do choose to eat Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky as part of your gluten-free diet, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Stick to individual 1oz packages, not bulk bags which have higher risk of cross-contamination.

• Check each bag’s ingredients list and manufacturing info periodically – formulations can change over time.

• Enjoy jerky in moderation as part of a balanced gluten-free diet, not as your main protein source.

• When in doubt, reach out to Jack Link’s consumer affairs for their latest testing and certification info.

• Have an intolerance symptom action plan in place in case of reaction.

Alternative Gluten-Free Jerky Brands to Try

If you find that Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky does not agree with your system, don’t worry – you have plenty of other gluten-free jerky options to enjoy!

Here are some top-rated gluten-free beef jerky brands to consider instead:

Krave Beef Jerky: Offers a wide range of flavors labeled 100% gluten-free. Their beef is also antibiotic and hormone-free.

Duke’s Beef Jerky: American-style jerky in flavors like Sweet & Hot Smoked. Gluten-free and made with no MSG.

Mission Meats: Grass-fed jerky with simple ingredients. Marked gluten-free and Paleo-friendly.

Ayoba-Yo Biltong: South African-style dried meat that’s naturally gluten-free. Multiple exotic flavors.

Cattaneo Bros: Quality jerky featuring both grass-fed and organic options. Marked Celiac Support Program compliant.

Epic Bar: Meat bars and jerky made with grass-fed meat and gluten-free ingredients.

Snack Safely

Jack Link’s aims to provide a gluten-free product with their Original Beef Jerky. However, individual sensitivities vary. Always check the ingredients list and nutrition facts to make your own informed decision when selecting a gluten-free jerky to enjoy.