Is Fletcher’s Bacon Gluten Free? The Complete Guide to Gluten-Free Bacon Brands

Bacon is a beloved breakfast food for many, but if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you may be wondering: is Fletcher’s bacon gluten free? The answer is yes – Fletcher’s bacon contains no gluten ingredients.

In this article we’ll take a deep dive into gluten-free bacon options including a full list of brands that offer gluten-free bacon varieties.

What Makes Bacon Gluten Free?

Bacon is just pork belly that has been cured, smoked, or both. The pork itself does not contain gluten However, many bacon brands add seasonings, flavorings, or other ingredients that may contain gluten.

Some common sources of gluten that can end up in bacon include:

• Flour dusting – Some brands dust flour between bacon slices to prevent sticking.

• Smoke flavoring – Some liquid smoke flavorings contain gluten.

• Spices and seasonings – Seasonings blends may contain gluten sources.

So to be gluten free, bacon needs to avoid these extra ingredients and stick to just pork, salt, and basic seasoning.

Is Fletcher’s Bacon Gluten Free?

Yes, Fletcher’s bacon is considered gluten-free.

Fletcher’s is a New Zealand brand that produces high-quality bacon products. According to the company, all Fletcher’s bacon varieties are gluten-free.

On its website, Fletcher’s states:

“All our bacon and ham products are gluten free as they contain no cereals, or cereal derivatives.”

So those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can enjoy Fletcher’s bacon. Some popular gluten-free options include:

• Fletcher’s Original Bacon
• Fletcher’s Maple Cured Bacon
• Fletcher’s Middle Bacon
• Fletcher’s Back Bacon

Fletcher’s also makes many other gluten-free cured and smoked meat products like ham and salami.

Other Gluten-Free Bacon Brands

In addition to Fletcher’s, many major bacon brands in the US, Canada, UK, and elsewhere offer gluten-free options. Here is a list of other brands with gluten-free bacon:

Applegate – All Applegate bacon is certified gluten-free, including Sunday Bacon, Turkey Bacon, and more.

Oscar Mayer – Oscar Mayer Original Bacon is labeled gluten-free. Their Selects and other varieties are also GF.

Hormel – Hormel Black Label bacon is naturally gluten-free. Avoid pre-cooked crispy varieties.

Kirkland – Costco’s Kirkland Signature Bacon is gluten-free.

Farmland – Look for Farmland Original and Applewood Smoked bacon. Avoid lower-fat and extra-thick cut.

Smithfield – Smithfield Original and Applewood Smoked bacon is GF. Avoid thicker cut and flavored varieties.

Nueske’s – All Nueske’s bacon, including applewood smoked and cherrywood smoked, is gluten-free.

Jones Dairy Farm – Jones Dairy dry aged bacon and Canadian bacon are certified gluten-free.

Pederson’s Natural Farms – Pederson’s bacon is certified GF. Flavors include original, peppered, and maple.

Wellshire Farms – Wellshire Farms sugar-free and no-sugar-added bacon is GF.

Dietz & Watson – Dietz & Watson gourmet bacon is certified gluten-free.

Butterball – Butterball turkey bacon is labeled gluten-free.

Jennie-O – Jennie-O turkey bacon is naturally GF.

Carl Buddig – Buddig original bacon made with beef is GF.

Halal – Halal beef bacon is gluten-free.

And most major supermarket private label or generic bacon is also gluten-free, but check labels.

What About Nitrates in Bacon?

Many health-conscious shoppers look for uncured or no-nitrate bacon. But beware – these can contain hidden sources of gluten.

Bacon cured with just salt is not very stable and does not have the typical bacon flavor. So to mimic traditional curing, many “uncured” bacons use natural curing agents like celery powder, celery juice, or celery salt.

The problem is these celery-based ingredients are likely to contain gluten. So uncured bacon is not always gluten-free.

When buying nitrate-free bacon, look for brands that use vinegar, lemon, or cherry powder for curing instead of celery products. Or stick with traditional cured bacon which is less likely to have gluten added.

Tips for Buying Gluten-Free Bacon

When shopping for gluten-free bacon, keep these tips in mind:

• Check labels – Read the ingredients and allergen statements for any sign of wheat, barley, rye or unspecified “natural flavors.”

• Buy mainstream brands – Major brands like Oscar Mayer are a safer bet than obscure brands.

• Know your cuts – Bacon is most likely to be GF if it’s regular cut and smoked. Avoid extra thick cuts and flavors.

• Watch out for flour – Higher-end or artisanal bacon is more likely to be dusted with flour.

• Buy pre-cooked – Pre-cooked bacon has less handling and lower risk of contamination.

• Opt for turkey or beef – Turkey and beef bacons have fewer ingredients and lower gluten risk.

• Shop gluten-free sections – Many stores now have designated gluten-free sections with verified options.

With so many reputable gluten-free choices, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy delicious bacon on a gluten-free diet. Brands like Fletcher’s, Pederson’s, Applegate, and more offer bacon that is every bit as tasty as conventional varieties.

So next time you’re planning a big breakfast or BLT, look for these gluten-free brands so you can indulge safely. With the right bacon, you don’t have to miss out on this classic savory treat.