Is Old Trapper Beef Jerky Really 100% Gluten-Free?

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding tasty, convenient snacks that are safely gluten-free can be a challenge. Beef jerky is a go-to snack for many, but not all brands are created equal when it comes to gluten.

Old Trapper Smoked Products is a popular beef jerky brand that markets many of its jerky products as gluten-free But can you truly trust that Old Trapper beef jerky is 100% free of gluten? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Old Trapper Beef Jerky?

Old Trapper Smoked Products is a family-owned company based in Oregon that has been making beef jerky and smoked meats since 1969. They offer a range of beef jerky in flavors like original, teriyaki, hot & spicy, and more.

Old Trapper jerky comes in a variety of formats – strips, sticks, or cuts. Their products are made from top round beef and smoked over natural hardwood for up to 14 hours.

According to their website, Old Trapper states that all their beef jerky products are gluten-free. This makes it an appealing option for those on a gluten-free diet who want an easy high-protein snack.

Evaluating the Gluten-Free Claim

For people with celiac disease or those who are highly sensitive, naturally the safety of Old Trapper’s gluten-free claim is extremely important. To determine if their products are truly 100% gluten-free, we need to dive into the details.

Here are the key factors to verify:

• Ingredients – Do any of the ingredients contain gluten or derivatives from gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or malt?

• Manufacturing – Are there adequate procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination with gluten?

• Testing – Has the finished product been tested to confirm non-detectable levels of gluten?

• Certification – Does the product carry any independent gluten-free certification?

Let’s explore how Old Trapper’s beef jerky stands up in each of these areas.

Ingredient Analysis

After thoroughly reviewing the ingredients for all of their beef jerky flavors, Old Trapper products appear to be made without any overt gluten-containing ingredients.

Their original flavor contains just beef, water, seasoning, salt, and sodium nitrite. Other flavors rely on ingredients like soy sauce, sweeteners, spices, vinegar, and citrus juice – none of which contain gluten.

On the surface, the ingredients look gluten-free. However, there’s always potential for hidden sources of gluten in flavorings, seasonings, or through cross-contamination.

Manufacturing Processes

On their website, Old Trapper provides limited details about manufacturing but does state their products are produced in a gluten-free facility.

They avoid using wheat, rye, barley, and malt. Old Trapper also claims to perform thorough equipment cleaning and sanitation procedures to prevent cross-contamination with allergens.

However, they do not elaborate on what exactly those sanitation procedures entail. This makes it difficult to fully evaluate the risk of gluten exposure during manufacturing.

Product Testing

Old Trapper does not provide any indication that their beef jerky products are routinely tested to confirm gluten levels. This leaves some uncertainty whether finished products consistently contain non-detectable amounts of gluten.

Without product testing data available, those with celiac disease have no way to verify the gluten content stays within the safe range for their needs.

Certifications

Another useful verification that a product is gluten-free is if it carries certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

However, Old Trapper beef jerky products do not currently carry any independent gluten-free certifications. The lack of third-party validation makes their gluten-free claims less reliable.

Are There Any Risks?

Based on the available information from Old Trapper, their beef jerky appears to be formulated without gluten-containing ingredients. However, there are some potential gaps:

• No details on sanitation procedures or how shared equipment is cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.

• No product testing data to validate non-detectable gluten levels.

• No gluten-free certification for added assurance and accountability.

For these reasons, individuals with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive may want to exercise some caution with Old Trapper beef jerky.

There is no way to guarantee the products are 100% gluten-free given the lack of third-party certification and product testing.

Best Practices for Avoiding Gluten

To stay healthy on a gluten-free diet, here are some smart practices to follow when selecting processed foods and snacks:

• Carefully read all ingredient labels and watch for hidden sources of gluten.

• Look for voluntary gluten-free labels from GFCO, NSF, or GIG.

• Check for any statements about manufacturing practices to avoid cross-contamination.

• Call the company if needed to ask additional questions about their protocols.

• If highly sensitive, stick to naturally gluten-free whole foods as much as possible.

• Test new products first in small amounts and discontinue use if any symptoms occur.

The Verdict on Old Trapper Jerky

At the end of the day, although Old Trapper markets their jerky as gluten-free, there is not sufficient independent verification to consider it 100% guaranteed gluten-free for those who are highly sensitive or have celiac disease.

Individuals with milder sensitivities may be able to tolerate Old Trapper beef jerky without issues. However, for those who react to trace gluten, there may still be some degree of risk involved.

Old Trapper could improve their gluten-free assurances by pursuing GFCO certification, providing more manufacturing details, and reporting product testing results.

Until more rigorous evidence is available, individuals with celiac disease may prefer choosing a certified gluten-free beef jerky brand with full transparency about manufacturing and testing protocols.

However, those less sensitive may determine the ingredients seem reasonably safe to try Old Trapper jerky in moderation, while carefully monitoring for any adverse symptoms.

The Bottom Line

Finding truly gluten-free packaged foods takes some detective work. While Old Trapper states their jerky is gluten-free, they currently lack independent certification and testing results to provide validated assurance for those who are highly gluten-reactive.

Celiacs and those highly sensitive to gluten may prefer to opt for another labeled gluten-free brand with stricter precautions until more evidence emerges. However, trying Old Trapper jerky in moderation could be an option for those with less severe intolerances.

No matter what brand you choose, be sure to closely inspect labels, contact manufacturers with questions, and listen to your own body’s signals when deciding if a product is right for your individual needs and level of sensitivity.