Deli turkey can be a tasty and convenient meal option, but is it safe to eat if you follow a gluten-free diet? With updated info for 2023, this article provides a comprehensive look at the gluten status of deli turkey.
An Overview of Gluten in Deli Meats
For those avoiding gluten, a common question is whether pre-packaged and prepared deli meats are gluten-free The short answer is it depends
Plain unprocessed cuts of meat like turkey ham, and roast beef are naturally gluten-free. However, once they are processed into deli meats, the situation gets more complicated. Here are some potential sources of gluten that can turn a gluten-free meat into an unsafe deli meat product
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Added flavors and spices Many deli meats contain garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, celery powder, and other spice blends These flavorings can contain gluten from wheat, barley, rye, or malt sources.
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Binders and fillers: Deli meats often contain added starch, dextrin, and anti-caking agents derived from gluten-containing grains. They help bind and thicken the meat.
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Marinades and solutions: Deli meat processing may involve soaking or cooking meat in marinades, broths or flavor solutions that can contain gluten. Soy sauce, malt vinegar, broths and extractives are examples.
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Cross-contamination: Shared equipment, utensils and surfaces used for multiple meats can transfer gluten between products.
Clearly, the potential for gluten exposure is high with deli meats. So how do you determine if a product is truly gluten-free?
Identifying Safe Gluten-Free Deli Turkey
When selecting deli turkey, there are a few things to look out for:
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Avoid seasoned options: Stick to plain oven roasted and smoked turkey without additional flavors or spices. This minimizes the risk of gluten-containing ingredients.
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Check labels carefully: Scan the ingredient list and allergen statements for any sign of wheat, rye, barley or ambiguous ingredients.
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Look for GF labels: Choose brands that voluntarily label their products “gluten-free” for added assurance.
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Inquire about prep: Ask at the deli counter about shared equipment, utensils and marinades used for their turkey.
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Consider alternatives: Other low-risk options include plain ham, chicken, corned beef and roast beef.
Following these guidelines will help identify deli turkey that is gluten-free friendly. Refer to the brand lists below for specific recommendations.
Top Gluten-Free Deli Turkey Brands for 2023
Here are some of the top deli turkey brands that indicate gluten-free options through labeling or certification:
Boar’s Head
- Boar’s Head Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Boar’s Head Smoked Turkey Breast
- Boar’s Head All Natural Oven Roasted Turkey
Boar’s Head clearly labels gluten-free options.
Jennie-O
- Jennie-O Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Jennie-O Smoked Turkey Breast
- Jennie-O All Natural Oven Roasted Turkey
Jennie-O turkey is labeled gluten-free.
Butterball
- Butterball Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Butterball Smoked Turkey Breast
- Butterball Deli Thin Sliced Oven Roasted Turkey
Butterball turkey is certified gluten-free.
Applegate Organics
- Applegate Organic Oven Roasted Turkey
- Applegate Organic Smoked Turkey Breast
Applegate Organic turkey is labeled gluten free.
Dietz & Watson
- Dietz & Watson Oven Roasted Young Turkey Breast
- Dietz & Watson Smoked Young Turkey Breast
Dietz & Watson marks gluten-free items.
Wellshire Farms
- Wellshire Farms Nitrate-Free Smoked Uncured Turkey
- Wellshire Farms Nitrate-Free Oven Roasted Turkey
Wellshire Farms are gluten-free.
Plainville Farms and Kol Foods also indicate gluten-free turkey. Check labels each time, as ingredients can change.
Examples of Potentially Unsafe Deli Turkey Brands
Some deli turkey brands may contain gluten or do not indicate gluten-free status, including:
- Oscar Mayer
- Hillshire Farm
- Castle Wood Reserve
- Whole Foods 365
- Kirkland
- Diestel
Carefully verify ingredients and manufacturing details if choosing these brands.
Safe Gluten-Free Alternatives to Deli Turkey
In addition to the gluten-free turkey brands listed, consider these lower-risk deli meat options:
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Plain roast beef – Unseasoned, additive-free roast beef is naturally gluten-free.
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Plain ham – Opt for unflavored ham without marinades.
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Chicken breast – Plain rotisserie chicken breast is usually gluten-free.
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Corned beef – Plain sliced corned beef tends to be safe.
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Prosciutto – Dry cured prosciutto ham is traditionally gluten-free.
The Bottom Line: Enjoying Deli Meats Safely
While fresh turkey meat starts out gluten-free, processing introduces potential for gluten cross-contact and hidden sources. Taking care to choose plain roasted turkey deli meat from brands marked “gluten-free” provides assurance. With the proper selections, those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can enjoy deli turkey sandwiches. Always double check labels and when in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
Boar’s Head: 3
Jennie-O: 3
Butterball: 3
Applegate Organics: 2
Dietz & Watson: 2
Wellshire Farms: 2
Oscar Mayer: 1
Hillshire Farm: 1
Castle Wood Reserve: 1
Whole Foods 365: 1
Kirkland: 1
Diestel: 1
roast beef: 3
ham: 2
chicken breast: 2
corned beef: 2
prosciutto: 1
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FAQ
Is deli turkey gluten-free?
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Natural stateFresh, plain cuts of turkey are gluten-free. However, additives, seasonings, and processing methods can introduce gluten.
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Pre-packaged meatsDeli meats that are pre-packaged or bought at the deli counter may contain gluten.
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Marinades and saucesMany marinades and sauces contain gluten, such as soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
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Cross-contaminationDeli meats may be exposed to gluten through cross-contact with slicers, knives, and nearby gluten-containing foods.
Are all boar’s head deli meats gluten-free?
All Boar’s Head® meats, cheeses and condiments are gluten free. Shop Confidently with Boar’s Head. At Boar’s Head Brand, we’re proud to say that all of our meats, cheeses, spreads, and condiments are gluten free. In fact, we’ve been gluten free long before you even thought to ask.
Is Sara Lee deli turkey gluten-free?
For lunches, snacks, and more, you’ll feel good about feeding your family Sara Lee Honey Roasted Turkey Breast slices—high-quality meat that’s naturally gluten-free with no hormones or fillers.
Is Stop and Shop turkey gluten-free?
Per 2 Oz: 60 calories; 0 g sat fat (0% DV); 360 mg sodium (15% DV); 1 g sugars. Gluten free.
Are deli meats gluten-free?
And we’ve done articles on brands of gluten-free ham and gluten-free turkey, but not deli meats in general. These brands of deli and lunch meat that are either labeled gluten-free, or are naturally gluten-free meaning that they contain no gluten ingredients and list no wheat or gluten allergens, and for most celiacs they are considered safe.
Is turkey meat gluten free?
The good news is that, except for gluten added after processing, turkey meat is naturally gluten-free, including turkey fed with wheat or gluten-containing grains. These brands of whole turkeys and turkey products are labeled “Gluten Free.” That means that you can breath extra easy about serving them to people with celiac disease.
Are Jennie-O Deli meats gluten-free?
These brands of deli and lunch meat that are either labeled gluten-free, or are naturally gluten-free meaning that they contain no gluten ingredients and list no wheat or gluten allergens, and for most celiacs they are considered safe. Butterball makes a number of gluten-free deli meats. Nearly all Jennie-O lunch meats are gluten-free.
Is Butterball deli meat gluten-free?
All are gluten-free and also are free of monosodium glutamate (MSG), according to the company. Most varieties are gluten-free. Butterball, best known for its turkeys, also offers chicken and turkey deli meat for slicing at the deli counter. Out of the 17 varieties of deli meat, all but one (the turkey ham) are labeled gluten-free by the company:
Where can I buy a gluten-free Turkey?
Empire brand turkey products can be found in most major grocery stores. Foster Farms Fresh Young Turkey and Fresh Young Turkey Breast are both gluten-free. Honeysuckle White markets gluten-free turkeys. The company’s website recommends that consumers “refer to product packaging for current and most accurate product information.”
Is target deli meat gluten free?
If Target is where you prefer to shop, you’ll be happy to know that the Prime Fresh Delicatessen deli meat is labeled gluten free. It comes in honey ham, smoked turkey, salami and oven roasted turkey. Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.