Is Jennie-O Turkey Gluten Free? The Surprising Truth

With the holiday season coming up, many people start wondering – is Jennie-O turkey gluten free? For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s an important question The good news is that yes, Jennie-O turkeys are gluten free! However, there are a few things to keep in mind

Jennie-O is one of the largest turkey producers in the United States. They sell whole frozen turkeys as well as turkey products like ground turkey, turkey bacon lunch meat and more.

Turkey Meat Itself is Naturally Gluten Free

Turkey meat, like all poultry, is naturally gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It does not occur naturally in meat or poultry products.

So unless gluten containing ingredients are intentionally added, turkey is gluten free. This includes Jennie-O turkeys and turkey products.

The Jennie-O website states that “only two of our retail products currently contain gluten: Butterball Frozen Italian Style Meatballs and Butterball Frozen Stuffed Turkey.”

Be Wary of Added Ingredients

While the turkey meat itself is gluten free, some additional ingredients may contain gluten.

For whole Jennie-O turkeys, the main thing to watch out for is the flavor injector or gravy packet. Jennie-O injects their turkeys with a solution containing turkey broth, salt, sugars, and natural flavoring to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

While this injector is gluten free, the gravy packet included with Jennie-O whole turkeys does contain wheat and barley ingredients.

So if you want to use the gravy, you’ll need to make sure to use a gluten free gravy instead of the packet. You can use the turkey drippings to make your own gluten free gravy.

For other Jennie-O products like ground turkey and lunch meat, always check the ingredients list for any gluten containing additives or seasonings. Stick to plain turkey without add-ins to be safe.

How to Choose a Safe Jennie-O Turkey

Here are some tips for choosing a gluten free Jennie-O turkey:

• Check the packaging: Look for a “gluten free” label on the turkey packaging. This ensures the turkey contains no gluten.

• Avoid gravy packets: The gravy packets contain gluten, so opt for Jennie-O turkeys without gravy or make your own GF gravy.

• Stick to plain turkey: For products like lunch meat and burgers, stick to plain turkey with no seasonings or marinades which may have gluten.

• Verify ingredients: If in doubt, look at the detailed ingredients list and call the company to inquire about gluten free status.

Other Turkey Brands That Are Gluten Free

While Jennie-O is one of the largest turkey producers, there are some other reputable brands that clearly label their turkeys “gluten free”:

• Butterball gluten free turkey – Butterball offers plain frozen young turkeys with no gravy pack.

• Foster Farms turkey – Foster Farms Fresh Young Turkey and Turkey Breast are GF.

• Norbest turkeys – Norbest turkeys are certified gluten free with no fillers.

• Diestel turkey – Diestel Family Turkey Ranch offers certified organic and heirloom GF turkeys.

• Shelton’s turkeys – Shelton’s range of organic young turkeys are raised gluten free.

• Empire Kosher turkey – Empire Kosher whole turkeys and turkey parts are labeled gluten free.

As long as you stick to unseasoned whole turkey or plain turkey cuts from reputable brands that state “gluten free”, you can enjoy turkey over the holidays with confidence! Always verify ingredients and check for certifications to be safe.

Tips for Preparing and Cooking Jennie-O Turkey

Once you’ve selected a Jennie-O turkey that is gluten free, follow these tips for preparing and cooking it:

• Carefully read packaging – Follow all instructions on the turkey packaging for proper thawing, prep, cooking temps and times.

• Thaw safely – Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator or cold water, allowing ample time to thaw fully before cooking.

• Use new pan and utensils – Cook turkey in a clean roasting pan, avoid pans used for gluten items. Use designated utensils.

• ** Cook thoroughly** – Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in the thigh to kill any bacteria.

• Make gluten free gravy – Use defatted pan drippings or turkey broth to make gluten free gravy thickened with cornstarch.

• Avoid cross-contact – Keep turkey and any leftovers away from gluten containing foods during storage and prep. Designate leftovers.

With these simple precautions, you can safely enjoy delicious Jennie-O gluten free turkey! Always verify ingredients and follow food safety guidelines.

Commonly Asked Questions about Jennie-O Turkey and Gluten

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the gluten free status of Jennie-O turkey products:

Is Jennie-O turkey naturally gluten free?

Yes. Turkey meat is naturally gluten free.

Does Jennie-O inject their turkeys with gluten?

No. The injectable solution contains turkey broth, salt, and natural flavors – all gluten free.

Is Jennie-O frozen turkey gluten free?

Their plain frozen young turkeys are gluten free, just best to avoid the gravy packs.

Is Jennie-O ground turkey gluten free?

Yes, as long as you choose plain ground turkey with no seasonings.

Are Jennie-O turkey roasts and deli meat gluten free?

Some are – choose plain sliced or roasted turkey breast with no add-ins or flavorings.

Is it ok if the turkey was fed gluten grains?

Yes. Turkey fed gluten grains is still gluten free. Only the meat itself matters.

Are the leftovers from a gluten free Jennie-O turkey still gluten free?

Yes, as long as proper precautions are taken to avoid cross-contact with gluten items.

Can I still make gravy with the drippings if turkey had gluten gravy pack?

No. Use pan drippings only from turkeys with no gluten gravy packets.