Are Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits Gluten-Free?

Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits are a popular bacon topping used to add flavor to salads, baked potatoes, soups, and more. With the rise in gluten-free diets, many are wondering if Real Bacon Bits are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Ingredients in Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits

According to the ingredient list on Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits the product contains

• Bacon (cured with water, salt, smoke flavoring, sugar, sodium nitrite)
• Soy protein concentrate
• Salt
• Caramel color
• Malic acid
• Sodium diacetate
• Torula yeast
• Natural smoke flavor
• Reduced iron
• Zinc oxide
• Niacinamide
• Yellow 5
• Yellow 6
• Thiamine mononitrate
• Folic acid
• Pyridoxine hydrochloride
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin B12

Do Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits Contain Gluten?

Upon inspection of the ingredients, Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits do not contain any overt gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or oats.

However the ingredient “smoke flavoring” may be a potential source of gluten. Smoke flavoring can be derived from wheat or malt which would contain gluten. Oscar Mayer does not specify the source of the natural smoke flavoring used in their bacon bits.

• Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits do not contain obvious gluten ingredients
• But the smoke flavoring may potentially contain gluten if derived from wheat or malt

Without confirmation from the manufacturer on the exact source of the smoke flavoring, it’s impossible to say with 100% certainty that Real Bacon Bits are gluten-free.

Best Practices for Gluten-Free Diet

Given the uncertainty around the natural smoke flavoring, following are some best practices for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity regarding Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits:

• Contact Oscar Mayer directly to inquire about the source of the smoke flavoring used in their product. This is the only way to know for sure if the smoke flavoring is gluten-free.

• Take a cautious approach and avoid Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits, unless you get confirmation from the company that the smoke flavoring is gluten-free.

• If choosing to consume, start with a small serving to see if you react before using regularly.

• Look for bacon bits and bacon flavored products that are certified gluten-free, so no guesswork is required.

• Rely on single-ingredient bacon from trusted gluten-free brands as a safer option. Then crumble into “bacon bits” yourself.

Other Potential Gluten-Free Bacon Bits

If looking for alternatives, here are some bacon bits options that are labeled gluten-free:

• Hormel 100% Real Bacon Bits
• McCormick Bac’n Bits, Bacon Flavored Soy Protein Bits
• Alexia Organic Bacon Crumbles
• B&G Foods Crunchatize Real Bacon Bits
• Edward & Sons Let’s Do…Organic Bacon Flavored Bits
• Wellshire Nitrate-Free Bacon Bits

Be sure to always double-check the label and ingredients for any changes whenever buying any product labeled gluten-free. Manufacturers can change formulations at any time.

Other Tips for a Gluten-Free Diet

When living gluten-free, it’s important to watch out for hidden sources of gluten in foods:

• Read labels carefully: Look for any suspicious ingredients that could contain gluten. Never assume.

• Look for “gluten-free” labels: Opt for certified gluten-free products when possible to remove doubt.

• Contact manufacturers: Don’t be afraid to call or email companies to ask about ingredients.

• Avoid cross-contamination: Prevent contact with gluten-containing foods during prep and cooking.

• Check medications and supplements: Gluten can lurk in pill binders and fillers too.

Following a gluten-free diet requires some extra effort, but taking precautions will keep you safe. When in doubt, leave it out!

The Bottom Line

While Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits do not contain obvious gluten sources, the smoke flavoring leaves some room for question on whether the product is gluten-free. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution and consider opting for bacon bits with certified gluten-free labels to remove any doubt. When shopping gluten-free, always read ingredients carefully and contact manufacturers when uncertain about any product.