Is Oscar Mayer Bacon Gluten Free?

Oscar Mayer is one of the most popular and well-known bacon brands in the United States Many people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity wonder if Oscar Mayer bacon products are gluten free and safe to eat on a gluten-free diet

The good news is that most Oscar Mayer bacon varieties are labeled and marketed as gluten-free! Oscar Mayer bacon contains no gluten ingredients, making it a tasty gluten-free option to enjoy.

Overview of Oscar Mayer Bacon

Oscar Mayer was founded in 1883 and is now owned by Kraft Heinz. It’s a leading producer of hot dogs lunchmeats bacon, and other packaged meat products.

Oscar Mayer sells a wide variety of bacon products including classic smoked bacon lower sodium bacon turkey bacon, pre-cooked bacon, and more. Their bacon is made from 100% pork belly or turkey and contains no gluten grains.

Gluten-Free Varieties of Oscar Mayer Bacon

Most Oscar Mayer bacon products are considered gluten-free, but it’s always smart to double check labels since formulations can change.

The following Oscar Mayer bacon varieties are labeled and marketed as gluten-free as of when this article was written:

• Selects Smoked Uncured Bacon
• Original Bacon
• Original Turkey Bacon
• Original Fully Cooked Bacon
• Thick Cut Fully Cooked Bacon
• Turkey Bacon Bits
• Hickory Smoked Bacon
• Maple Bacon
• Super Thick Cut Bacon
• Center Cut Bacon
• Lower Sodium Bacon

These bacon products contain no wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients. Oscar Mayer does not add any gluten-containing seasonings or flavorings to their bacon.

The Oscar Mayer website also lists their classic bacon products as being gluten-free and suitable for gluten-free diets.

Verifying Gluten-Free Status

With any product, it’s always important to verify the gluten-free status since ingredients and manufacturing processes can change over time.

Be sure to check the ingredient list and any allergen statements on the Oscar Mayer bacon packaging you purchase. Look for the words “gluten-free” or confirm no gluten grains are listed.

You can contact Oscar Mayer directly if you ever have any doubts or questions about whether a product is gluten-free. Their helpful consumer service team can look into the gluten status and provide guidance.

Precautions When Eating Oscar Mayer Bacon

While the baseline Oscar Mayer bacon contains no gluten, there are some precautions to keep in mind:

1. Look for Added Flavors: Some flavored bacon varieties may contain gluten, like ones with honey bourbon or maple brown sugar added. Stick to the plain classic bacon listed above to be safest.

2. Avoid Cross-Contact: Be aware that Oscar Mayer produces non-gluten-free items on shared equipment. Follow good gluten-free practices and segregate your bacon from gluten-containing foods during prep and cooking.

3. Cook Thoroughly: Undercooked bacon can pose a minor risk of gluten cross-contact. Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy.

As long as you choose an approved variety, thoroughly cook the bacon, and watch for cross-contact, Oscar Mayer can be considered gluten-free.

Benefits of Choosing Oscar Mayer Gluten-Free Bacon

Here are some of the benefits of having Oscar Mayer bacon as a gluten-free option:

• Wide availability – Oscar Mayer is sold at most major grocery stores so their bacon is easy to find and purchase.

• Budget-friendly price – Compared to niche or organic bacon, Oscar Mayer offers an affordable gluten-free choice.

• Recognizable brand – Many gluten-free consumers trust the well-known Oscar Mayer brand.

• Delicious taste – Oscar Mayer bacon is tasty traditional smoked bacon that kids and adults love.

• No special preparation needed – You can cook their bacon just like regular bacon unlike some GF substitute bacon.

• Lower sodium options – Oscar Mayer has reduced sodium bacon for people looking to limit their salt intake.

Cooking and Serving Oscar Mayer Gluten-Free Bacon

Gluten-free Oscar Mayer bacon can be prepared and enjoyed in all the classic ways:

• Cook crispy bacon strips in a skillet to eat alone or on burgers, sandwiches, salads and more
• Make bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches on GF bread
• Crumble bacon on top of baked potatoes or gluten-free pizza
• Chop bacon and mix into egg scrambles, omelets, or quiches
• Bake sweet potato fries or Brussels sprouts topped with bacon crumbles
• Mix bacon bits into green bean casseroles or tossed salads
• Wrap bacon around chicken breasts, meatloaf, or steak before cooking
• Use turkey bacon on gluten-free breakfast sandwiches and in BLTs

Oscar Mayer bacon also works great in recipes like soups, baked beans, pasta, dips, etc. when you use certified gluten-free ingredients.

So fire up your skillets and get ready to enjoy the classic taste of Oscar Mayer’s gluten-free bacon! It provides a tasty way to add smoky, salty, crispy flavor to all types of G-free dishes.

Where to Buy Oscar Mayer Gluten-Free Bacon

You can find Oscar Mayer bacon at most major supermarkets across the United States. Some of the stores that carry it include:

• Kroger
• Safeway
• Albertsons
• Publix
• Walmart
• Target
• Costco
• Aldi
• Trader Joe’s
• Harris Teeter
• Shoprite

Oscar Mayer bacon is usually located in the packaged meat section, often near the hot dogs, lunchmeats, and sausage. You can also shop for Oscar Mayer bacon online at sites like Amazon, Walmart Grocery, Instacart, and more.

Be sure to use the gluten-free variety finder or do an online search for “Oscar Mayer gluten-free bacon” to pull up only the approved options. This makes it easy to order the right gluten-free products online.

The Bottom Line

Most varieties of Oscar Mayer bacon are gluten-free, making this classic brand a tasty option to keep stocked in your fridge or freezer.

Just double check labels for an approved gluten-free variety, cook the bacon thoroughly, and be mindful of cross-contact. Then enjoy that satisfying crunch and smoky flavor of Oscar Mayer bacon on your favorite gluten-free meals and treats!