Is Schneiders Ham Gluten Free? Everything You Need to Know

Gluten-free diets are more popular than ever these days. Approximately 3 million Americans now avoid gluten for medical reasons, while another 30% of adults actively try to reduce gluten in their diets. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, checking labels and asking questions is a necessary part of eating

If you’re wondering, “Is Schneiders ham gluten free?” you’re not alone. With so many products to keep track of, it can be tricky figuring out which ones are safe when you’re eliminating gluten. In this article, we’ll take a close look at Schneiders ham and walk you through what you need to know if you follow a gluten-free diet.

What is Gluten and Why Do Some People Need to Avoid It?

Before we dive into whether Schneiders ham contains gluten, let’s quickly cover what gluten is and why it’s a concern for some people

Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and other related grain species. It helps give dough its stretchy, elastic texture. Gluten is found in many bread and baked goods, as well as pasta, cereals, beer and other products.

For most people, consuming gluten doesn’t cause any issues. However, for those with certain conditions, gluten can trigger severe reactions

• Celiac disease – An autoimmune disorder where gluten damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and nutritional deficiencies in those with celiac.

• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity – Those without celiac disease may still experience digestive distress when consuming gluten. Symptoms may include headache, fatigue and joint pain in addition to GI issues.

• Wheat allergy – An allergy specifically to wheat, rather than a reaction to gluten itself. Wheat allergy symptoms include hives, asthma and anaphylaxis.

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet with no cheating. That’s why it’s so important to understand whether products like Schneiders ham contain gluten ingredients.

Checking the Ingredients List on Schneiders Ham

So does Schneiders ham contain gluten? To find out, we took a look at the ingredients listing on Schneiders Traditional Sliced Black Forest Ham:

• Pork
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Potassium chloride
• Salt
• Vinegar
• Sodium phosphate
• Sodium erythorbate
• Sodium nitrite
• Smoke

The good news is that Schneiders ham does not contain any gluten ingredients. This means it should be safe for those following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Schneiders uses real uncured pork leg and other quality ingredients like brown sugar and vinegar to make their ham. You won’t find any wheat, barley, rye or problematic additives. As long as you stick to plain Schneiders ham without glazes or other add-ins, it makes a good gluten-free choice.

Understanding Gluten Cross-Contamination

However, there are a few additional things to keep in mind regarding possible gluten cross-contamination:

• Manufacturing processes – While the ham itself is gluten-free, cross-contamination could occur during manufacturing if it’s produced on shared equipment alongside wheat-based products. Schneiders does not claim to be a dedicated gluten-free facility.

• Added glazes or seasonings – Many ham glazes contain gluten sources like wheat. Choose plain ham or check the ingredients on glazes.

• Slicing at the deli counter – Deli meats sliced on shared equipment may pick up traces of gluten from other meats. Requesting a fresh, unopened package is safer.

Individual tolerance levels vary when it comes to cross-contamination. The tiny amounts involved may not affect some gluten-sensitive people but could cause issues for those with celiac disease. You’ll need to make your own judgment call based on your health history and symptoms. When in doubt, seek out brands that are certified gluten-free to remove any question.

Other Gluten-Free Ham Brands to Consider

If you require a dedicated gluten-free product or just want extra assurance, here are some great gluten-free ham brands to try:

• Boar’s Head – Offers a range of certified gluten-free sliced ham options, including honey glazed, smoked, and chipotle.

• Jones Dairy Farm – Specializes in gluten-free and no-antibiotics-ever ham and bacon products. Try their carved ham and Canadian bacon.

• Wellshire Farms – Makes premium gluten-free and uncured hams in flavors like maple-glazed and applewood smoked.

• Niman Ranch – Known for all natural, humanely raised meats. Their uncured ham and bacon are gluten-free.

• Applegate – This leader in natural and organic meats makes a range of gluten-free ham slices and roasts.

• Hormel – Select Natural Choice products are certified gluten-free, including their spiral sliced half ham.

• Kroger – The Simple Truth brand of natural deli meats has gluten-free sliced hams and roasts.

No matter which brand you choose, be sure to double check the ingredients for any questionable add-ins before purchasing. With so many high-quality gluten-free options now available, you can enjoy delicious ham even with dietary restrictions.

Tips for Safely Eating Ham with a Gluten Allergy

Here are some additional tips for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance to safely enjoy ham:

• Carefully read all ingredients on packaging – even for brands that are typically gluten-free. Formulations can change.

• Check for statements like “Packaged in a facility that also processes wheat products”. This indicates cross-contamination risk.

• Only purchase uncured ham, as some curing agents may contain gluten.

• Avoid ham with added glazes, as they often contain glutenous thickening agents. Or make your own gluten-free glaze at home.

• Look for certified gluten-free labels from reputable third-party organizations like GFCO. This ensures extra testing and oversight.

• Ask questions at the deli counter about ingredients and preparation practices if you don’t see packaging.

• Consider the potential for cross-contamination from shared slicing equipment. Request freshly sliced ham from a sealed package if highly sensitive.

Staying strictly gluten-free does take some extra care and effort. But you don’t have to miss out on enjoying delicious ham sandwiches, piles of ham and eggs, or comforting casseroles. With an array of high-quality gluten-free ham options now available, treat yourself while still sticking to your dietary needs.

The Bottom Line on Schneiders Ham

If you need to avoid gluten, you’ll be happy to know that Schneiders ham is gluten-free, according to the ingredients label. As long as you stick with plain ham slices without questionable add-ins, it can be part of a gluten-free diet.

However, those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance need to be more cautious regarding potential cross-contamination risks during manufacturing and slicing. Dedicated gluten-free brands may be a safer choice for highly sensitive individuals.

No matter what brand you select, always read the full ingredients listing carefully and look for gluten-free certifications whenever possible. With so many high-quality options now available, you can safely relish the savory flavors of ham even while adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.