Is Bacon Gluten free? Not What You Expect!

Does bacon have gluten?

There’s a lot of gluten in breakfast foods like pancakes and cereal. It would be a disaster if our favorite breakfast side has gluten too. Is bacon gluten free?

Bacon is a beloved breakfast food that has been enjoyed every weekend for generations. Its salty, smoky flavor and crispy texture make it a favorite for many, including myself!

But before you dive into a plate of bacon, it’s important to understand what’s in it and question is there gluten in bacon.

What is Bacon? 

Bacon is a type of cured pork made from pork belly. It is made by curing the pork belly with salt, sugar, and other preservatives such as sodium nitrate.

After curing, the pork belly is smoked over low heat for several hours. The result is savory, salty, and smoky meat that is perfect for breakfast!

Bacon Ingredients

The main ingredient in bacon is pork belly. It also contains salt, sugar, sodium nitrate, and other preservatives. Depending on the type of bacon, there may also be other ingredients such as spices, natural flavors, and smoke flavorings. 

Here are the ingredients for 365 by Whole Foods Market, Pork Bacon Center Cut Smokehouse Uncured, 12 Ounce:

Pork; Water; Sea Salt; Evaporated Cane Sugar (Source)

How is Bacon Made?

Bacon is made by curing pork belly with salt, sugar, and other preservatives such as sodium nitrate. After curing, the pork belly is smoked over low heat for several hours. The bacon is then thinly sliced and packaged.

Is Bacon Gluten Free?

Yes, bacon is gluten free. I have never seen bacon with gluten-containing ingredients. BUT, it is important to consider cross-contamination at restaurants when ordering bacon. There could also be possible cross-contamination where the bacon is processed.

The bacon might get cooked on the same grill as pancakes, etc. I suggest telling the restaurant about your gluten allergy or sensitivity and asking if it is possible to have the bacon cooked on a clean grill.

Is Oscar Mayer bacon gluten free?

Yes, Oscar Mayer bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients.

Is Kirkland bacon gluten free?

Yes, Kickland bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients.

Is Smithfield bacon gluten free?

Yes, Smithfield bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients.

Is Maple Leaf bacon gluten free?

Yes, Maple Leaf bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients.

Is Wright bacon gluten free?

Yes, Wright bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients.

Is Great Value bacon gluten free?

Yes, Great Value bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients.

Is Farmland bacon gluten free?

Yes, Farmland bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients.

Is Canadian bacon gluten free?

Yes, Canadian bacon is normally gluten free. Please always read the ingredient labels.

Is peameal bacon gluten free?

Yes, peameal bacon is usually gluten free. Please always read the ingredient labels. (Source)

Gluten free bacon. Is all bacon gluten free?

I feel it is safe to assume all bacon is gluten free based on the ingredients. Some bacon does have dextrose and dextrose is made from wheat, but during the manufacturing process, it is made gluten free.

There can be a chance of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process and how the bacon is cooked.

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