Swiss, Gouda, Havarti, Cheddar, Muenster. No matter how you slice it, cheese is a favorite addition to any sandwich. All you need to make a tasty sandwich is ham, salami, bologna, sliced turkey, or chicken breast, along with your preferred condiments.
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, is it safe for you to eat that sandwich since it is gluten-free?
You probably already use gluten-free sandwich bread or a bread alternative (lettuce wrap, anyone?). That’s a good start, but before you add anything between the slices, read on!.
So, you’re craving a delicious deli turkey sandwich, but you’re worried about gluten Fear not, fellow sandwich enthusiast, because plain turkey is naturally gluten-free! However, the pre-packaged and deli counter versions can sometimes contain sneaky gluten ingredients Let’s dive into the world of deli turkey and uncover its gluten-free secrets.
The Gluten-Free Truth About Deli Turkey
While plain turkey is naturally gluten-free, deli turkey can sometimes contain gluten due to added ingredients like flavorings, seasonings, and binders. These sneaky gluten culprits can hide in unexpected places, so it’s crucial to be a label detective.
Reading the Label: Your Gluten-Free Weapon
Before you grab that pre-packaged turkey, take a moment to scrutinize the label. Look for the words “gluten-free” on the packaging. If you see it, you’re good to go! But if not, don’t despair. Scan the ingredient list for any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, or malt. If you spot any of these, put that turkey back and move on to a different brand.
Gluten-Free Deli Turkey Brands: Your Safe Bets
To save you some label-reading time, here are some popular gluten-free deli turkey brands:
- Applegate Naturals
- Boar’s Head Simplicity All Natural
- Buddig
- Jennie-O
- Wellshire Farms
These brands offer a variety of gluten-free deli turkey options, from sliced to oven-roasted.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Deli Turkey
For the ultimate control over your gluten-free turkey, consider making your own! Roasting a turkey breast is surprisingly easy and gives you complete control over the ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Gluten-Free Deli Turkey Tips:
- Always check the label, even if the brand claims to be gluten-free.
- Look for brands that are certified gluten-free by a third-party organization.
- If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer to inquire about gluten-free ingredients.
- Consider making your own gluten-free deli turkey for ultimate control.
Now, go forth and enjoy your delicious gluten-free deli turkey sandwich!
Let’s Talk About Cheese
Since rennet, the enzymes that separate milk’s solids from its water to form curds, and milk are the three main ingredients of most cheese, it is gluten-free. All of these components of cheese are naturally gluten-free.
Not all cheeses are created equal. Some go through processes where gluten could be present. For example, blue cheeses, such as Roquefort and Gorgonzola, are made with cultures from the mold Penicillium. This cheese-making process creates the characteristic blue mold streaks or spots on blue cheeses.
If the Penicillium cultures are grown on wheat or barley, they could contain gluten. The best option is to look for blue cheese that is certified or labeled as gluten-free, even though the amount of gluten in the finished cheese product is probably minimal. Testing on penicillium cultures was conducted by GIG in September 2020 at an Australian research lab. The results indicated that the cultures had gluten levels higher than 20 parts per million.
Watch out for cheese with flavorings or additional ingredients. Any time ingredients are added to a food product, the risk of gluten being present increases. For example, some hard cheeses are soaked in beer, which causes them to accumulate gluten and renders them unsuitable for a gluten-free diet. Processed cheese, such as American cheese, and cheeses that are low-salt, low-fat, or fat-free may also contain gluten.
Always check the ingredients list on cheeses if they are not either labeled or certified gluten-free. As usual, when looking for safe foods to eat, a third-party certification can offer an additional degree of assurance.
When making a sandwich, you usually have control over the cheeses you use. Stay clear of cheese trays and gifts of cheese where you cannot examine the packaging.
Vegan Gluten Free Deli Meat / Plant Based Soy and Gluten free
FAQ
What deli turkey is gluten-free?
Why are deli meats not gluten-free?
Does Boar’s Head turkey have gluten?