Is Ground Sausage Gluten Free? What You Need to Know

Ground sausage is a popular staple in many cuisines. It’s flavorful, versatile and easy to cook with. But is ground sausage gluten free? Can people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity enjoy it safely?

The short answer is – it depends. Most plain ground sausage contains no wheat barley or rye and is naturally gluten free. However, there are some important considerations when it comes to cross contamination and added ingredients. Let’s break it down.

Gluten-Free Sausage Brands

Several mainstream sausage brands produce gluten-free varieties that are labeled as such. These include:

• Aidells – All Aidells sausages are certified gluten-free except for the meatballs.

• Al Fresco – All chicken sausages are labeled gluten-free.

• Applegate – Offers gluten-free chicken, turkey and pork breakfast sausage.

• Jones Dairy Farm – All varieties are gluten-free.

• Wellshire Farms – All varieties are gluten-free, including smoked chicken apple sausage.

If you stick to buying sausages that are clearly labeled “gluten-free”, you can feel confident they are safe. Be sure to double check all ingredients and manufacturing information.

Added Ingredients

Plain ground pork, chicken, turkey, bison and other meat sausages are naturally gluten-free. However, many commercial sausages contain added flavorings and ingredients.

Common add-ins like garlic, sage, fennel and pepper are gluten-free. But some sausages also contain fillers, binders and flavor-enhancing textured proteins. These can include:

• Wheat flour
• Bread crumbs
• Barley malt
• Soy sauce
• Malt vinegar

Always thoroughly read the ingredients list and avoid any sausage containing gluten add-ins. This includes generic brands and those made in-store at butcher shops or markets.

Cross Contamination

Even if a ground sausage contains no intentional gluten ingredients, cross contamination is still a risk.

Meat processing facilities often produce both gluten-free and gluten-containing items on shared equipment. And grinding and mixing equipment is especially prone to cross contact.

Very sensitive gluten-free consumers should look for brands that are certified gluten-free, meaning they test final products to verify gluten levels below 20ppm.

If opting for non-certified sausage, consider choosing products made by smaller specialty companies that focus exclusively on gluten-free and allergen-friendly items. They are less likely to have cross contamination issues.

Homemade Gluten-Free Sausage

Making sausage at home lets you control all ingredients and avoid cross contact concerns. You can craft flavorful ground sausage using simple whole food components:

• Ground pork, turkey, chicken or beef
• Herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme
• Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, crushed red pepper
• Salt and pepper

Mix the ground meat with your desired seasonings until well combined. Then form into patties or cook loose as crumbles. Homemade sausage tastes amazing and offers total gluten free assurance.

Sausage Risks

While sausage itself tends to be gluten-free, it’s often served in ways that introduce gluten:

Batter Coated – Many restaurants bread and fry breakfast sausage patties or links. Avoid these coatings.

Gravy – Sausage gravy can contain wheat flour as a thickener. Check ingredients or ask how it’s prepared.

Sandwiches – Hot dogs and sliced sausage are commonly served on buns, rolls or bread. Opt for a gluten-free bun or skip the bread.

Pizza – Pizza with sausage toppings presents cross contact concerns with the crust and during prep. Get a dedicated gluten-free pizza instead.

Casseroles – Mixed dishes like jambalaya or sausage and peppers may have other glutenous ingredients added. Verify all components.

Be Cautious When Eating Out

Dining out with celiac disease always poses some level of risk. So proceed with caution when ordering sausage dishes in restaurants.

Some tips:

• Ask how the sausage is prepared and what’s included in the dish.

• Request plain grilled sausage without sauce or batter.

• For pizza, opt for a dedicated gluten-free crust and ask that it’s prepped separately.

• Let your server know you need a gluten-free meal due to celiac disease.

• Check that side items like bread, pasta, and gravy are gluten-free.

The Bottom Line

In its purest form, ground sausage typically doesn’t contain gluten. However, added ingredients, cross contact and preparation methods can introduce risk.

Always check labels carefully and look for certified gluten-free options when possible. If unsure, try making sausage yourself at home where you control every component.

With the right precautions, both store-bought and homemade sausage can usually be enjoyed safely on the gluten-free diet. But when dining out, be extra cautious about how menu items are prepared.