Is Johnsonville Italian Sausage Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know

For those of us who need to eat gluten-free sausage can seem like a risky food choice. With so many varieties and brands on the market it can be hard to know which sausages are safe and which contain gluten.

One popular brand that often comes up in gluten-free discussions is Johnsonville. Their Italian-style sausages are a staple at many grocery stores and can be tempting for gluten-free eaters But can you indulge without getting glutened?

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Johnsonville Italian sausages and whether or not they are gluten-free and celiac-safe.

An Overview of Johnsonville Sausages

Johnsonville is one of the largest sausage companies in the United States. Headquartered in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, they’ve been making sausages since 1945. Their Italian sausage is one of their most popular varieties.

Johnsonville has a range of different sausage products including breakfast links, bratwursts, smoked sausages, pre-cooked sausages, and fully cooked smoked sausages. Their Italian sausage comes in a few different formats:

• Fresh Italian pork sausage
• Italian style chicken sausage
• Pre-cooked Italian style chicken sausage

Johnsonville sausages are made with pork, turkey, chicken, and beef. They use natural spices and ingredients like garlic, fennel, and paprika to flavor their sausages.

Are Johnsonville Italian Sausages Gluten-Free?

The good news is that Johnsonville’s regular Italian sausage contains no gluten ingredients. According to the company their standard Italian sausage recipes are gluten-free.

On their website, Johnsonville states:

“All of our products are made with ingredients that DO NOT contain gluten EXCEPT for our meatballs, fresh and smoked beer brats.”

This indicates that popular varieties like their Italian sausage links are gluten-free. Johnsonville also confirms that their Italian sausage contains no wheat, barley, rye, or triticale.

So if you see standard Johnsonville Italian sausage at the store, made with pork, turkey, or chicken, you can be confident it is gluten-free according to the ingredients list. Just be sure to double check labels since recipes can change over time.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

While the Italian sausage contains no gluten ingredients, Johnsonville does process some products that contain gluten. This means there is a possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

On their website, Johnsonville states:

“Our products are not tested for the presence of gluten after the manufacturing process is complete. Although our facility has procedures in place to minimize contamination, we cannot guarantee that our products are 100% gluten free.”

They go on to say that individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should use their own judgment about consuming Johnsonville products.

So while cross-contamination is unlikely, it can’t be ruled out completely. Those who are highly sensitive may want to take extra precautions when eating these sausages.

Other Allergens to Watch For

In addition to being gluten-free, Johnsonville’s Italian sausages are also free of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy. However, they do contain pork. So they are not vegetarian or vegan.

The fresh Italian sausage contains just five main ingredients – pork, water, salt, spices, and dextrose. The chicken Italian sausage also includes chicken and flavorings like paprika and garlic.

So allergy-wise most people just need to watch out for the meat ingredients. Those with pork allergies will of course need to avoid Johnsonville’s standard Italian sausage.

Fan Feedback on Johnsonville Sausages

Looking at gluten-free forums and blogs, it seems like most fans consider Johnsonville Italian sausage to be generally safe. The vast majority of consumer experiences suggest it is fine for gluten-free and celiac diets.

On Celiac.com, several members discussed eating the smoked turkey and chicken Italian sausages without any issues. One member emailed Johnsonville and shared this response:

“The majority of our products are made with gluten-free ingredients but they cannot be considered to be 100% ‘gluten-free’….We only make two retail products that intentionally contain gluten….All other Johnsonville products are made with gluten-free ingredients but we do not monitor or test for gluten content in them.”

So while Johnsonville doesn’t guarantee 100% gluten-free, most fans find the Italian sausages trustworthy. Some do recommend taking precautions like cooking them on foil or designated pans to prevent cross-contact.

Are Johnsonville Sausages Labeled Gluten-Free?

Currently, Johnsonville does not label any of their products as “gluten-free” or apply gluten-free certification. While the Italian sausage contains no gluten ingredients, the company acknowledges potential for cross-contamination.

Johnsonville seems to take a conservative approach with gluten-free labeling. Since they can’t guarantee absolutely zero traces of gluten, they don’t formally market their sausages this way.

That said, their website and customer service reps readily share that the Italian sausage recipes are crafted without gluten ingredients. So Johnsonville is transparent about their manufacturing processes.

Tips for Eating Johnsonville Sausages Gluten-Free

If you want to eat Johnsonville Italian sausage on a gluten-free diet, here are some tips to stay safe:

• Carefully read ingredient labels and re-check for any changes each time you buy.

• Consider potential cross-contamination and take precautions like using foil or pans.

• If highly sensitive, contact Johnsonville to ask about their manufacturing procedures and gluten testing.

• Stick to basic Italian sausage varieties and avoid flavored kinds that may have other ingredients.

• Choose chicken or turkey sausage to further reduce the risk of gluten exposure.

• Buy gluten-free brands if you are very concerned about cross-contamination.

The Verdict on Johnsonville Italian Sausages

Based on the ingredients lists, information from Johnsonville, and experiences from the gluten-free community, these sausages seem generally safe in moderation.

While the potential for cross-contamination exists, the risk seems low for most people if proper precautions are taken. As one gluten-free blogger put it, these sausages are “a yellow light meal, not a green light one.”

As with any food, it comes down to your personal risk tolerance and sensitivity levels. But overall, Johnsonville’s Italian sausages can likely be enjoyed gluten-free if some extra care is taken. Be sure to check back on ingredients regularly and contact the company with any concerns.

Now pass the sausage and peppers! Just remember to use a clean pan and serve it alongside a nice gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.