Want to know if ham doesn’t have gluten? You’ve come to the right place! Read this article to learn what to look for in gluten-free ham. Plus BRANDS THAT ARE!.
I’ve also included our family-favorite recipe for sweet baked ham. I hope you like it as much as we do!.
Ham in its natural form is gluten-free. However, sometimes ham is subject to cross contamination with gluten during processing. Some ham is made with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. (Including deli ham. ).
This is why it’s very important to read the label and check the nutritional information before you buy ham products at the store. You might be able to eat the ham without the glaze packet since many of them have gluten in them.
But if you’re sensitive to trace amounts of gluten, stick to brands that are clearly labeled gluten-free.
Few centerpiece dishes say “holiday feast” quite like a juicy glazed spiral ham. The classic preparation features thin slices of cured ham elegantly coiled around a hambone studded with cloves and enrobed in a sweet glaze. It’s the perfect choice for celebrations and gatherings. But is spiral ham safe on a gluten-free diet?
With the popularity of spiral hams, many gluten-free eaters wonder if this treasured tradition can be part of their gluten-free lifestyle. Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple yes or no. There are some precautions those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to take with spiral ham.
Let’s unravel the key considerations around spiral ham and gluten:
What Makes Ham Gluten-Free?
Ham starts out naturally gluten-free. Pork meat contains no gluten. However, several factors during processing and preparation can introduce gluten
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Added ingredients – Brines, seasonings, glazes and rubs may contain glutenous ingredients
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Cross-contact – Slicing on shared surfaces can transfer gluten to ham.
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Smoke flavoring – Many contain wheat or malt barley.
So the ham itself does not naturally contain gluten. But secondary ingredients and manufacturing methods complicate matters.
Gluten-Free Spiral Sliced Hams
Many major spiral ham brands take steps to produce gluten-free offerings:
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HoneyBaked Ham – States hams are gluten-free, but some report reactions.
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Hormel – Indicates some hams have no gluten ingredients, but no guarantee.
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Cook’s Ham – Uses all gluten-free ingredients but warning about suppliers.
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Smithfield – Several spiral hams on gluten-free list but cross-contact risk.
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Farmland – Lists specific spiral ham varieties as gluten-free.
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Armour – No gluten grains used but doesn’t address cross-contact.
So while these major brands may offer gluten-free spiral hams, uncertainty remains. Even when they avoid gluten ingredients, cross-contact and supplier issues muddy the waters.
Look for Validated Gluten-Free Brands
To remove all doubt around gluten status, choose a brand that certifies or validates their spiral hams as gluten-free:
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Dietz & Watson – Certified at less than 5 ppm gluten by the National Celiac Association.
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Jones Dairy Farm – Certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization to under 10 ppm.
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Krakus – Labeled gluten-free, tested below 20 ppm. Made in a dedicated facility.
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Columbus – Tested to less than 5 ppm gluten. Uses all gluten-free ingredients.
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Wellshire Farms – Labeled gluten-free and certified by the GFCO.
These brands offer the assurances needed by those sensitive to gluten. Independent lab testing and certification provide true validation of gluten-free status.
Other Tips for Safely Enjoying Spiral Ham
If you can find a certified gluten-free spiral ham, that’s ideal for peace of mind. If uncertainties remain around your brand of choice, keep these extra precautions in mind:
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Carefully read ingredient lists on packaging, glazes or rubs. Avoid any with gluten grains.
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Call the manufacturer to understand their processing practices and risk of cross-contact on equipment.
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Ask trusted brands if they test for gluten or can provide testing documentation.
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Choose bone-in hams which are less prone to cross-contamination during slicing.
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Avoid pre-sliced hams unless they are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contact from deli slicers.
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Prepare your own glaze to control ingredients. Check out simple honey-mustard or maple-bourbon glaze recipes online.
With some smart detective work and extra care around ingredients and prep, you can find – or create – a spiral ham that’s safe for your gluten-free holiday table. Families managing gluten will be thrilled to enjoy this classic dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common FAQs around spiral hams and gluten:
Are boiled hams gluten-free?
Plain boiled ham is likely safe, but check for any brines or broths added that may contain gluten.
Can you get gluten from spiral ham even if not celiac?
Yes, gluten intolerance or sensitivity can occur without celiac disease. Those with gluten issues should use caution with spiral ham.
Is it possible to be glutened from deli slicers?
Yes, shared slicers at the deli pose a major cross-contact risk unless they are thoroughly cleaned between uses.
What about whole hams not spiral sliced?
Unsliced whole bone-in hams have less risk from cross-contact. But still inspect ingredients and production carefully.
Are honey glazed hams gluten-free?
Hams with honey glaze need to be specifically labeled gluten-free. Some honey glazes contain thickeners like wheat flour.
Can you eat spiral ham cold after cooking?
Yes, cooked spiral ham stays fresh for about a week refrigerated. Enjoy slices cold in sandwiches and salads.
How long does uncooked spiral ham last in fridge?
An unopened fresh spiral ham will keep 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Cook within this window for best flavor and texture.
The Bottom Line
With vigilance of ingredients and manufacturing, spiral ham can be part of a gluten-free lifestyle. Seek out brands that specifically test for gluten and certify products to remove doubt. Or stick to whole hams and prepare your own gluten-free glaze.
Yes, the classic spiral-sliced ham tradition can live on for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Just choose your brand wisely or customize your own ham to ensure a gluten-free feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious sweet brown sugar glaze
- Moist and flavorful
- Naturally gluten-free
- Great for holiday dinners
- Easy to make in advance
Here’s what you’ll neeed to make this gluten-free ham recipe:
- Do not use a pre-sliced ham. Instead, use a bone-in butt, shoulder, or shank cut. It also works well with the Costco Master Carve Half Ham (Applewood Smoked).
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar goes well with brown sugar and mustard. It adds tang and moisture and makes a DELICIOUS glaze!.
- Dry mustard powder: All you need is a little dry mustard powder to make a great ham with a savory taste.
- To dress up ham, brown sugar is the best thing ever. It gives the glaze that sticky, sweet, irresistible taste that makes baked ham so tasty.
You also might like this 3 ingredient ham glaze.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Please do not use pre-sliced ham. For this recipe, you need to use a bone-in butt, shoulder, or shank cut of ham that has NOT been pre-sliced. I love the Costco Master Carve Half Ham (Applewood Smoked).
- To make ahead of time: You can make this gluten-free ham up to three days ahead of time! Just follow the recipe’s steps, cover it with foil, and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
- This gluten-free ham goes well with gluten-free cheesy potatoes and sautéed asparagus, green beans, or green salad. You could also have rolls, fruit salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. For more gluten-free Easter recipes, check out this list!
