Tennessee Pride is a popular brand of sausage well-loved for its delicious flavors and meaty texture. With a variety of sausage options from original to turkey, many fans of this brand wonder – is Tennessee Pride sausage gluten-free?
For those following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s important to identify safe sausage choices that don’t contain gluten or trigger uncomfortable symptoms. Read on for a complete guide on the gluten status of Tennessee Pride sausages.
Gluten-Free Diet Overview
First let’s start with a quick refresher on why someone may need to follow a gluten-free diet in the first place.
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, consuming gluten doesn’t cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, exposure to gluten proteins can trigger an autoimmune reaction and cause damage to the small intestine.
Symptoms of gluten intolerance can include
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headaches and fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Joint pain
The only treatment for gluten intolerance or celiac disease is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet. This means reading labels vigilantly and avoiding any products that contain gluten ingredients.
For severe celiac disease cases, even tiny traces of gluten can provoke a reaction. So gluten cross-contamination is also a major concern.
Are Tennessee Pride Sausages Gluten-Free?
The good news is that yes, Tennessee Pride offers several delicious sausage varieties that are gluten-free. However, not all of their sausage products are gluten-free, so it’s essential to check labels.
Here’s a breakdown of what to look for:
Gluten-Free Tennessee Pride Sausage Varieties
- Original Pork Sausage
- Premium Pork Sausage
- Turkey Sausage
- Chicken Sausage
- Lower-Fat Pork Sausage
Potentially Not Gluten-Free
- Flavored sausages like Hot Italian Style or Maple Flavor
- Sausage containing textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- Any sausage with wheat, barley, rye or malt listed in ingredients
Tennessee Pride’s classic pork and turkey sausage contain simple ingredients like meat, salt, spices and flavorings. These baseline varieties are made without any gluten-containing ingredients.
However, flavored sausages may include components like soy sauce, broths or wheat-based textured vegetable protein. And some flavors incorporate grains like barley into the seasoning blend.
It’s essential to verify gluten-free status on each specific type of Tennessee Pride sausage purchased. Don’t assume all products under their brand umbrella are gluten-free.
How Tennessee Pride Ensures Gluten-Free Sausages
Responsible gluten-free manufacturers implement controls during production to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten. Here are some of the steps Tennessee Pride takes:
- Maintains dedicated gluten-free production lines and equipment
- Sources certified gluten-free ingredients
- Performs finished product testing to verify gluten levels are below 20 ppm
- Follows stringent sanitation procedures and food safety protocols
While not certified gluten-free, Tennessee Pride conducts testing to ensure their gluten-free varieties contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. This falls well below the FDA threshold for labeling items gluten-free.
However, people with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should reach out to Tennessee Pride directly to discuss their protocols and comfort level. Individual sensitivity varies.
Identifying Gluten-Free Tennessee Pride Sausage
When purchasing Tennessee Pride sausages, here are some tips for verifying gluten-free status:
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Check the ingredients list. No wheat, barley, rye or malt should be included.
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Look for a gluten-free designation. The packaging should state “gluten-free” clearly.
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Reference the allergen statement. Gluten should not be listed as an allergen.
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Call the 1-800 number. Talk to customer service if you have any questions.
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Purchase from a GF specialty store. Retailers like Sprouts that follow GF precautions are safest.
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Stick to basic flavors. Original, turkey and chicken have the lowest risk. Avoid bold flavors which may contain questionable ingredients.
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Verify each new variety. Don’t assume different types of sausage from the same brand are all gluten-free.
With vigilance in label reading and selection, Tennessee Pride can be an excellent option for gluten-free sausage lovers.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Tennessee Pride Sausage
Once you’ve confirmed that a particular Tennessee Pride sausage is gluten-free, what’s the best way to incorporate it into your diet? Here are some useful tips:
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Grill or pan-fry gluten-free sausages and serve in a bun or with veggie sides.
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Chop and add to your favorite gluten-free pasta sauce, soup or chili recipe.
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Mix crumbled sausage into a quiche or frittata batter before baking.
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Stuff halved sausage links with cheese and bake for easy gluten-free pigs in a blanket.
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Fry bite-size pieces and toss with salad greens, veggies and dressing.
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Wrap sliced sausage around apple or pear wedges and bake for a sweet and savory starter.
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In a baking dish, layer cooked sausage with sliced potatoes and cheese then bake until melted.
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Stir chopped sausage into raw GF pizza dough and bake for a protein-packed crust.
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Cook crumbled sausage into a potato or egg breakfast hash along with veggies.
With so many uses, Tennessee Pride’s gluten-free sausage options allow you to continue enjoying their signature flavors safely.
The Takeaway: Enjoying Tennessee Pride Gluten-Free
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Tennessee Pride offers several gluten-free sausage varieties including pork, turkey and chicken.
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Not all sausage under their brand is gluten-free; carefully check labels.
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Look for a gluten-free designation and avoid any products with gluten grain ingredients.
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Tennessee Pride follows protocols to avoid cross-contamination with gluten.
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Identify gluten-free status before purchasing and consuming any Tennessee Pride sausage.
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Cook and serve gluten-free Tennessee Pride sausages in hashes, pasta, pizza and more.
With diligence in verifying ingredients and production practices, Tennessee Pride can be an accessible and delicious gluten-free sausage option. Be sure to contact the company directly with any questions or concerns related to their protocols.
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FAQ
What are the ingredients in Tennessee Pride sausage?
How do you know if sausage is gluten free?
Why are sausages not gluten-free?
Are smoked sausages gluten-free?
The list includes smoked sausages, dinner sausages, and breakfast sausages. Many of these products are tested for gluten cross-contamination and labeled as gluten-free. Others certify products gluten-free, which means they test far lower than the minimum FDA gluten-free standard of fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Do sausage brands meet FDA standards for ‘gluten-free’?
Sausage brands that do meet FDA standards for “gluten-free” include: These companies test their products for gluten cross-contamination, and some certify products gluten-free, which means they test far lower than the minimum FDA gluten-free standard of fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Are glutino sausages gluten-free?
Glutino makes a variety of gluten-free products including bread crumbs, hot dogs and smoked sausages. Their products are certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and they use only gluten-free ingredients in their products. Applegate Naturals Smoked Sausage Links Applegate Naturals is another popular brand of gluten-free meats and cheeses.
Are Hillshire sausages gluten-free?
Hillshire Farm does not test for gluten and does not make any gluten-free claims. Another Hillshire Brands company, Jimmy Dean sausages are not currently tested for gluten and are not considered gluten-free, according to a spokesperson.