Is Bacon Gluten Free? The Best Gluten Free Bacon Brands!

Bacon is one of those amazing ingredients that can standalone or make just about any dish much better. So it’s no surprise that if you follow a gluten free diet, you want to know ‘Is bacon gluten free?’

Most, but definitely not all, bacon is gluten free. Like so many gluten free products, it is important to be careful when choosing your bacon. 

I’ve created a list of the best gluten free bacon brands below. Keep reading or use the table of contents to jump straight to your favorite brand.

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here. 

Is Bacon Gluten Free?

Most bacon is gluten free, which is great news if you’re a gluten free bacon lover! Sometimes though, bacon is processed with gluten or flavorings that contain gluten making it unsafe to eat. 

One of the best things about bacon (besides the flavor, obviously) is that there are plenty of labeled and certified gluten free brands. So while it’s important to choose carefully, it doesn’t have to be difficult.

In the United States, gluten free foods can be labeled one of two ways. A food can be either certified gluten free or have a gluten free claim. Understanding the difference can make gluten free shopping and determining if there's gluten in bacon so much easier!

While many foods are regulated by the FDA, bacon is actually regulated by the USDA. “The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has policies in place and strongly encourages the use of allergen statements consistent with the Food Allergens Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)”.

Since gluten is a protein commonly found in wheat, rye and barley, looking for allergen statements on the packaging is another helpful way to determine whether a specific type of bacon is gluten free or not.

Check out this helpful guide I’ve put together to unravel the differences between gluten free claims and gluten free certification.

When you’re shopping, looking for the brands that are labeled gluten free. This is an easy way to find bacon that is safe to consume. Or you can use the handy list of brands below, which, let’s be honest, is even easier.

Is Smoked Bacon Gluten Free?

Smoked bacon can be gluten free, but that doesn’t always mean it is. Sometimes smoked bacon can be made with gluten or gluten containing ingredients that would make it unsafe to eat.

Always check the labels and look for allergen statements as well as gluten free claims or certification to know for sure.

Is Turkey Bacon Gluten Free?

Just like regular bacon, turkey bacon can be gluten free as long as no gluten or gluten containing ingredients have been used to make it. 

It’s also important to watch for cross contact which can occur if it is made in a place where it can come into contact with surfaces or tools that were used for gluten containing foods.

Is Canadian bacon gluten free?

Canadian bacon, also known as back bacon depending on where you’re from, is just like American bacon when it comes to its gluten free status. As long as no gluten containing ingredients have been added and there is no cross contact, it will be gluten free.

Do Bacon Bits have Gluten in Them?

Okay, so bacon bits are where the gluten free rules tend to change. The thing about bacon bits, is that quite often they aren’t real bacon. Imitation bacon bits do often contain gluten, so it is important to be especially careful here.

Whether the bacon bits you’re choosing are real bacon or imitation bacon, the same rules to labeling and certification apply.

I’ve included a separate section on safe bacon bit brands below as well.

Can I eat bacon on a gluten free diet?

Yes you can eat bacon on a gluten free diet, as long as you choose a gluten free brand.

What Brands of Bacon are Gluten Free?

Oscar Mayer Center Cut Original Bacon

The Oscar Mayer brand is a trusted household name. If you were wondering: is Oscar Mayer bacon gluten free? then you’ll be happy to know that their bacon is labeled gluten free. 

Oscar Mayer uses a slow smoke process with real wood for delicious bacon flavor.

Buy Oscar Mayer Original Bacon at Target here.

Nature’s Rancher Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon

Nature’s Rancher bacon is both labeled gluten free and Animal Welfare Certified. It’s a thick cut bacon with a natural smoky flavor.

This bacon is minimally processed, with no preservatives, no added nitrates or nitrites, no gluten, no lactose, and no MSG!

Buy Nature’s Rancher Applewood Smoked Bacon at Whole Foods through Amazon here.

Black Label Fully Cooked Original Thick Cut Bacon

If you’re looking for a fully cooked gluten free option, Black Label by Hormel has you covered. This bacon is ready to eat right out of the package, making it a super convenient option. 

Black Label Fully Cooked bacon is the quickest and easiest way to take your sandwiches, salads or breakfast to the next level. Just heat and go!

Buy Black Label Fully Cooked Original Bacon at Target here.

Great Value Sliced Hickory Smoked Original Bacon 

Are you wondering ‘is Great Value bacon gluten free’? Yes, Great Value original bacon is labeled gluten free. 

Great Value bacon is available in a variety of thicknesses and package sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect bacon option with this brand.

Purchase Great Value bacon at Walmart here.

Jones Dairy Farm Hickory Smoked Canadian Bacon

If you like to mix things up with Canadian bacon, the Jones Dairy Farm brand is great. It is certified gluten free, contains no MSG, and is 97% fat free.

Fun fact: Canadian bacon is known as back bacon in Canada.

Buy Jones Dairy Farm Hickory Smoked Canadian Bacon at Walmart here.

Applegate Organic Hickory Smoked Uncured Turkey Bacon

For an all around good for you organic turkey bacon option, Applegate is the perfect brand. It’s gluten free, certified organic, Non-GMO, Whole 30 Foods approved and has no added nitrates or nitrites. 

If all that isn’t enough, it’s also made with Applegate humanely raised turkey with no antibiotics.

Purchase Applegate Organic Hickory Smoked Turkey Bacon at Whole Foods through Amazon here.

Gluten Free Bacon Bits Brands

If you were wondering "are bacon bits gluten free?" then you're in luck, because here are my favorite gluten free bacon bits brands!

Hormel Real Bacon Bits

Hormel Real Bacon Bits are labeled gluten free making them a great option. They are fully cooked and can be instantly added to salads, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, and more!

Buy Hormel Real Bacon Bits at Target here.

Badia Bacon Bits Imitation

If imitation bacon bits are your favorite, you’re in luck! Badia Bacon Bits have developed a gluten free imitation option. These bacon bits contain no animal meat or fat.

These bacon bits also get great reviews for price and taste.

Buy Badia Bacon Bits Imitation at Amazon here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bacon

What's the easiest way to make bacon?

I think the absolute easiest way to make crispy & delicious bacon without the extra mess is to cook bacon in the oven.

Are McCormick bacon bits gluten-free?

Bac'n Pieces Bacon Flavor Bits by McCormick does not contain gluten. Gluten and gluten products, when present in McCormick products, will always be declared on the product label by the common name of the gluten source such as “barley”, “wheat”, “rye”, “oats” or “triticale”.

Are Oscar Mayer bacon bits gluten-free?

Oscar Mayer is a Kraft Foods brand. It is Kraft Food’s policy “to list gluten-containing ingredients in the ingredient statement on the package label”. 

Oscar Mayer makes many different types of bacon bits, both imitation and real. The best way to determine if the bacon bits you want are gluten free, is to read the labels.

Is Smithfield bacon gluten free?

According to their website, many of the Smithfield bacon options are gluten free. They’ve created a handy list of all of their gluten free products for easy reference.

Are Great Value bacon bits gluten free?

Yes, Great Value Real Bacon Pieces are listed as gluten free in the product description on the Walmart website.

Is Kirkland bacon gluten free?

It is gluten free based on ingredients, but does not have a gluten free claim from the company.  Be sure to verify that it contains only gluten free ingredients on the label before purchasing.

Is Aldi bacon gluten free?

Appleton Farms bacon from Aldi is gluten free based on ingredients, but currently does not have a gluten free claim.  Additionally, Aldi's Never Any! does not currently contain any gluten containing ingredients, but does not have a gluten free claim.

Is Hormel bacon gluten free?

Hormel has a number of bacon options that are gluten free. They have a full product list on their website here.

Is black label bacon gluten free?

Yes, Black Label bacon made by Hormel is labeled gluten free. According to their website this bacon has ‘No big 8 allergens present’.

Is Schneiders bacon gluten free?

Schneiders produces some gluten free bacon, however not all of their bacon products are gluten free. To ensure you’re choosing a safe option, be sure to read the ingredients list.

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