Is Bacon Gluten-Free? Let’s Find Out!

Published by Becky | Last updated 30th January, 2025

Right then, let’s chat about is bacon gluten-free. Bacon, that delightful, crispy breakfast favourite, is naturally gluten-free in its pure form.

Typically made from pork belly that’s been cured and often smoked, traditional bacon contains no wheat, barley, or rye proteins that constitute gluten.

However, keen shoppers should always cast a careful eye over packaging, as some processed bacon products might include gluten-containing marinades or additives.

For those managing coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s wise to check labels and opt for plain, unadorned bacon from reputable brands that can confirm their gluten-free status.

A spot of caution goes a long way in ensuring a safe and scrumptious bacon experience!

is bacon gluten-free

Table of Contents

Question

Is bacon gluten-free?

Answer

Bacon is typically gluten-free as it is made from pork and doesn’t naturally contain gluten.

What types of bacon are gluten-free?

Most plain, unflavoured bacon is naturally gluten-free, as it’s typically made from pork belly, salt, and sugar. However, it’s crucial to check labels and manufacturer information to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.

Organic bacon is often a safe choice for those avoiding gluten, as it tends to have fewer additives and preservatives. Many nitrate-free and naturally smoked bacon varieties are also gluten-free, but it’s always wise to verify that no gluten-containing ingredients were used in the smoking process.

Fruit Pig Company: Offers gluten-free black and white puddings, pancettas, and bacon. They regularly lab-test their products to ensure they are gluten-free (below 5 parts per million).
Finnebrogue: Produces Naked bacon rashers made with British or Irish pork. While not explicitly labelled as gluten-free, their ingredients appear to be simple and natural.
The Jolly Hog: All their RSPCA Assured, Outdoor Bred British bacon is gluten-free and suitable for coeliacs.
Helen Browning’s Organic: provides gluten-free organic bacon, made from free-range rare breed pigs.
Quorn: Offers vegetarian bacon slices that are specifically labelled as gluten-free.

When shopping for gluten-free bacon, look for products labelled “gluten-free” or certified by third-party organisations. If in doubt, contacting the manufacturer directly can provide clarity on the gluten-free status of their bacon products.

How to Choose Gluten-Free Bacon

Certified Labels
When shopping for gluten-free bacon in the UK, start by looking for certified gluten-free labels from organisations like Coeliac UK. These certifications provide reassurance about the product’s safety for those with gluten sensitivities.

Ingredient Inspection
To guarantee your bacon is safe always read food labels meticulously. Hidden gluten can lurk in unexpected additives or marinades. Plain, unflavoured bacon varieties are typically safer, as they contain fewer processed ingredients that might introduce gluten.

Organic Options
Organic bacon, such as Helen Browning’s Organic Unsmoked Back Bacon, often provides a cleaner option. These products tend to have fewer additives and preservatives, reducing the risk of gluten contamination.

Trusted UK Brands Of Bacon
Several UK brands offer reliable gluten-free bacon. Fruit Pig Company produces gluten-free bacon and puddings, while Quorn offers gluten-free vegetarian bacon alternatives. Green Pasture Farms is another excellent option for organic, nitrate-free bacon.

Quality and Welfare
Look for brands that prioritise animal welfare and minimal processing. Helen Browning’s, for instance, offers free-range, outdoor-bred pigs, ensuring both quality and ethical production.

Use of antibiotics

Historically, antibiotics were widely used in pig feed for disease prevention and growth promotion, however, the use of antibiotics for growth promotion is now banned in many countries, including the UK and EU.

Manufacturer Communication
If you’re uncertain about a product’s gluten-free status, don’t hesitate to contact the bacon manufacturers directly. They can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information about their production processes.

Alternative Options
For those avoiding pork, consider alternatives like turkey bacon. John Davidsons offers a low-fat turkey bacon option that can be a suitable gluten-free alternative.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently select high-quality, gluten-free bacon that meets your dietary needs while supporting UK producers.

Cooking with Gluten-Free Bacon

Do you think bacon is only good in a full English breakfast and wrapped around a turkey at Christmas then think again. Bacon is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in numerous delicious recipes across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out these options:

Breakfast Dishes

Full English croissants with crispy bacon
Bacon, applewood cheese, and leek quiche
Bacon sandwiches hickory smoked
Bacon and egg bites
Candied bacon banana bread
Corn fritters with bacon

Lunch and Dinner Recipes

Chorizo and bacon mac ‘n’ cheese
Bacon and egg fried rice
Bacon and pitta panzanella salad
Creamy bacon pasta
Bacon, barley, and leek soups
Smoky bacon Caesar salads
Bacon-wrapped halloumi
Chicken braised with cider and bacon

Innovative Recipes

Bacon-wrapped dates or asparagus
Bacon Parm crackers
Bacon fried cabbage & Brussels
Hunters Chicken

Baking and Desserts

Maple bacon cinnamon rolls
Bacon-topped baked goods

These recipes showcase bacon’s incredible ability to add depth, saltiness, and richness to a wide variety of dishes, from simple comfort foods to more sophisticated culinary creations.

Remember, while bacon can be part of a gluten-free diet, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Health considerations

Bacon, while popular and delicious, comes with several health considerations:

Nutritional Content

A typical serving of bacon (about 3 slices) contains:

161 calories
12g of fat (3.1g saturated)
12g of protein
579mg of sodium

Bacon also provides small amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12, as well as minerals like selenium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.

Health Risks

Cancer Risk
The World Health Organization has classified bacon as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it’s known to cause cancer. This is due to: Processed meat consumption is linked to an increased risk of colon and stomach cancer.

Chemical preservatives like nitrates and nitrites can form cancer-causing compounds.

Cardiovascular Health
Bacon’s high saturated fat content may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease: Just three slices contain almost 5 grams of saturated fat.
A study found that eating 5% more saturated fat from meat sources was associated with a 19% increase in cardiovascular disease.

High Sodium Content
Each slice contains about 137-177mg of sodium.
High salt intake is associated with increased blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke.

Moderation and Alternatives

While bacon isn’t considered a healthy food, it can be enjoyed in moderation:

Pair it with vitamin C-rich foods to help mitigate some negative effects
Consider leaner alternatives like Canadian bacon occasionally
Opt for bacon from pastured pigs fed healthy diets
Use small amounts for flavouring rather than as a main protein source

Health experts recommend focusing on poultry, fish, and beans as primary protein sources, with red and processed meats consumed sparingly.

How to store bacon

Raw Bacon Storage
When storing raw bacon, keep it in its original packaging in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Unopened bacon typically remains fresh for 1-2 weeks when refrigerated properly.

Opening and Handling
Once opened, wrap individual bacon strips carefully in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store these wrapped strips in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odours.

Refrigeration Guidelines
Place bacon in the coldest section of your fridge, usually at the back. Opened bacon should be consumed within 3-5 days to ensure optimal quality and safety.

Freezing Techniques
Freezing is an excellent long-term storage method. Wrap individual bacon slices in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen bacon can maintain its quality for 6-8 months.

Freezing Pro Tip
For easier portioning, freeze bacon slices individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents the slices from sticking together.

Cooked Bacon Storage
After cooking, let the bacon cool on a rack to drain excess grease. Store cooled bacon in an airtight container. Refrigerated cooked bacon remains safe to eat for 4-5 days, while frozen cooked bacon lasts up to a month.

Additional Storage Methods
Consider vacuum sealing for extended freshness. Bacon fat can be rendered and stored in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Safety Reminder
Always inspect bacon for signs of spoilage before consumption. Discard any bacon that appears questionable to prevent potential foodborne illness.

Potential Cross-contamination of Gluten in Bacon

Cross-contamination is a significant concern for those seeking gluten-free bacon. Here are the key issues:

Processing Facilities
Bacon can be exposed to gluten during processing if the facility also handles gluten-containing products. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms in people with celiac disease.

Shared Equipment
The use of shared equipment for both gluten-containing and gluten-free products can lead to contamination. This is particularly problematic in non-industrial settings, where contamination prevalence can be as high as 41.5%.

Additives and Flavourings
Some bacon products may include additives, seasonings, or preservatives that contain gluten. Liquid smoke flavourings, though rare, may also introduce gluten.

Kitchen Preparation
Even after purchasing gluten-free bacon, cross-contamination can occur during preparation. Using separate utensils, cutting boards, and pans is crucial to avoid contact with gluten-containing foods.

Shared Condiments
In shared kitchens, condiments like butter, sauces and spices can be a source of cross-contamination if used with both gluten-containing and gluten-free products.

To mitigate these risks, it’s important to choose bacon from manufacturers that prioritize gluten-free production processes, have dedicated facilities, or implement strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Always check labels carefully and look for certified gluten-free products for the highest level of assurance.

Alternatives to Bacon

Plant-Based Options

Coconut Bacon: Gluten-free, crispy alternative made from unsweetened coconut chips
Easy to make at home
Can be used in salads, sandwiches, and as a topping
Seasoned with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce

Eggplant Bacon:

100% gluten-free
Soy-free and tofu-free
Crispy and smoky flavoured
Perfect for sandwiches and salads

Protein-Based Alternatives

Tempeh Bacon:
Made from fermented soybeans
High in protein (15g per 100g)
Naturally gluten-free
Absorbs marinades well

Shiitake Mushroom Bacon

Naturally gluten-free
Velvety texture
Absorbs seasonings easily
Can be baked until crispy

Commercial Brands

Better Nature Smoky Tempeh Rashers
Chiki Monkey Smokey Yaycon (made from chickpea flour)
Hooray Foods (plant-based gluten-free bacon)

Want to know more about other gluten-free food items then check these out 👇

Frequently Asked Questions