Do Pepperettes Have Gluten? A Guide to Snacking Safely

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2025 article from the Gluten Free Society warns that many processed meats, like pepperoni, may contain high levels of gluten due to added grains. This highlights why anyone on a gluten-free diet must carefully consider the question, 'Do pepperettes have gluten?' before snacking.

Quick Summary

The gluten content in pepperettes is not standardized and varies significantly by brand. Consumers must meticulously check product labels, as some contain gluten while many are explicitly marked gluten-free.

Key Points

Not Universally Gluten-Free: The gluten content of pepperettes varies significantly by brand and specific product.
Always Check the Label: Scrutinize the ingredient list for wheat, wheat flour, and other potential gluten sources.
Look for Certified Products: The safest option is to choose pepperettes with a certified gluten-free seal, like those from Great Canadian Meat or Marcangelo Foods.
Beware of Fillers: Some brands use wheat-based fillers to bind their meat products, making them unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.
Consider Cross-Contamination: For severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, also consider the risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility.
Many Safe Options Exist: Reputable brands are increasingly offering clearly labelled gluten-free pepperettes, making safe snacking possible.

The simple answer to the question "Do pepperettes have gluten?" is complex: it depends entirely on the brand and its specific ingredients. While pepperettes are primarily a meat product, the seasonings, fillers, and manufacturing processes can introduce gluten. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a careful review of the ingredient list and a search for certified gluten-free products are crucial steps for safe consumption.

Why Some Pepperettes Contain Gluten

Unlike fresh cuts of meat, processed meat snacks like pepperettes can include a variety of non-meat ingredients to enhance flavour, texture, or to act as fillers. These additives can sometimes contain gluten. For instance, a pepperette brand like Potenza Meats explicitly lists wheat flour in its ingredients, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet. Other potential sources of gluten in processed meats include:

Fillers and Binders: Wheat flour or other wheat-derived products are sometimes used to bind the meat and seasonings together.
Modified Food Starch: This can be a source of gluten if it is derived from wheat, which is not always specified on the label unless it's a known allergen in the region.
Flavourings and Spices: Some spice blends or flavour extracts can contain gluten, particularly those derived from malt or soy sauce that is not gluten-free.
Dextrose: While often gluten-free, dextrose can sometimes be derived from wheat in certain parts of the world, though this is less common in North America.

How to Find Gluten-Free Pepperettes

Finding safe pepperettes requires vigilant label reading. The most reliable method is to look for products that are explicitly labelled as "gluten-free" or have a certified gluten-free seal. Several reputable brands have taken steps to ensure their products are safe for individuals avoiding gluten.

Brands Known for Gluten-Free Pepperettes

Many brands offer gluten-free options. Examples from search results include:

Great Canadian Meat: This brand explicitly states that all of its products are gluten-free.
Piller's: Piller's pepperoni sticks are marketed as being free from all major food allergens, including gluten.
Marcangelo Foods: This company has achieved Gluten-Free Certification and proudly displays a clear gluten-free label on its eligible products.
Bay Meats Butcher Shop: This shop specifies that its pepperettes are filler-free and gluten-free, though they contain nitrates.
Freybe: The Meat Company's Freybe pepperettes are also made with fresh beef or pork and are gluten-free.

Label Reading and Certification

When evaluating a pepperette package, look for clear indicators of its gluten-free status. Don't rely on assumptions.

Look for certification symbols. These are the most trustworthy signs that a product has been tested and meets strict gluten-free standards. The Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) is one such example.
Scrutinize the ingredient list. Scan the ingredients for common gluten sources like wheat, wheat flour, rye, barley, malt, or enriched flour. If a list includes unspecified "spices," it's safer to avoid it unless confirmed gluten-free.
Check allergen warnings. Many labels include a section highlighting common allergens like wheat, milk, and soy. This is a quick way to spot potential gluten content, though it's not foolproof for less obvious sources.

Comparison of Pepperette Brands

To illustrate the importance of checking labels, consider the following comparison:


Brand Example	Gluten-Free Status	Source of Information	Notes
Potenza Meats	Contains Gluten	Ingredients list includes wheat flour.	Unsuitable for gluten-free diets.
Great Canadian Meat	Gluten-Free	FAQ and product info state all products are gluten-free.	Safe for gluten-free consumption.
Piller's	Gluten-Free	Product page specifies free from all major allergens, including gluten.	Safe for gluten-free consumption.
Schneiders	Varies by Product	Some products like "Original Pepperettes" do not list wheat, but ingredients can vary.	Caution advised; must check each product.

Beyond Ingredients: The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Even when ingredients are naturally free of gluten, there is still a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. This is especially critical for individuals with celiac disease, who can have severe reactions to even minute amounts of gluten. The Gluten Free Society highlights this concern with processed meats. Some companies, like Marcangelo Foods, have gone the extra step of seeking GFCP certification, which involves strict controls for cross-contamination. If a brand does not specify its manufacturing processes, and you are highly sensitive, purchasing a certified product is the safest course of action.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the burden of determining if a pepperette is gluten-free falls on the consumer. The widespread availability of explicitly labelled and certified gluten-free pepperettes from brands like Great Canadian Meat, Piller's, and Marcangelo Foods makes it possible for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy this snack safely. However, this accessibility does not negate the need for vigilance. Always read the ingredients, check for gluten-free claims or certifications, and be mindful of potential cross-contamination risks, especially with store-brand or uncertified products. Never assume that just because one pepperette brand is gluten-free, all will be. The information is on the packaging—it's up to you to find it.

For more information on avoiding gluten in processed foods, consult authoritative sources like the Gluten Free Society guide on foods to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all pepperette brands are gluten-free. The gluten content depends entirely on the brand's ingredients and manufacturing process. Some, like Potenza Meats, use wheat flour, while many others are explicitly certified gluten-free.

You should look for explicit 'gluten-free' claims or certification seals. Additionally, read the ingredients list carefully for wheat, wheat flour, modified food starch from unknown sources, or other gluten-containing fillers.

Yes, cross-contamination is a risk. Even if ingredients are gluten-free, if the product is made in a facility that also processes wheat, it could become contaminated. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free, as this indicates stricter cross-contamination controls.

The term 'no fillers' is not a reliable indicator of a gluten-free product. While it suggests a simpler formulation, it doesn't guarantee the absence of wheat-based seasonings or flavourings. It's always best to check for an explicit 'gluten-free' label.

Several brands offer gluten-free pepperettes, including Great Canadian Meat, Piller's, Marcangelo Foods, and Bay Meats.

Not all processed meats are a risk, but many can be. The Gluten Free Society notes that many processed meats like pepperoni and hot dogs can contain gluten from added grains. Careful label reading is always recommended for processed meat products.

Certified gluten-free pepperettes can often be found in the refrigerated or snack aisles of most grocery stores. Look for products that clearly display a certified gluten-free logo on their packaging.