Does Hickory Farms have gluten free products?

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Celiac Association, while naturally gluten-free foods like plain meat and dairy are safe, processed products require careful label-reading. For those with dietary restrictions, finding reliable and safe snack options can be challenging, but Hickory Farms has expanded its offerings to accommodate this need.

Quick Summary

Hickory Farms offers a variety of gluten-free products and dedicated gift baskets, including certain summer sausages, cheeses, and other snacks. Many items are produced in facilities that also process wheat, so consumers with celiac disease or severe sensitivities must be aware of potential cross-contamination risks and check individual labels carefully.

Key Points

Availability: Yes, Hickory Farms offers a range of gluten-free products and dedicated gluten-free gift baskets, which can be found on their website.
Featured Items: Gluten-free offerings include specific summer sausages (like the Signature Beef), several cheese blends, and curated baskets without traditional crackers.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Many gluten-free items are processed in facilities that also handle wheat and other allergens, posing a risk for those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease.
Careful Shopping: Consumers should always check individual product labels for allergen warnings, especially when purchasing mixed gift baskets that may contain both gluten-free and gluten-containing items.
Dedicated Baskets: For the safest option, opt for gift baskets explicitly labeled as "gluten-free" from the company's designated website section.
Condiments: Exercise caution with spreads and mustards, as some may contain gluten. Always check the ingredient list for potential allergens.

Hickory Farms' Gluten-Free Product Selection

Yes, Hickory Farms does offer a selection of gluten-free products, and they have made a concerted effort to cater to those with dietary restrictions. The company features a dedicated gluten-free section on its website, highlighting gift baskets and other individual items designed for this dietary need. Shoppers can find a range of savory items, including certain summer sausages, cheeses, and savory spreads that are marked as gluten-free.

For example, their popular Signature Beef Summer Sausage is explicitly labeled as gluten-free. Similarly, several of their cheese blends, such as the Smoked Cheddar and Swiss Cheddar, are designated as gluten-free, containing only milk as a major allergen. However, it is crucial to note that many products, including entire gift baskets, contain other items like crackers and condiments that are not gluten-free.

Important Consideration: Cross-Contamination

One of the most important things for consumers with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance to be aware of is the potential for cross-contamination. Hickory Farms openly states that many of its gluten-free gift baskets are produced in facilities that also process milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. This means that while a specific product may not contain gluten ingredients, it was not processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility. For those with severe allergies or sensitivities, this risk must be carefully considered.

Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Containing Baskets

When purchasing from Hickory Farms, the inclusion of crackers is a key differentiator. Many traditional gift baskets come with classic golden-toasted crackers made with wheat flour. These are not suitable for a gluten-free diet. The company, however, offers specifically curated gluten-free gift baskets that replace these traditional crackers or simply omit them entirely. A prime example is the 'Gluten Free Cheese & Sausage Lover's Gift Box,' designed for people who need to avoid gluten. Some baskets are also paired with wine instead of crackers for a complete gluten-free treat.

Identifying Gluten-Free Options

To ensure a product is gluten-free, always check the individual item's allergen information, not just the basket's overall description. For gift baskets, check the itemized list of what is included. The safest approach is to shop directly from Hickory Farms' dedicated "Gluten-Free Gifts" section on their website, where products are specifically curated for this dietary need.

Navigating the Product Lineup

Meats and Sausages

Signature Beef Summer Sausage: Explicitly marked as gluten-free.
Other Summer Sausages and Salami: While many are made without gluten ingredients, always check the individual packaging for allergen warnings and specific gluten-free labeling, as production methods can vary.

Cheeses and Spreads

Smoked Cheddar Blend: Labeled as gluten-free, with only milk listed as an allergen.
Swiss Cheddar Blend: Confirmed as gluten-free based on available information.
Other Cheese Blends: Many of the company's natural cheese options are gluten-free, but check the allergen information for specific blends, as some may contain other allergens.
Mustards and Spreads: Be cautious with condiments, as some, like their Sweet Hot Mustard, contain wheat and soy. Always read the ingredients list carefully.

How to Safely Shop Hickory Farms Gluten-Free


Feature	Shopping for Gluten-Free Products	Shopping for Mixed Gift Baskets
Best Practice	Buy items explicitly marked "gluten-free" and check allergen warnings for processing information.	Be extremely cautious. Assume items like crackers and certain condiments contain gluten unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Website Navigation	Use the dedicated "Gluten-Free Gifts" and collections for safer options.	Read the complete product description and allergen list for each item in the basket.
Product Verification	Look for individual product labels that state "gluten-free".	Do not rely on a basket's general description. Some baskets contain a mix of gluten-free and gluten-containing items.
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Acknowledge that most items are processed in shared facilities.	High risk, as many baskets include products with wheat (e.g., crackers).

Conclusion

For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Hickory Farms does offer a genuine selection of gluten-free products and specially assembled gift baskets, providing a reliable option for many occasions. Items like the Signature Beef Summer Sausage and several of their cheese blends are specifically labeled to indicate their gluten-free status. However, the critical caveat is the potential for cross-contamination due to shared processing facilities. Therefore, consumers with severe sensitivities must always exercise caution and verify allergen information on every individual item to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Shop Hickory Farms Gluten-Free Products

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Hickory Farms gift baskets are gluten-free. While they offer specially curated gluten-free options and individual gluten-free products, many traditional baskets contain crackers and other items made with wheat.

Hickory Farms' Signature Beef Summer Sausage is explicitly labeled as gluten-free. For other varieties, it is best to check the allergen information on the individual product's packaging.

Hickory Farms discloses that many of its gluten-free products are made in shared facilities that also process wheat. Individuals with celiac disease should be aware of this potential for cross-contamination and decide based on their personal sensitivity level.

Many of Hickory Farms' natural cheese products, such as the Smoked Cheddar and Swiss Cheddar blends, are naturally gluten-free. However, some cheese spreads or blends may contain other allergens, so always check the product's allergen information.

The easiest way to find guaranteed gluten-free products is to navigate to the dedicated "Gluten Free Gifts" section on the Hickory Farms website.

Not all condiments are gluten-free. For instance, the Sweet Hot Mustard has been listed as containing wheat. It is important to read the ingredient list for any spread or mustard to confirm its status.

The safest method is to purchase a pre-assembled gift basket from their dedicated gluten-free collection. Additionally, always scrutinize the ingredient and allergen list on every single item before consumption.