Does Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage have gluten?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Johnsonville website and product labels, Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage is labeled as gluten-free. This offers a straightforward answer for consumers managing gluten-free diets, but it's important to understand what this means and to always verify labels for the most current information.

Quick Summary

Johnsonville confirms its Mild Italian Sausage is a gluten-free product, a claim supported by product labeling and company FAQs. This ensures it is free from common gluten-containing ingredients, but consumers should be aware of potential cross-contamination risks and always check packaging for the latest ingredient information.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: Johnsonville explicitly labels its Mild Italian Sausage as a gluten-free product on the packaging and website.
Ingredient Transparency: The ingredient list avoids common gluten-containing binders and fillers, featuring primarily pork and spices.
Cross-Contamination Acknowledged: The company's FAQ specifies that while many products are gluten-free, meatballs and beer brats are exceptions that contain gluten.
Label Verification is Key: Always check the specific product's packaging for the 'gluten free' claim, as ingredients can vary or change.
Safe for Celiac Diets: Since the product meets the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm gluten, it is generally considered safe for individuals with celiac disease.

Is Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Really Gluten-Free?

Yes, multiple product listings and the Johnsonville company website itself confirm that Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage is a gluten-free product. The 'gluten free' claim is featured prominently on the packaging for many versions of their Italian sausages, providing reassurance to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. For a product to be labeled as gluten-free in the United States, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, according to FDA regulations. This threshold is considered safe for most individuals with celiac disease.

Why Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage is Gluten-Free

The base ingredients for sausage—meat, fat, and spices—are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is typically found in fillers, binders, or certain flavorings. Johnsonville avoids these ingredients in its Mild Italian Sausage. For example, a look at the ingredient list for many of their Italian sausage products shows a composition of pork, water, corn syrup, salt, dextrose, and various spices, with no wheat-derived ingredients. The company's website is a reliable source, explicitly stating that most of its products are gluten-free, with specific exceptions noted.

Potential Risks and Cross-Contamination

While the mild Italian sausage itself is gluten-free, some consumers, particularly those with a high level of gluten sensitivity, may be concerned about potential cross-contamination. Johnsonville, like most food manufacturers, processes various products on its equipment. However, the company is transparent about which products contain gluten and which don't. Johnsonville's official FAQ states that all products are made with ingredients that do not contain gluten, except for their meatballs, fresh beer brats, and smoked beer brats. This information helps consumers make an informed decision, especially if they are concerned about the manufacturing environment.

The Importance of Label Verification

Even with the company's clear statements, it is always recommended to check the specific product packaging before purchase. Ingredient lists can change over time, and different product lines or regional variations may have different formulas. Always read the ingredient list and look for the 'gluten free' label on the package itself to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information. This vigilance is a key part of maintaining a strict gluten-free diet.

Comparison of Johnsonville Products and Gluten Content

To help navigate the range of Johnsonville products, here is a helpful comparison table highlighting the gluten status of several popular items based on company information and product labeling. This is not an exhaustive list, and labels should always be verified.


Product	Gluten-Free Status	Key Ingredients	Notes
Mild Italian Sausage	Gluten-Free	Pork, water, spices, corn syrup, dextrose	Explicitly labeled as gluten-free on packaging and website.
Original Breakfast Sausage	Gluten-Free	Pork, water, spices, corn syrup, salt	Many breakfast sausage varieties are also labeled gluten-free.
Original Summer Sausage	Gluten-Free	Beef, pork, salt, corn syrup, spices	Labeled gluten-free and made without added MSG or fillers.
Fresh Beer Brats	Contains Gluten	Pork, water, seasonings, beer	The official FAQ lists this as an exception, confirming it contains gluten.
Smoked Beer Brats	Contains Gluten	Pork, water, seasonings, beer	Also listed as containing gluten due to the beer ingredient.
Meatballs	Contains Gluten	Meat, breadcrumbs, spices	This product line is explicitly mentioned by Johnsonville as containing gluten.

Gluten and Processed Foods

It's important to remember that gluten can appear in unexpected places in processed foods, often in the form of fillers, flavorings, or modified food starches. For example, some 'natural flavors' could potentially contain hidden gluten, though this is uncommon and FDA regulations require full disclosure of wheat ingredients. Corn syrup, which is an ingredient in Johnsonville's sausages, is naturally gluten-free and typically safe for celiacs. The key takeaway is to rely on clear 'gluten free' labeling and reputable manufacturer information. The Johnsonville website is an excellent source for official product FAQs and ingredient information.

Conclusion

In summary, for those wondering, "Does Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage have gluten?", the answer is a reassuring no, it is a gluten-free product. The company's transparency regarding its ingredients and manufacturing process helps consumers with gluten sensitivities make safe choices. By offering products clearly labeled as gluten-free, Johnsonville demonstrates a commitment to catering to its diverse customer base. However, for those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease, the practice of checking labels and being aware of potential cross-contamination areas for other products is always prudent. Ultimately, Johnsonville's Mild Italian Sausage is a safe and flavorful option for those on a gluten-free diet.

For more information on dietary restrictions and product safety, consider visiting the official Johnsonville website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage is labeled gluten-free and should be safe for individuals with celiac disease, assuming no cross-contamination occurs in a home kitchen.

Johnsonville's official website FAQ and the product packaging for the Mild Italian Sausage both confirm its gluten-free status.

Yes, according to Johnsonville, their meatballs and certain fresh and smoked beer brats do contain gluten. However, the Mild Italian Sausage is not among these exceptions.

While it's a valid concern for some foods, the FDA requires food manufacturers to declare any wheat-derived ingredients. Since Johnsonville labels the product gluten-free, any natural flavors used would not contain gluten above the legal threshold.

Ingredient lists for food products can change over time. It is always best practice to check the most current label on the package for the most accurate information before consuming.

Yes, corn syrup is naturally gluten-free and does not pose a risk to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The company takes measures to ensure its gluten-free labeled products meet FDA standards. However, products with and without gluten are made in the same facilities. The official 'gluten free' label on the package indicates compliance with safety standards.