Yes, Blake's All-Natural Shepherd's Pie is Gluten-Free
For those on a gluten-free diet, finding safe and convenient frozen meals can be a challenge. Fortunately, the All-Natural Shepherd's Pie from Blake's is a reliable option. The product is clearly marked with a "Gluten Free" label on its packaging, a claim verified by its simple, natural ingredients. The recipe is a classic take on the comfort food, featuring mashed potatoes topping a savory mix of beef and corn, all made without any wheat, rye, or barley-based thickeners or fillers.
The Ingredients That Make It Safe
The gluten-free status of Blake's Shepherd's Pie is a direct result of its carefully selected ingredients. An examination of the ingredient list confirms the absence of gluten-containing components.
- The Mashed Potato Topping: Made from scratch with real potatoes, milk, and butter.
- The Savory Filling: Contains cooked ground beef and corn.
- The Flavorings: Includes simple, natural ingredients like onion powder, salt, and other natural flavorings, without any wheat-based binders.
The brand has committed to using high-quality ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, providing an added layer of comfort for conscientious eaters.
Reading the Label for Confirmation
To ensure you are selecting the correct product, it is crucial to read the label carefully, especially since some brands may have multiple versions of the same product. When purchasing Blake's Shepherd's Pie, look for the clear "Gluten Free" call-out on the box. This label signifies that the product meets the FDA's requirements for a gluten-free claim, which means it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. The ingredients list also provides an additional check for those who prefer to be extra cautious.
Comparison Table: Blake's Gluten-Free vs. Conventional Shepherd's Pie
| Feature | Blake's All-Natural Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie | Conventional Shepherd's Pie | Comparison Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | Clearly labeled gluten-free. | Often contains wheat flour in the gravy or sauce. | Blake's version is safe for celiac and sensitive individuals. |
| Key Ingredients | Potatoes, beef, corn, butter, sour cream. | Potatoes, beef, corn, often wheat flour for gravy. | Blake's avoids wheat-based thickeners entirely. |
| Artificial Additives | No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. | May contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. | Blake's uses a simpler, more natural ingredient list. |
| Allergen Info | Contains milk. Free from wheat. | Often contains milk and wheat. | Better for those with gluten sensitivities, but still contains dairy. |
Don't Confuse the Brands: Blake's Frozen Meals vs. Blake's Seed Based
There is another company with a similar name, Blake's Seed Based, which produces gluten-free and allergy-friendly snacks. This can cause confusion. It's important to differentiate between the two entities:
- Blake's All-Natural: This company produces the frozen meals, including the Shepherd's Pie. Their gluten-free status is certified for specific products like this pie.
- Blake's Seed Based: This company focuses on snack bars and crispy treats made in a certified nut-free and gluten-free facility.
Always ensure you are looking at the correct product packaging to confirm the gluten-free status of the frozen meal and avoid mixing up the brands.
Other Gluten-Free Options from Blake's All-Natural
The brand has expanded its gluten-free offerings to cater to more customers with dietary needs. In addition to the Shepherd's Pie, Blake's offers other gluten-free frozen meals, such as:
- Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie, which features a specific gluten-free crust.
- Turkey Shepherd's Pie, another gluten-free variation of the classic recipe.
This provides variety and more options for consumers who trust the brand's commitment to natural, gluten-free ingredients.
Conclusion: A Reliable Choice for a Gluten-Free Diet
In conclusion, Blake's Shepherd's Pie is a safe and reliable option for anyone following a gluten-free diet. The company explicitly labels the product as gluten-free, and its simple ingredient list confirms the absence of wheat and other gluten-containing additives. While it is important to distinguish the frozen meal brand from Blake's Seed Based snacks, both brands maintain a high standard for creating allergy-friendly options. For a convenient and comforting meal that aligns with gluten-free restrictions, Blake's All-Natural Shepherd's Pie is an excellent choice.
For more information on the ingredients and nutritional content, you can visit official product pages on retailer websites.
Key Takeaways
- Confirmed Gluten-Free: Blake's All-Natural Shepherd's Pie is officially labeled as gluten-free on its packaging.
- Wheat-Free Ingredients: The recipe relies on naturally gluten-free components like potatoes, beef, and corn, with no wheat-based thickeners.
- Read the Label: Always check the product label for the explicit "Gluten Free" certification to ensure you have the correct item.
- Brand Distinction is Key: Do not confuse Blake's All-Natural frozen meals with Blake's Seed Based snack products, as they are separate companies.
- Other GF Products Available: The Blake's brand also offers other gluten-free frozen meals, such as the Chicken Pot Pie, providing more dining options.
FAQs
question: Does Blake's Shepherd's pie contain any wheat? answer: No, the ingredient list for Blake's All-Natural Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie does not contain any wheat or other gluten-containing grains.
question: What are the main ingredients in Blake's Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie? answer: The pie contains potatoes, cooked ground beef, corn, cultured sour cream, butter, onion powder, salt, and other natural flavorings.
question: Is the Blake's brand dedicated solely to gluten-free foods? answer: Blake's All-Natural offers a line of natural and gluten-free products, but not all products are gluten-free, so it is important to check the specific product label.
question: Can people with celiac disease safely eat Blake's Shepherd's Pie? answer: As a product labeled gluten-free, it is formulated to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, making it safe for most individuals with celiac disease, though checking the label is always recommended.
question: Where can I find the ingredients list for Blake's Shepherd's Pie? answer: The ingredient list is printed on the product packaging and is also available on various online grocery retailer websites that stock the product.
question: What's the difference between Blake's frozen meals and Blake's Seed Based snacks? answer: Blake's frozen meals and Blake's Seed Based snacks are from two separate companies. While both offer gluten-free items, it's important to check the specific product packaging for certification.
question: Are there other gluten-free meals offered by Blake's? answer: Yes, Blake's offers other gluten-free options, including a Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie with a specific gluten-free crust.
