Is Harvest Sausage Gluten Free? Unpacking the Ingredients

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Celiac Association, plain, unprocessed meats are naturally gluten-free; however, processed meats like sausage often contain hidden gluten in fillers, binders, or seasonings. This makes the question 'Is Harvest sausage gluten free?' a critical one for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Many, but not all, Harvest Meats sausages are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.

Quick Summary

Several Harvest Meats sausage varieties are specifically produced to be gluten-free, including their Farmer's Sausage and Pure Pork Sausage. Always verify ingredient lists, as other products may contain modified corn starch or milk ingredients, and formulations can change. Be mindful of potential cross-contact, especially with products not explicitly certified.

Key Points

Specific Varieties Are Gluten-Free: Many Harvest Meats sausages, like the Double Smoked Farmer's Sausage and Pure Pork Sausage, are clearly labeled as gluten-free.
Not All Products Are Safe: Always check the specific product packaging, as not every sausage variety from Harvest Meats is gluten-free.
Hidden Gluten Risks: Gluten can be present in processed sausages through binders, fillers, or spice mixes, making label reading crucial.
Modified Starches Require Scrutiny: Ingredients like modified corn starch are often gluten-free but require careful checking, especially for those with multiple sensitivities.
Third-Party Certification is Safer: For the highest level of assurance, look for products with a third-party gluten-free certification, which may indicate stricter manufacturing standards.
Alternatives Are Widely Available: If a Harvest product is not gluten-free, there are numerous other certified gluten-free sausage brands on the market.

Understanding Harvest Meats and Gluten-Free Products

Harvest Meats, a Canadian meat processing company, offers a variety of sausage products, from farmer's sausage to wieners. Many of its products that do not contain gluten are clearly labeled. This transparency is crucial for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, as even small amounts of hidden gluten can cause a reaction.

Labeling and Transparency from Harvest Meats

Harvest Meats' Double Smoked Farmer's Sausage is explicitly marked as gluten-free. Their Pure Pork Sausage also boasts an "allergen free including glutens" attribute. This proactive labeling makes it easier for consumers to make informed choices. Consumers should check each specific package for its ingredients and allergen statements.

Why Some Sausage Contains Gluten

Many mass-produced sausages and processed meat products are not inherently gluten-free. Gluten can be introduced in several ways:

Binders and Fillers: Wheat flour or other gluten-containing fillers can be used to reduce costs or improve texture.
Spice Mixes: Certain spice blends or seasonings can contain hidden gluten. Reading the full ingredient list is important.
Modified Starches: Modified food starch can be derived from wheat, though in the United States and Canada, the starch must be declared as an allergen.
Flavorings: Some artificial or natural flavors can contain gluten-based ingredients.

Always Check the Ingredient List

Consumers should always check the package for the most current information. For example, some products might be made on shared equipment, which can lead to cross-contact, or certain variations might contain different ingredients.

Comparison of Harvest Sausage Products


Product	Is it Gluten-Free?	Common Ingredients	Notes for Celiac
Double Smoked Farmer's Sausage	Yes	Pork, water, salt, sugars, spices	Explicitly labeled as gluten-free; no binders, fillers, or soy.
Pure Pork Sausage	Yes	Pork, water, potato starch, salt, spices	Also explicitly labeled gluten-free, using potato starch as a binder.
All Beef Wieners	Yes (with cautions)	Beef, water, modified milk ingredients, modified corn starch, spices	Contains modified corn starch and milk ingredients; important for other allergies.
Ham Sausage	No (contains milk)	Pork, water, modified milk ingredients, salt, sugar, spices	Not advertised as gluten-free; contains modified milk ingredients, a potential co-allergen concern.

The Importance of Certification

The FDA regulates the term "gluten-free" to mean that a product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. Third-party certifications, such as those from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), often have even stricter standards and involve factory audits. When evaluating Harvest Meats or any other brand, check if they have a third-party certification in addition to their own labeling.

Gluten-Free Alternatives to Harvest Sausages

Many other companies offer certified options, like Jones Dairy Farm and Aidells. Always verify the current label, as formulations can and do change over time.

Making your own sausage from scratch using fresh, unprocessed meat, spices, and gluten-free binders like rice flour or potato starch is a completely safe option. This eliminates any risk of cross-contact from shared manufacturing lines.

Conclusion: Read Labels and Stay Informed

The question "Is Harvest sausage gluten free?" has a nuanced answer: some varieties are, while others are not. Harvest Meats produces specific products that are clearly labeled as gluten-free, like their Farmer's Sausage. However, consumers must always check the packaging for the most up-to-date ingredient list and any allergen declarations. For those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease, seeking products with a third-party gluten-free certification offers the highest degree of safety. By staying vigilant and informed, you can confidently enjoy sausage while adhering to a gluten-free diet.

Optional authoritative link: Celiac Disease Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Harvest sausage is gluten-free. While some varieties, like their Farmer's Sausage, are specifically labeled as gluten-free, others are not. Always check the ingredient list on the specific package you are purchasing.

Several products from Harvest Meats are safe, including their Double Smoked Farmer's Sausage and Pure Pork Sausage, which are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. Always verify the current packaging to be certain.

You can tell if a sausage has gluten by carefully reading the ingredient label. Look for wheat, barley, rye, or malt. Also, be aware of fillers, binders, or flavorings that may contain gluten.

Harvest Meats explicitly states that some of its gluten-free sausages, like the Farmer's Sausage, contain no binders or fillers. However, other products might use alternative binders like potato starch or modified corn starch, so label-checking is essential.

No, 'wheat-free' does not automatically mean 'gluten-free.' A product can be wheat-free but still contain gluten from other grains like barley or rye. For a product to be labeled 'gluten-free,' it must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

People with celiac disease can safely eat the Harvest sausage products that are clearly labeled as gluten-free. However, they should avoid any varieties not explicitly marked as such and should be mindful of cross-contact risk if the product is not certified.

Naturally gluten-free alternatives include making your own sausage from scratch using unprocessed, plain ground meat and gluten-free seasonings. Brands like Aidells and Jones Dairy Farm also offer certified gluten-free sausage options.