Is Hillshire Farm smoked beef sausage gluten-free? A Detailed Guide

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Hillshire Farm's own FAQs, the company practices "truth in labeling" and lists all eight major FDA allergens on its packaging. But for those navigating celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, the key question remains: is Hillshire Farm smoked beef sausage gluten-free, even if not explicitly labeled as such?

Quick Summary

Hillshire Farm's smoked beef sausage appears to contain no gluten ingredients based on current package information, but it is not officially labeled 'gluten-free' for retail. Individuals with sensitivities should always check the label.

Key Points

Label Check is Critical: Always examine the current, physical product packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient information.
No Declared Gluten Ingredients: The most recent online ingredient lists for Hillshire Farm's smoked beef sausage do not show any gluten sources like wheat or barley.
Not Certified Gluten-Free: The specific beef smoked sausage product is not explicitly labeled or certified as 'gluten-free' for the retail market.
Awareness of Cross-Contamination: Since the product isn't certified, there is a potential risk of cross-contamination for highly sensitive individuals.
Company Policy: Hillshire Farm follows strict labeling policies and will declare top allergens like wheat if present.
Not All Products Are Equal: The gluten status varies across Hillshire Farm's product line, so consumers must check each item individually.
Consider Certified Options: For those with severe sensitivity, certified gluten-free brands offer a higher level of safety assurance.

Scrutinizing the Ingredients for Hillshire Farm Smoked Beef Sausage

The most definitive way to determine a product's gluten status is to read its ingredient list. Reviewing the Hillshire Farm website and major retailers like Kroger confirms the ingredients for the standard retail Beef Smoked Sausage. As of the latest information, the ingredient list typically includes:

Beef
Water
Corn Syrup
Contains 2% or Less: Salt, Oat Fiber, Natural Flavors, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphate, Beef Collagen, Monosodium Glutamate, Natural Hardwood Smoked Sugar, Sodium Erythorbate, Dried Garlic, Sodium Nitrite

Notably, the ingredients do not list wheat, barley, or rye. While oat fiber is included, certified gluten-free oat fiber is widely available. Given Hillshire Farm's stated labeling policy, it is highly likely that if the oat fiber contained gluten from cross-contamination, the company would disclose it. However, the absence of a certified 'gluten-free' label is an important distinction for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity. The official foodservice version of Hillshire Farm smoked sausage, as advertised on the Tyson Foodservice website, is explicitly labeled gluten-free and MSG-free, suggesting different production lines or ingredient standards for different markets.

The Importance of a Certified 'Gluten-Free' Label

For many with celiac disease, a simple lack of gluten ingredients is not enough. The risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing, packaging, or handling is a serious concern. A product with a certified 'gluten-free' label has undergone third-party testing to ensure it meets strict government standards (less than 20 parts per million of gluten). Hillshire Farm's retail smoked beef sausage lacks this official certification, which is a significant factor for those with extreme sensitivities. As per older company responses and general industry practices, if the 'gluten-free' claim isn't on the label, it's safer to be cautious.

Comparison of Hillshire Farm vs. Certified Gluten-Free Sausages

Here is a table comparing the Hillshire Farm Smoked Beef Sausage with a brand that is certified gluten-free, like Jones Dairy Farm.


Feature	Hillshire Farm Smoked Beef Sausage	Jones Dairy Farm Sausage	Verdict
Gluten-Free Status	No declared gluten ingredients, but not certified 'gluten-free' for retail packaging.	Certified gluten-free by the GFCO (less than 10ppm).	Winner: Jones Dairy Farm (for celiac safety)
Allergen Labeling	Follows FDA regulations and discloses top allergens, including wheat.	Certified by a third-party organization, indicating higher testing standards.	Winner: Jones Dairy Farm (for additional verification)
Flavor Profile	Contains corn syrup, dextrose, and MSG for flavor enhancement.	Uses five simple ingredients: pork, water, salt, spices, and sugar.	Tie (preference is subjective)
Processing Risk	Potential for cross-contamination due to lack of certification.	Lower risk of cross-contamination due to GFCO certification.	Winner: Jones Dairy Farm (for reduced risk)

Other Hillshire Farm Products and Gluten

While this article focuses on the smoked beef sausage, it is worth noting that Hillshire Farm offers other products, some of which are explicitly marked gluten-free. For example, their Ultra Thin Sliced Honey Roasted Turkey Breast Deli Lunch Meat is labeled gluten-free. This selective labeling underscores the fact that the gluten status can vary significantly across the brand's extensive product line. Therefore, a blanket assumption of safety across all Hillshire Farm products is not recommended for those with dietary restrictions. The company's own FAQ on their website emphasizes their compliance with labeling requirements and notes that any changes are reflected on the label. It's a reminder that consumer vigilance is the best policy.

Reading Labels Like a Pro for Gluten-Free Needs

For anyone with gluten sensitivity, becoming an expert label-reader is essential. When evaluating a product like Hillshire Farm smoked beef sausage, look for specific keywords and certifications:

Explicit 'Gluten-Free' Certification: The presence of this label, often with a logo from a certifying body like GFCO, provides the highest level of assurance.
Full Ingredient Disclosure: Carefully read every ingredient, not just the top allergens section. Be mindful of ingredients that can be derived from gluten, even if they aren't explicitly listed as wheat (e.g., malt extract). In the case of Hillshire Farm's smoked beef sausage, the ingredient list currently looks clean for gluten.
Manufacturing Process Warnings: Sometimes, packaging includes a "may contain" statement, indicating potential cross-contamination. While Hillshire Farm's products often don't carry this, it's a good practice to look for it.

Conclusion

Based on current ingredient information, Hillshire Farm smoked beef sausage does not contain any gluten ingredients. For many consumers, this may be sufficient. However, it is not officially labeled or certified as 'gluten-free' for the retail market, meaning there is no guarantee against potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. Individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity should exercise caution. Always check the most up-to-date packaging information on the physical product and weigh the risk against your personal health needs. For maximum safety, opting for a brand with an official gluten-free certification, such as Jones Dairy Farm, is the most reliable approach.

For more information on their general labeling and product policies, you can visit the official Hillshire Farm website.

Hillshire Farm FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Hillshire Farm smoked beef sausage is not explicitly labeled 'gluten-free,' meaning it has not been certified to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. While no gluten ingredients are listed, there is a potential risk of cross-contamination from processing on shared equipment, making it a risk for those with celiac disease.

No. Hillshire Farm's labeling policy is to follow FDA regulations and clearly label major allergens like wheat when present. However, the absence of gluten ingredients does not mean the company labels it 'gluten-free' or certifies it, particularly for retail products.

Oat fiber, as an isolated ingredient, is naturally gluten-free. The risk comes from potential cross-contamination if the oats are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, or rye. Given Hillshire Farm's labeling policies, any gluten contamination would likely be disclosed, but the risk remains without certification.

The most reliable method is to check the physical product label every time you purchase it, as ingredients and formulations can change. For the highest certainty, contact Hillshire Farm's consumer relations directly with the product's specific barcode or batch number.

No, not all Hillshire Farm sausages are gluten-free. Some foodservice products are explicitly labeled gluten-free, while retail versions often are not certified. Always check the packaging for each specific variety, as ingredients can differ.

A product must undergo specific testing and potentially be manufactured in a dedicated facility to receive 'certified gluten-free' status. Hillshire Farm does not test for gluten in all its retail products, and therefore does not make this claim for products like the smoked beef sausage.

Given the lack of gluten-free certification and the potential for cross-contamination, those with a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease should avoid this product. The safest course of action is to choose a brand that is explicitly certified gluten-free, such as Jones Dairy Farm.

Under Hillshire Farm's "truth in labeling" policy, any gluten-containing ingredients in natural flavors would be disclosed on the label. This is in compliance with FDA regulations, which require that if the source of a natural flavor is a major allergen like wheat, it must be declared.