Nutrition Diet: Are honey baked turkeys gluten free?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Statistics show that nearly 1% of the global population has celiac disease, a condition that makes the question, 'Are honey baked turkeys gluten free?' crucial for holiday gatherings and special meals. This guide addresses the specifics of Honey Baked's products to help ensure your dietary needs are met safely and deliciously.

Quick Summary

Honey Baked Ham Company's shipped turkeys and turkey breasts are certified gluten-free, but products sold in retail stores are not guaranteed safe due to potential cross-contamination. Special care is required for a safe gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Shipped Turkeys are Certified Gluten-Free: Products ordered directly from the Honey Baked Ham Company online are certified as gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease.
Retail Turkeys are Not Guaranteed: Turkeys purchased from Honey Baked retail stores carry a risk of cross-contamination because they are not prepared in a gluten-free environment.
Glaze Recipe is Gluten-Free: The ingredients used in the signature glaze, including the modified food starch and caramel coloring, have been reformulated to be gluten-free.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: Regardless of the product's origin, always use separate utensils, cutting boards, and serving areas to prevent cross-contamination with other gluten-containing foods.
Always Check the Source: The safest method for a strict gluten-free diet is to order a certified gluten-free turkey directly from the company's shipping service.
Plan Gluten-Free Side Dishes: Don't forget that side dishes like gravy and stuffing can contain gluten; homemade options are often the safest choice.

Navigating the Gluten-Free Status of Honey Baked Turkeys

For those on a gluten-free diet, enjoying holiday favorites can be a challenge due to hidden gluten in glazes, marinades, or preparation methods. The Honey Baked Ham Company has long been a popular choice for easy, pre-cooked meals, and fortunately, the answer to the question are honey baked turkeys gluten free? is generally positive, with some important caveats. The key distinction lies in how and where you purchase the turkey.

The Official Verdict: Shipped vs. Retail Products

According to the official Honey Baked Ham website, all their shipped hams, turkey breasts, and whole turkeys are gluten-free. These products are prepared and packaged in a controlled environment to prevent cross-contamination. This is excellent news for individuals who order their holiday centerpiece directly from the company's website or catalog. The certification offers peace of mind that the product itself and its signature glaze are free from gluten-containing ingredients.

However, the company includes a crucial disclaimer for products purchased at its retail store locations: "Products in our retail store are not produced in a gluten-free environment". This means that while the core ingredients of the turkey may be gluten-free, there is a risk of cross-contamination from other products, sides, or equipment handled within the store. For someone with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, this risk is a deal-breaker and should not be ignored. Always assume a risk of cross-contamination in the retail store setting.

The Gluten-Free Glaze: A Recipe Reformulation

One of the main concerns for gluten-sensitive consumers is the signature crunchy glaze. Years ago, some customers reported gluten-related issues, but the recipe has since been reformulated. The current recipe for the glaze, and the ingredients for the turkey itself, have been reviewed and confirmed to be gluten-free. The modified food starch is corn-based, and the caramel color does not contain gluten. This applies specifically to the ingredients used in the shipped products. For in-store items, the cross-contamination risk still applies, even if the glaze is theoretically gluten-free.

Ensuring a Safe, Gluten-Free Meal

If you are hosting a holiday meal and need to guarantee a safe option for gluten-free guests, here are some steps to take:

Order a Shipped Turkey: This is the safest option. By ordering a turkey directly from the Honey Baked Ham Company online, you receive a product certified gluten-free that has been prepared in a dedicated environment.
Communicate Clearly: If you must purchase from a retail store, contact the store manager beforehand to discuss your needs. While they cannot guarantee a gluten-free environment, they can provide information on how the product is handled. However, for a severe allergy, this is still not recommended.
Plan Safe Side Dishes: A turkey is only one part of the meal. Ensure all other dishes, including stuffing, gravy, and appetizers, are prepared using certified gluten-free ingredients. Many store-bought gravies contain wheat flour, so making your own from scratch is the safest bet.
Separate Serving Utensils: Even if the turkey is gluten-free, using the same serving utensils for both gluten-free and gluten-containing dishes can cause cross-contamination. Use separate, clearly labeled utensils for each dish.
Set Up a Dedicated Area: In a buffet-style setting, designate a specific area for all gluten-free foods. This prevents accidental mixing and offers a clear visual cue for guests with dietary restrictions.

Shipped vs. Retail: A Comparison for the Gluten-Free Diet


Feature	Shipped Honey Baked Turkey	Retail Store Honey Baked Turkey
Gluten-Free Certification	Yes	No
Cross-Contamination Risk	Extremely Low (Prepared in controlled facility)	High (Potential for contact with other allergens in-store)
Glaze Ingredients	Certified Gluten-Free Ingredients	Assumed Gluten-Free Ingredients, but risk of cross-contamination exists
Peace of Mind	High, for Celiac and severe sensitivity	Low, not recommended for severe allergies
Cost	Generally Higher due to shipping	Standard Retail Pricing

A Deeper Look into the Ingredients

For the ingredient-curious, an analysis of the turkey and glaze components confirms the absence of wheat or gluten. The turkey ingredients typically include turkey breast, broth, salt, and various preservatives. The famous glaze contains sugar, gelatin, paprika, maltodextrin (corn-based), honey, and spices. A detailed ingredients list is often available on the company's nutrition portal or website, but remember that the most current and authoritative information is on the packaging of certified products.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Nutrition Diet

In conclusion, are honey baked turkeys gluten free? The answer is that the shipped and certified turkeys from the Honey Baked Ham Company are, but those from their retail stores are not. For anyone with celiac disease or a serious gluten intolerance, ordering online is the only truly safe option. This provides the assurance that the product has been processed in a controlled, gluten-free environment, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination present in retail stores. By understanding this distinction and implementing careful practices during meal preparation, you can confidently enjoy a delicious and safe holiday meal. For the most up-to-date and specific allergen information, always consult the official website and product packaging.

For more information on the company's product offerings and allergen statements, you can visit the official Honey Baked Ham website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all of Honey Baked Ham Company's shipped turkeys, turkey breasts, and hams are certified gluten-free.

Products in Honey Baked retail stores are not prepared in a gluten-free environment, which creates a significant risk of cross-contamination with other products containing allergens like wheat.

No, the glaze recipe was reformulated around 2008 to remove gluten. The current ingredients are considered safe for a gluten-free diet.

The most secure way is to order a certified gluten-free turkey through the company's website for shipping, which guarantees it was processed in a controlled facility.

Yes, but it is important to remember the in-store cross-contamination warning. For shipped products, the ingredients list accurately reflects the certified gluten-free nature.

Many side dishes offered by Honey Baked Ham Company contain dairy, eggs, and other allergens, and are not typically gluten-free. It is always best to check the allergen information for specific side dishes or prepare your own.

If you have a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease, you should only consume Honey Baked turkeys that are shipped and certified gluten-free. Avoid any products purchased from a retail store location.

Yes, the modified food starch in the reformulated Honey Baked glaze is corn-based and does not contain gluten.