What Brand of Kielbasa Is Gluten-Free?

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Many commercial kielbasa brands contain wheat-based binders or fillers, even though the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free. To determine what brand of kielbasa is gluten-free, careful label reading and brand knowledge are necessary.

Quick Summary

Kielbasa often includes gluten additives, necessitating careful label checks for those on gluten-free diets. Johnsonville, Hillshire Farm, and Jones Dairy Farm offer clearly labeled options, but formulations change. The article explores brands, ingredient risks, and cross-contamination to help consumers make informed choices.

Key Points

Always Check Labels: Many kielbasa brands use gluten-based binders, requiring label reading and certification verification.
Look for Certified Brands: Companies like Jones Dairy Farm are certified gluten-free, often with stricter standards.
Trusted Brands: Johnsonville, Hillshire Farm, and Eckrich offer clearly labeled, gluten-free options.
Beware of Hidden Gluten: Ingredients like 'wheat flour,' 'wheat starch,' and certain 'natural flavors' can contain gluten.
Consider Cross-Contamination: Products made in facilities that also process gluten-containing foods can be a risk; look for dedicated production lines.
Use Reliable Resources: Consult organizations like the National Celiac Association for guidance and product information.

Navigating the Deli Aisle: Finding Safe Kielbasa

For individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies, the sausage section can present challenges due to hidden gluten. While the basic components of sausage are gluten-free, the added binders, fillers, and flavorings often introduce gluten. These additives help the sausage maintain shape, improve texture, or increase volume, but pose risks. Many manufacturers have started producing gluten-free kielbasa and other sausages.

Reputable Gluten-Free Kielbasa Brands

Several brands are known for gluten-free kielbasa. Remember that product formulations can change, so always double-check the label, but these brands are excellent starting points.

Jones Dairy Farm: A trusted name in the gluten-free community, Jones Dairy Farm has been a pioneer in creating safe products. They state that all their meats, except for scrapple, are certified gluten-free. Their certification by the Gluten-Free Food Program, with standards of fewer than 5ppm of gluten, sets a high safety bar. They offer various all-natural, minimally processed sausage products.

Johnsonville: A popular brand, Johnsonville produces a Polish Kielbasa Smoked Sausage labeled as gluten-free. They use 100% premium pork and do not include fillers or artificial flavors, making it a reliable choice.

Hillshire Farm: This brand is known for its clear labeling regarding allergens. Their Polska Kielbasa is often a gluten-free option, but it's crucial to check the specific product's ingredient list, as recipes and ingredients can vary. Their labeling policy is good about identifying common allergens.

Eckrich: Their Polska Kielbasa Skinless Smoked Sausage is explicitly labeled as gluten-free. Eckrich relies on natural hardwood smoking for flavor rather than gluten-containing additives.

Kiolbassa Provision Co.: For beef-based or more specialty options, Kiolbassa offers several gluten-free choices. Their product lines, including Mesquite Beef and Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausage, are noted for being free of gluten and other unwanted additives.

How to Read Labels for Gluten

Becoming a 'label detective' is the most important step for ensuring food is gluten-free. Here's what to look for:

Explicit Labeling: Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, which indicates the product has been tested and meets standards (less than 20 parts per million of gluten). Some companies, like Jones Dairy Farm, exceed this with lower thresholds.
Ingredient List: Scan the ingredients for common gluten, such as wheat flour, wheat starch, barley, rye, or malt. Even 'natural flavors' or 'modified food starch' can be wheat-derived.
Allergen Statements: Look for any 'contains' or 'may contain' statements. If a product is manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat, it may carry a risk of cross-contamination.
Outbound Authority: The Celiac Disease Foundation offers a comprehensive guide on reading food labels and understanding gluten-related terms for a safe diet.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Kielbasa Brands


Brand	Key Features	Meat Type	Gluten-Free Labeling	Availability	Note
Johnsonville	Easy to find, family-owned	100% Premium Pork	Explicitly labeled	Widespread	Reliable, classic option.
Jones Dairy Farm	Certified Gluten-Free (below 5ppm), all-natural	Pork	Certified by GFFP	Varies	Excellent for sensitive individuals.
Hillshire Farm	Clear allergen labeling	Pork, Beef	Labeled on most products	Widespread	Check individual product label.
Eckrich	Hardwood smoked, skinless option	Pork, Chicken	Explicitly labeled	Widespread	Convenient for many recipes.
Kiolbassa	Beef-based options, specialty flavors	Beef, Pork	Clearly labeled on website/packaging	Varies	Premium, flavor-focused.
Pederson's Natural Farms	Uncured, no-sugar options	Pork, Beef	Labeled on products	Varies	Known for clean ingredients.
McKenzie	Coarse ground, naturally smoked	Pork, Beef	Explicitly labeled	Regional	Traditional, robust flavor.

Potential Gluten Hidden in Kielbasa

Even if a product doesn't list wheat flour directly, other ingredients can be sources of gluten. These can include:

Binders and Fillers: Cheap sausages are more likely to use gluten-containing ingredients as fillers to reduce costs.
Modified Food Starch: Can be derived from wheat, though it can also be from corn or tapioca. If not labeled 'wheat-free,' it's best to avoid.
Dextrin: A carbohydrate derived from various starches, which can sometimes be from wheat.
Flavorings: The term 'natural flavors' doesn't always contain gluten, it's a potential risk, especially for sensitive individuals.
Cross-Contamination: The most significant risk comes from products processed in shared facilities or with shared equipment. Always look for certifications or clear statements about facility practices.

Conclusion

Finding gluten-free kielbasa is achievable with knowledge and diligence. Start by looking for brands like Johnsonville, Jones Dairy Farm, and Eckrich, which are recognized for clear gluten-free labeling. Always read the ingredient list and search for certified gluten-free logos. Being aware of cross-contamination in shared facilities is crucial for those with sensitivities. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy kielbasa without worry. Remember, a safe meal begins with an informed decision at the grocery store. For more information, consult the National Celiac Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all kielbasa is gluten-free. While the base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, manufacturers add wheat-based binders or fillers. Check the ingredient label and look for gluten-free labeling.

Brands like Johnsonville, Jones Dairy Farm, Hillshire Farm, and Eckrich offer gluten-free kielbasa. Pederson's Natural Farms and Kiolbassa Provision Co. are also good options for specialty varieties.

Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, indicating the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Always read the ingredient list to avoid hidden gluten sources.

Avoid kielbasa containing wheat flour, wheat starch, barley, rye, malt, or fillers not explicitly identified as gluten-free. Contact the manufacturer if in doubt.

Yes, cross-contamination is a concern, as sausage may be processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products. Look for certifications or information stating that products are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Hillshire Farm's Polska Kielbasa is often gluten-free, but always check the current product label for ingredient information, as formulations can change.

The 'gluten-free' label is reliable, as it signifies less than 20 ppm of gluten for products regulated by the FDA. Third-party certification is the most trusted indicator of safety.