The Turkey

Once again manufacturers have stepped up to the plate and are responding to the needs of the gluten-free. Butterball, one of the largest suppliers of processed turkeys is now certifying both their unstuffed turkeys and their gravy packets as gluten-free. This is a big change from the turkeys of yesteryear which were often injected with a solution that contained wheat as a flavoring.

Butterball’s website indicates that their fresh and frozen turkeys that do not include stuffing are gluten-free and their gravy products are made with rice flour and corn-based modified food starch, making them safe for consumption by the gluten-free.

Ordering Your Turkey from your Butcher

If Butterball turkeys are not available in your area then go to your grocer’s butcher counter a few weeks before Thanksgiving and order a fresh (non-frozen) turkey that has not been injected with flavoring solution or soaked in brine.

Be sure to let the butcher know that you have a food allergy and your turkey must be ‘natural’ – with no added ingredients.

If You Are a Guest

If you are a guest for Thanksgiving and can’t specify which turkey is selected or how it is prepared you have several options.

Most people stuff their turkey with a stuffing that contains wheat bread which contains gluten. This means that even if the turkey hasn’t been injected with a broth that contains gluten the probability that your slice of turkey will be cross-contaminated by some gluten-containing gravy or stuffing is very high.

BYOT (Bring Your Own Turkey)

Since Thanksgiving is all about thanks I like to make the day easier on my host. Prior to the holiday I purchase a deboned turkey breast from my butcher. On the morning of Thanksgiving I fry up the turkey breast with a few generous pats of butter, refrigerate it, and bring the turkey breast, pan and all, in a cooler to the celebration so that I can enjoy myself and not worry about gluten.

I ask the host to borrow a burner to gently reheat my portion (don’t try to microwave the turkey, the meat will become tough). Since there’s a lot of meat on a turkey breast I have enough to share with other guests who are gluten-free.

When it’s time to eat politely decline the stuffing, fill your plate up with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a generous dollop of butter (skip the gravy – your host has likely made it with wheat flour) and enjoy a gluten-safe meal.

If You Are Traveling

If you are traveling and can’t bring your own turkey then ask your host to see the product label for the turkey to determine whether it has been injected with flavorings that contain gluten.

In the USA manufacturers are required to list major allergens which are currently defined by the USFDA as follows: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.