Are McCormick Bacon Pieces Gluten Free? A Detailed Guide

Bacon lovers, rejoice! McCormick has a new line of bacon pieces that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

But for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, the question remains: are McCormick Bacon Pieces gluten free?

In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question and more. From delivery fees to vegan options, we’ll cover everything you need to know about McCormick Bacon Pieces.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about this delicious and versatile ingredient.

Are McCormick Bacon Pieces Gluten Free?

Yes, McCormick Bacon Pieces are gluten free. These bacon pieces are made with real bacon and natural flavors, and do not contain any gluten or gluten-containing ingredients.

This makes them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies who still want to enjoy the delicious taste of bacon in their meals.

What Are McCormick Bacon Pieces?

McCormick Bacon Pieces are a type of bacon-flavored topping that can be used to add a salty, crunchy texture to a variety of dishes. However, unlike traditional bacon bits, McCormick Bacon Pieces are made from textured soy flour and other additives, rather than actual bacon.

The main ingredient in McCormick Bacon Pieces is textured soy flour, which is a protein-rich meal made from ground soybeans. This is mixed with canola oil, salt, and various natural and artificial flavors to create the bacon-like taste and texture.

Other ingredients in McCormick Bacon Pieces include caramel color and red 40 dye for coloring, maltodextrin as a thickener, lactic acid as a flavoring agent and preservative, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate as salty flavor enhancers, and yeast extract for an umami flavor.

Despite not containing any actual bacon, McCormick Bacon Pieces are a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans who want to add a meaty flavor to their dishes without using real meat. They are also gluten free, making them a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Ingredients In McCormick Bacon Pieces

McCormick Bacon Pieces are made with a combination of soy flour, canola oil, salt, caramel color, natural and artificial flavor, yeast extract, FD&C Red No. 40, natural applewood smoke, and disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate (flavor enhancers).

Soy flour is a common ingredient in many gluten-free products and is a great source of protein. Canola oil is also gluten-free and is often used as a substitute for butter in baking recipes. Salt is a naturally gluten-free ingredient that adds flavor to the bacon pieces.

Caramel color is used to give the bacon pieces their classic brown color and is also gluten-free. Natural and artificial flavors are added to enhance the taste of the bacon pieces and are derived from gluten-free sources.

Yeast extract is a common ingredient in many processed foods and is gluten-free. It is often used as a flavor enhancer and can add a savory taste to the bacon pieces.

FD&C Red No. 40 is a food coloring that gives the bacon pieces their red color. It is gluten-free and safe for consumption.

Natural applewood smoke is used to give the bacon pieces their smoky flavor. It is derived from real applewood and does not contain any gluten.

Finally, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate are flavor enhancers that are often used in processed foods. They are derived from non-gluten sources and are safe for consumption.

Other Options For Bacon Lovers With Gluten Sensitivities

For those who are looking for other options for bacon lovers with gluten sensitivities, there are several brands producing gluten free vegetarian bacon. Upton’s Naturals, Lightlife, and Facon (a vegan bacon) are some of the popular brands that offer gluten-free options. These products are made from a variety of ingredients such as soy, coconut, wheat-based seitan, tempeh, and more. Some of these products are even fortified with vital minerals and vitamins like Vitamin B12.

When choosing a meat substitute for bacon, it is important to read the package labels carefully to ensure that the ingredients meet your dietary needs. Some imitation bacon brands may contain gluten due to the use of vital wheat gluten or yeast extract, which may not be gluten-free. If products with yeast extract are not labeled or certified gluten-free, they should be avoided.

Aside from meat substitutes, potatoes can also be a great option for breakfast meals. Potatoes are inexpensive, filling, and when paired with additional veggies and bacon can make a delicious breakfast dish.

In addition to meat substitutes and potatoes, there are also pre-packaged deli meats available that are gluten-free. A Chicago-based brand offers 11 different varieties of gluten-free deli meats including beef, black forest ham, chicken, corned beef, ham, honey ham, honey-roasted turkey, oven-roasted turkey, pastrami, and turkey.