Summer means barbeques, family camping trips, and roasting hot dogs over a fire. But if you're on a strict gluten-free diet like myself, finding the perfect gluten-free hot dog to complement that gluten-free bun can be quite the challenge.
If you're struggling to find gluten-free hot dogs at your grocery store, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, The Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated companies to list sources of ingredients along with their common names in the food label, such as gluten-containing ingredients like modified food starch (wheat), maltodextrin (wheat), dextrin (wheat), and glucose syrup (wheat).
However, a common misconception is that hot dogs are regulated by the FDA. Hot dogs are in fact not regulated by the FDA, but by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This means that simply reading the ingredients listed on a hot dog label doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to see the source of ingredients, which leaves you wondering if the product is gluten-free or not.
While looking at hot dog labels, keep an eye out for a "gluten-free" label or "certified gluten-free" label. Products branded as gluten-free are safe to eat without checking the ingredients list. If there's no "gluten-free" label, check the ingredients list and avoid the following ingredients and their potential wheat-derived sources: wheat, rye, barley, oats (unless product is labelled gluten-free), malt (unless a gluten-free grain, such as corn malt, is named as the source), yeast extract (has the potential to be contaminated with other gluten-containing sources), modified food starch (unless modified corn starch is named), dextrin (unless a gluten-free source is named), maltodextrin (unless a gluten-free source is named), glucose syrup (unless a gluten-free source is named).
Thankfully, some hot dog brands have gone the extra mile to take specific precautions when manufacturing and labelling to ensure their franks can be enjoyed by all, gluten-freers and gluten lovers alike. Pick up one of these gluten-free hot dog brands and skip the time-consuming label reading.
Applegate Farms
Applegate Farms produces four Applegate Organic Hot Dogs and Four Applegate Natural Hot Dogs. All eight hot dogs contain only gluten-free ingredients and are manufactured in a gluten-free facility. These dogs are not only a great for those who are gluten-free, but also those who are dairy-free. Check out Applegate's filtered gluten-free search results for other gluten-free options beyond hot dogs.
Boar's Head
Boar's Head is my personal favorite. All of Boar's Head luncheon meats, hot dogs, cheese, spreads, and hummus contain gluten-free ingredients. Check out their 'History of Gluten-Free' page for more information on their gluten-free products, resources for those who are gluten-free, and gluten-free recipes.
Nathan's Famous
Nathan's Famous has been making gluten-free hot dogs since they first opened in 1916. All of their dogs contain only gluten-free ingredients and are made in a gluten-free facility, leaving little room for cross contamination.
Oscar Mayer
Not all Oscar Mayer hot dogs are gluten-free, however Oscar Mayer is a Kraft company so they follow Kraft's
"Kraft Foods Commitment to Gluten Labeling" on disclosing sourcing and ingredient information by making it clear to consumers if ingredients do contain wheat or gluten. I recommend looking at the Oscar Mayer hot dog ingredients label listed on the back of the packaging to determine if any of the ingredients contain wheat or gluten.
Dietz & Watson
The Celiac Support Association has recognized over 400 Dietz & Watson products as CSA-Gluten-Free. Only two of the 400+ Dietz and Watson's deli meats are NOT gluten-free (Dietz & Watson Scrapple and Dietz & Watson Bockwurst). All other deli meats, hot dogs, condiments, and artisan cheeses are gluten-free.
Sabrett
Sabrett manufactures eight different types of frankfurters, and of those eight franks only one is NOT gluten-free (due to being wrapped in a puff pastry made from wheat flour). All other seven frankfurters are made with only gluten-free ingredients.
Wellshire Farms
Wellshire Farms produces seven different types of hot dogs, all of which are gluten-free. In addition to Wellshire Farms' hot dogs, they also produce many other types of meats that are gluten-free. Check out their allergen database to find all of their products that are gluten-free.
With a gluten-free hot dog comes the need for a gluten-free hot dog bun. My favorite gluten-free hot dog buns have always come from local gluten-free bakeries. However, purchasing buns from a local bakery can tend to get a little pricey. My two favorite budget-friendly, gluten-free buns found in most grocery stores are Udi's Gluten-Free Classic Hot Dog Buns and Essential Baking Gluten-Free Hot Dog Buns.
Don't sit by and watch your friends chow down on delicious franks this summer; pick up one of these delicious gluten-free hot dogs and join in on the fun.