Randy Chandler
Slim Jims are a popular meat stick snack, but are they gluten-free? Many people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease are disappointed to learn that Slim Jims are not gluten-free. This is due to the presence of barley malt extract in the ingredients. While the amount of gluten in barley malt may not be significant, it is still enough to cause adverse effects for those with gluten sensitivities. However, there are alternative options available, such as gluten-free beef sticks from brands like Mission Meats, Aldi, Bavarian Meats, and Fatty Brand, which offer similar flavours and textures without the gluten.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | No |
| Alternative options | Aldi turkey sticks, Bavarian Meats, Fatty brand beef sticks, Chomps, Old Wisconsin, Duke's, Paleo Valley, Archer mini beef stick, Vermont cure turkey sticks, Hemplers jalapeño and cheese, Mission meats |
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What You'll Learn
Slim Jims are not gluten-free
Slim Jims contain barley malt extract, which contains gluten. This ingredient is not always listed as a common allergen, so it can be easy to overlook when scanning ingredient lists. However, barley malt extract is not the only source of gluten in Slim Jims. Some flavors of Slim Jims also contain soy sauce, which contains gluten.
For those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is important to read the ingredient list of any processed food before consuming it. While Slim Jims may not be labelled as containing gluten, the presence of barley malt extract and soy sauce means that they are not gluten-free.
There are gluten-free alternatives to Slim Jims available, such as meat sticks from brands like Mission Meats, Aldi, Bavarian Meats, and Fatty Brand. These alternatives may be more expensive than Slim Jims, but they provide a safe and tasty option for those who need to avoid gluten.
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Gluten-free alternatives to Slim Jims
Slim Jims are not gluten-free, as they contain barley malt extract. However, there are several gluten-free alternatives available that can satisfy your cravings for a savoury snack.
One option is Mission Meats, which offers a variety of gluten-free and grass-fed beef sticks. While they are not the cheapest option, with 12 sticks costing $19.99, they are a reliable choice for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. You can purchase Mission Meats products on Amazon or directly from their website.
Another brand to consider is Duke's, which offers a range of gluten-free meat sticks in various flavours, including some spicier options. You can find Duke's products at your local grocery store or Walmart.
If you're looking for something different, Primal is a brand that offers gluten-free chicken and turkey meat sticks. They have a buffalo-style chicken option and a peppered turkey variety, as well as a spicy beef stick if you're craving that classic Slim Jim flavour.
For a classic beef stick, Jack's Link Original is a good gluten-free choice, and you can find them at Sam's Club.
Lastly, Chomps is a brand that has been recommended by a Reddit user whose family loves their products. While the specific retailer is not mentioned, Chomps offers another gluten-free alternative to Slim Jims.
So, while Slim Jims may not be a gluten-free option, there are plenty of tasty alternatives available to suit your needs and preferences.
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Barley malt extract in Slim Jims
Slim Jims are a popular meat snack, but they are not considered a healthy option due to their high levels of salt, saturated fats, cholesterol, nitrates, corn syrup, and other additives. They are made from beef, pork, mechanically separated chicken, and various other ingredients.
One of the ingredients in Slim Jims that has caused some controversy is barley malt extract. Barley malt extract is derived from barley, which contains gluten. For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, the presence of barley malt extract in Slim Jims could cause adverse health effects.
While the amount of gluten in barley malt extract is not significant, it is still enough to cause issues for those with gluten sensitivities. Some people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease have reported being tricked into eating Slim Jims, assuming they were gluten-free due to the absence of common allergens like soy, milk, and wheat listed on the packaging. However, upon further inspection, they discovered the presence of barley malt extract, which is not a required allergen to be listed in the US.
ConAgra, the maker of Slim Jims, does not hide the ingredients from consumers, and barley malt extract is listed on the packaging. However, the placement of this ingredient lower down on the list may cause some consumers to miss it, especially if they are not specifically looking for it or are unaware of the gluten content in barley-derived products.
For those seeking gluten-free meat snacks, alternative options are available, such as Mission Meats, which offers grass-fed, gluten-free beef sticks at a higher price point. It is always essential to read the ingredients list carefully and not assume that a product is gluten-free based on the absence of common allergens.
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Reading the ingredients list
When examining the ingredients list of Slim Jim Beef and Cheese sticks, it is important to look for any gluten-containing grains or derivatives. In this case, barley malt extract has been identified as the gluten-containing ingredient in Slim Jim products. While the amount of gluten in barley malt extract may not be significant, it is still important to be aware of its presence, especially for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
It is worth noting that the list of common allergens on food packaging may not always include barley and rye. Therefore, it is crucial to read the entire ingredients list to ensure that the product is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Some alternative brands that offer gluten-free meat sticks include Aldi, Mission Meats, Bavarian Meats, Old Wisconsin, and Duke's. These options provide gluten-free alternatives to Slim Jim products, ensuring that those with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy similar snacks.
While some individuals may choose to avoid Slim Jim products due to the presence of gluten, others may decide to consume them in moderation, understanding the potential risks. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian if you have specific dietary restrictions or concerns.
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Gluten-free options at Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger
Slim Jim Beef and Cheese Sticks, which are available at Walmart, are gluten-free. They come in a mild flavor with 8g of protein per serving and are sold in 1.5 Oz. 18-count packs.
Now, here is some information on gluten-free options at Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger:
Walmart offers a variety of gluten-free options, including snacks, bread, baking mixes, and pasta alternatives. Some specific products available at Walmart are:
- Schar Gluten Free Full Baguette, French Bread Loaf
- Canyon Bakehouse Country White Gluten-Free Bread
- Nature's Bakery Gluten-Free Raspberry Fig Bars
- Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Non-GMO Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
Aldi also offers a range of gluten-free products, including:
- Pastas
- Cornbread mix
- Brownie mix
- Bread crumbs
- Pancake mix
- Multi-grain tortilla chips
- Cheese biscuits
- Mac n cheese
- Bagels
- Cheesecake sampler
- Donuts
- Ravioli
- Box mixes
- Cheddar biscuits
- GF waffles
- GF ramen noodles
- Clancy's chips (Dorito-style)
- GF tempura chicken
Kroger has a dedicated section for gluten-free foods, offering a wide range of options such as gluten-free bread, pasta, flour, tortillas, and desserts. They also provide recipes and tips for baking without gluten and curated meal plans for those maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Slim Jim Beef and Cheese sticks are not gluten-free. This is due to the barley malt extract in the ingredients.
Yes, there are several gluten-free alternatives to Slim Jims available. These include:
- Fatty brand beef sticks
- Bavarian Meats' lil’ landjaegers
- Chomps
- Duke's
- Old Wisconsin
- Aldi's turkey and beef sticks
Other gluten-free meat stick options include:
- Mission Meats
- Paleo Valley
- Archer mini beef sticks
- Vermont cure turkey sticks
- Righteous Felon beef jerky
