As a leading producer of vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives, Morning Star receives many inquiries regarding the gluten content of their products. With food allergies and sensitivities becoming increasingly common, it’s understandable that consumers want to know exactly what’s in the foods they eat.
Quick Answers
The quick answer is that YES, many Morning Star products are gluten-free. However, not all of their products are guaranteed gluten-free, so it’s important to check labels and ingredient lists carefully. Morning Star indicates gluten-free products with a “Gluten-Free” callout on the packaging.
Detail Analysis on Gluten-Free Status of Morning Star Products
To provide more details, here is an analysis of the gluten-free status of different categories of Morning Star products:
Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
The majority of Morning Star’s vegan meat alternatives, including their veggie burgers, chick’n strips, breakfast patties, corn dogs, and grillers are gluten-free. Specific gluten-free flavors are marked with a “Gluten-Free” label.
Vegetarian Meat Alternatives
Some of Morning Star’s vegetarian products contain gluten-containing ingredients and are NOT labeled gluten-free. This includes products like their Prime Rib Recipe Grillers, Buffalo Wings Veggie Wings, and Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Veggie Wings.
Other Entrees
Among Morning Star’s other prepared entrees, some are gluten-free (like their Spicy Black Bean Burgers) while others are not (like their Sausage Style Recipe Crumbles). Again, check the package label for the “Gluten-Free” callout.
Snacks and Sides
Very few of Morning Star’s snacks, sides, and bites are labeled gluten-free. Examples of gluten-free options are their Roasted Garlic & Quinoa Bites and Mango Habanero Roasted Chickpeas. The majority contain gluten, so verify before purchasing.
Microwavable Bowls
Morning Star’s selection of microwavable bowls, including flavors like Cheesy Mac and Santa Fe Rice & Beans, are not gluten-free due to containing pasta, wheat-based ingredients, or thickening agents derived from gluten sources.
Key Considerations When Identifying Gluten-Free Status
When evaluating if a Morning Star product is gluten-free, here are some key points to consider:
- Look for the “Gluten-Free” callout on the package.
- Carefully read the ingredients list and watch for wheat, barley, rye or malt.
- Be aware that flavor names don’t indicate gluten status.
- Know that vegetarian products have a higher chance of containing gluten.
- Realize that packaging varies across product lines.
- Check regularly since formulations can change over time.
Helpful Resources on Morning Star’s Website
For additional help identifying gluten-free options, Morning Star provides some useful resources right on their website:
- An alphabetical list of all Gluten-Free MorningStar Farms Products.
- A FAQ section with commonly asked questions about dietary needs and allergens.
- The ability to filter product search results by dietary needs like “Gluten-Free”.
These resources provide the most up-to-date ingredient information directly from the source.
Contacting Morning Star for Further Questions
If the label, website resources, and ingredients list still leave you uncertain about the gluten-free status of a particular Morning Star product, consider reaching out to their customer service department directly. They can provide definitive guidance based on the latest product formulations.
You can contact Morning Star via:
- Phone: 1-800-548-0366
- Online support form: https://www.morningstarfarms.com/en_US/contact-us.html
- Mail: MorningStar Farms Customer Service, P.O. Box 1669, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4Y 4G6
When reaching out, be sure to have the specific product name, flavor, lot code, and any other helpful details available to allow them to provide accurate information.
Understanding Morning Star’s Allergen & Gluten Policies
Morning Star takes product allergens and dietary restrictions very seriously. Here are some key details on their policies:
- They work diligently to provide updated allergen information to consumers.
- They advocate for FDA standards on “gluten-free” labeling.
- Their facilities follow rigorous protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
- They train staff extensively on allergen and gluten safety procedures.
While they attempt to provide accurate information, they do note that recipes, sourcing, and production facilities can change. As a result they recommend individuals with food allergies or celiac disease vet each new product purchase.
Morning Star Gluten-Free Product List
Here is a comprehensive list of Morning Star Farms products that are labeled “Gluten-Free” as of November 2023:
| Product Category | Gluten-Free Flavors |
|---|---|
| Veggie Burgers | Grillers Original Grillers Santa Fe Grillers Southwestern Spicy Black Bean Chipotle Black Bean |
| Chik’n Strips and Nuggets | Original BBQ Buffalo |
| Breakfast Items | Original Breakfast Patties Maple Flavored Breakfast Patties |
| Corn Dogs | Original |
| Plant-Based Grounds | Original Italian Sausage Chorizo |
| Snacks and Sides | Roasted Garlic & Quinoa Bites Mango Habanero Roasted Chickpeas |
Remember to always verify the latest gluten-free status by checking the product packaging when purchasing.
Helpful Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet
If you need to follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons like celiac disease or a wheat allergy, here are some helpful tips when using Morning Star products:
- Read all labels carefully and look for the “Gluten-Free” callout.
- Check ingredient lists for potential sources of gluten.
- Look for any added indications about shared equipment or facilities.
- Learn the common terms that may indicate gluten.
- Research brands’ testing methods and protocols.
- Inquire with manufacturers about unclear products.
- Buy frequently purchased products in bulk once vetted.
With proper diligence about labels and ingredients, Morning Star can be a helpful resource for finding trustworthy gluten-free meat alternatives.
Are Morning Star Products Processed in Facilities With Wheat?
While Morning Star strives to avoid cross-contamination in their facilities, some products are processed in facilities that also handle wheat-based foods. Per their website FAQ:
Most MorningStar Farms products are manufactured in facilities that also process wheat. While we follow strict allergen protocols to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that any of our products are 100% free of any allergen.
For this reason, individuals with celiac disease or severe wheat allergies are advised to contact the company directly to discuss potential exposure risk and make the best personal health decision.
Conclusion
In summary, many Morning Star products are gluten-free, but not all. Check labels carefully, read the ingredients list, and utilize the resources on their website to identify gluten-free options. People with celiac disease or food allergies may consider contacting the company for personalized guidance. With proper precautions, Morning Star can be a go-to brand for plant-based and vegetarian foods on a gluten-free diet.