Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for health or lifestyle reasons. For those following a gluten-free diet, checking labels and asking questions about ingredients is an important part of meal planning. One common question is whether popular food products, like Tyson chicken patties, are gluten-free.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten poses no health concerns. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause negative reactions like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. That’s why those with gluten intolerances or sensitivities aim to avoid it in their diets.
Some other grains and starchy vegetables—like oats, spelt, and malt—also contain gluten. That means checking labels for ingredients derived from these sources is important when identifying gluten-free foods.
Are Tyson chicken patties gluten-free?
The answer is that most Tyson chicken patties are not gluten-free. The exception is Tyson’s Naturals line of chicken patties, which are specifically formulated to be gluten-free.
Tyson’s traditional chicken patties—like their Grilled and Ready Chicken Breast Patties—contain ingredients derived from grains that contain gluten. Typically, these ingredients include:
- Flour
- Bread crumbs
- Batter
- Breading
- Seasoning mixes
Since these ingredients come from gluten-containing grains, Tyson cannot label their traditional chicken patties as gluten-free. Anyone following a gluten-free diet would need to avoid Tyson’s regular chicken patties and other breaded chicken products.
Checking labels
Reading ingredient lists is the best way to assess if a food product contains gluten. Key things to look for include:
- Ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye, or oats: These typically indicate the presence of gluten. Examples include wheat flour, malt extract, and oat fiber.
- “Natural flavors”: The source is not always specified, so these could potentially contain gluten.
- Generic terms like “starch”: The type is not specified here either, so gluten-containing starches like wheat starch could be included.
You’ll also want to look for a “gluten-free” label claim on the packaging. However, be aware that foods labeled “wheat-free” are not necessarily gluten-free. They still may contain rye, barley, or oats. Reading the ingredients list is the only way to be sure.
Tyson Naturals gluten-free chicken patties
While Tyson’s traditional chicken patties contain gluten, the company does offer a gluten-free line called Tyson Naturals. These gluten-free chicken patties include:
- Tyson Naturals Chicken Patties
- Tyson Naturals Chicken Patties Italian Style
- Tyson Naturals Chicken Patties Santa Fe Style
Instead of using wheat-based breading or batter, these gluten-free options are breaded in rice flour, potato starch, and corn starch. The ingredient lists confirm that gluten-containing grains are not used.
So if you’re on the lookout for gluten-free chicken patties, be sure to select the Tyson Naturals products rather than the traditional versions. You can identify the Naturals easily thanks to the green packaging.
Other Tyson gluten-free products
In addition to the Naturals chicken patties, Tyson offers some other gluten-free products like:
- Tyson Naturals Chicken Nuggets
- Tyson Naturals Chicken Strips
- Tyson Naturals Chicken Fries
Again, double check the ingredient lists since only the Naturals line is formulated to be gluten-free. Tyson’s traditional nuggets, strips, and fries contain gluten.
The Naturals products are a good option to have on hand if you’re watching gluten intake but still want quick and convenient Tyson foods. They provide the same taste and texture without the gluten.
Risk of cross-contamination
While Tyson’s gluten-free chicken products are not made with gluten-containing ingredients, there is still a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Shared equipment, processing lines, and facilities mean trace amounts of gluten could inadvertently be introduced during production. Tyson does not specifically state that their facilities are gluten-free.
For those highly sensitive, even small amounts of cross-contamination could trigger a reaction. So this is something to be aware of if you have celiac disease or are extremely gluten-sensitive. Those following a gluten-free diet by choice (no medical reason) are less likely to be impacted by trace contamination.
Other gluten-free chicken options
Beyond Tyson’s Naturals line, there are some other gluten-free chicken patties, nuggets, and strips on the market. Here are a few options to look for:
- Bell & Evans Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Breast Patties
- Applegate Naturals Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets
- Perdue Simply Smart Organics Gluten Free Chicken Breast Strips
- Kirkland Signature Chicken Patties (from Costco, confirmed gluten-free)
As always, double check the labels and ingredients even on products branded as gluten-free. Manufacturing can change, so it’s important to verify each time you purchase a product.
Making your own gluten-free breaded chicken at home is another option. That way, you can control all the ingredients and avoid cross-contamination concerns. You can bread chicken pieces in certified gluten-free bread crumbs, corn flakes, potato flakes, or other crunchy coatings of choice. Baking instead of frying is a healthier approach too.
Other Tyson products to watch out for
While this article has focused specifically on Tyson chicken patties, it’s good to be aware of other Tyson products that contain gluten. This includes:
- Frozen chicken nuggets and strips (non-Naturals)
- Frozen breaded chicken wings and popcorn chicken
- Canned seasoned chicken products like Tyson Chipotle Chicken
- Frozen chicken fried steak patties or fillets
- Frozen breaded chicken tenders
- Frozen chicken cordon bleu
Essentially, any Tyson chicken product that is breaded or seasoned should be verified as gluten-free before eating. Flavored wraps, pot pies, prepared meals, and sides like rice and noodles may also contain gluten or have cross-contact.
Sticking to whole cuts of plain chicken like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, etc. is the safest bet. But with care label reading, even those with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free nuggets, patties, and more.
What about non-chicken Tyson products?
Beyond chicken, Tyson offers other protein options like beef and pork. Are Tyson’s hamburgers, meatballs, hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and other pork and beef products gluten-free?
The answer is the same as with chicken—it depends on added ingredients like seasoning blends and fillers. Plain items like raw ground beef without add-ins should not contain gluten. But Tyson’s seasoned burgers, meatloaf, sausages, and other enhanced products likely do include gluten sources.
As always, carefully read labels of any Tyson item rather than assuming it is gluten-free. Pork and beef can also pick up traces of gluten through processing equipment. So those highly sensitive should use caution.
Sticking to plain cuts of beef and pork along with Tyson’s gluten-free Naturals chicken line are your safest bets for gluten-free Tyson foods.
Contacting Tyson about gluten
If you have any uncertainty about the gluten-free status of a Tyson product, consider reaching out to their customer service department. They should be able to look up specifications and provide definitive ingredient information.
Have the exact product name, UPC or product code, and any lot numbers ready. This helps Tyson representatives locate the right details to answer your questions accurately.
You can reach Tyson Foods customer service at:
Phone: 1-800-248-9766
Online: Contact form available at https://www.tysonfoods.com/contact
Calling during normal business hours or submitting the contact form online tend to be the fastest ways to get your gluten-free questions answered.
Tyson also provides a list of FAQs and facts on their website which cover some general allergen information. But contacting them directly is best for specifics on ingredients.
Tips for avoiding gluten from Tyson
Here are some helpful tips for navigating Tyson products while maintaining a gluten-free diet:
- Get in the habit of double checking labels and ingredients each time you buy a product. Manufacturers can change formulations at any time.
- Look for gluten-free labeling on Tyson Naturals products only. Other Tyson items likely contain gluten even if not specified on the label.
- Call ahead when eating meals away from home that may be made with Tyson products. Ask about ingredients and preparation to ensure no gluten cross-contact.
- Opt for whole, plain cuts of meat and poultry whenever possible. Season or bread them yourself at home.
- Consider making breadcrumb coated foods like chicken nuggets and patties yourself from scratch. Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or other coatings.
- If very sensitive to gluten, be cautious of Tyson’s gluten-free products as well due to potential cross-contamination during processing.
With some savvy label reading and appropriate precautions, those avoiding gluten can still enjoy many of Tyson’s chicken, pork, and beef products. Be sure to choose certified gluten-free options whenever available.
The bottom line
Most standard Tyson chicken patties contain ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains. However, Tyson Naturals line of chicken patties is specifically formulated to be gluten-free through the use of grains like rice flour and corn starch instead of wheat.
When in doubt, check the ingredient label on any Tyson product to look for gluten-containing ingredients. And consider reaching out to Tyson customer service for guidance if needed. This helps ensure you can enjoy breaded and seasoned Tyson foods while still staying gluten-free.
