A1 Steak Sauce is a popular condiment often used to enhance the flavor of steaks and other meats. With gluten intolerance and celiac disease becoming more prevalent, many people wonder if A1 Steak Sauce contains gluten.
What is A1 Steak Sauce?
A1 Steak Sauce is a brown sauce marketed by Kraft Heinz. It was created in the 1820s by Henderson William Brand, a chef to England’s King George IV. He reportedly came up with the tangy, tomato-based sauce to make the king’s dried-out steaks more palatable.
The sauce became popular in steakhouses across England. In the 1960s and 70s, Kraft Foods brought A1 Steak Sauce to the United States. It has since become one of the most popular steak sauces in the country.
The ingredients in modern A1 Steak Sauce include tomatoes, raisin paste, distilled vinegar, corn syrup, and various seasonings. It has a smooth, rich taste with a peppery kick. A1 Steak Sauce helps bring out the flavor of beef and adds zest to steaks and other meats.
Gluten Overview
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. It acts as a “glue” that helps foods maintain their shape and texture. For most people, gluten is handled without issue by the digestive system.
However, some individuals have an adverse immune reaction to gluten. This is known as celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The immune system sees gluten as an intruder and mounts an attack against it whenever gluten is consumed.
This immune reaction causes damage to the small intestine and can lead to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, headaches and more. The only treatment is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding all foods and beverages with gluten.
Gluten in Condiments
For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it’s important to closely inspect the ingredients lists of all packaged foods purchased – including condiments like steak sauce.
Many condiments and sauces contain gluten sources like wheat, barley, malt vinegar or soy sauce. Thankfully, there are also many gluten-free varieties available. With steak sauce, it comes down to checking the specific brand’s ingredients.
Is A1 Steak Sauce gluten-free?
The answer is yes – **A1 Steak Sauce Original is gluten-free.**
Kraft Heinz clearly labels A1 Steak Sauce Original as “gluten-free” on the product’s website and packaging. A review of the ingredients list shows it does not contain any gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or malt.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients listed for A1 Steak Sauce Original:
– Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
– Distilled vinegar
– Corn syrup
– Salt
– Raisin paste
– Spices
– Natural flavor
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Distilled white vinegar is safely gluten-free, even though some types of malt vinegar can contain traces of gluten from barley. A1 uses plain distilled vinegar in their recipe.
Manufacturing Process
Kraft Heinz also states that A1 Steak Sauce is made without gluten-containing ingredients. Additionally, they note that the sauce is produced in a facility that does not process any gluten-containing foods. This very low risk of cross-contamination adds further assurance of the sauce’s gluten-free status.
Third-Party Testing
For extra validation, A1 Steak Sauce Original has been tested by independent gluten testing groups. Both the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and the Celiac Support Association have verified through laboratory testing that A1 Original Steak Sauce is gluten-free to below 5 parts per million. This rigorous third-party testing provides confirmation that A1 Steak Sauce lives up to its “gluten-free” label claim.
Other A1 Products
While A1 Steak Sauce Original is gluten-free, consumers should be aware that A1 makes various flavor extensions that may differ in their gluten-free status:
– **A1 Steak Sauce Bold & Spicy** – Gluten-free
– **A1 Steak Sauce Teriyaki** – Gluten-free
– **A1 Steak Sauce Mesquite** – Contains wheat and barley malt – **not gluten-free**
– **A1 Steak Sauce Applewood Smoke** – Contains wheat and barley malt – **not gluten-free**
– **A1 Steak Sauce Roasted Garlic** – Gluten-free
So in summary, while the A1 Original, Bold & Spicy, Teriyaki and Roasted Garlic flavors are gluten-free, the Mesquite and Applewood Smoke varieties do contain gluten. Always verify the ingredients list on the specific A1 Steak Sauce flavor you are purchasing if gluten content is a concern.
Is A1 Sauce dairy-free?
A1 Steak Sauce is also dairy-free, meaning it does not contain milk, butter, cheese or any other dairy-derived ingredients. This makes A1 a good option for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, in addition to being gluten-free.
A1 Serving Suggestions
Here are some tips for enjoying gluten-free A1 Steak Sauce:
– Use as a marinade or sauce for steaks, chops and other cuts of meat
– Add flavor to hamburgers, hot dogs, meatloaf or meatballs
– Brush on chicken, pork, fish or veggies before grilling
– Mix into ground beef for extra juicy burgers
– Use as a dip for fries, breaded veggies like onion rings or chicken tenders
– Drizzle over sandwiches, wraps, tacos or pizza
– Add to chili, stews, soups or gravy for extra flavor
– Use in place of ketchup or mustard on sandwiches and hot dogs
A little A1 Steak Sauce goes a long way to adding bold, tangy flavor! It’s a tasty condiment option for those on a gluten-free diet.
Homemade Gluten-Free Steak Sauce
While original A1 Steak Sauce is gluten-free, some people prefer to make their own versions at home. Here is a recipe for a homemade gluten-free steak sauce:
Ingredients
– 1 6oz can tomato paste
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons molasses
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (use a GF brand)
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 2 teaspoons mustard powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
1. Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.
This homemade sauce has the tangy tomato flavor of A1 combined with warm spices and molasses sweetness. Feel free to tweak ingredients to your preferences. It makes a great gluten-free alternative to store-bought steak sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 tablespoon serving of original A1 Steak Sauce:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 135 mg |
| Protein | 0 g |
A1 Steak Sauce is low in fat, protein and calories. The main nutrients are sodium and carbohydrates from the tomato puree and corn syrup.
The sauce packs a big punch of flavor for barely 15 calories per tablespoon. Those watching their sugar intake may want to be mindful, as almost all the carbs come from added sugars. But used sparingly, A1 can fit into a healthy gluten-free diet.
Where to Buy A1 Steak Sauce
A1 Steak Sauce is sold at most major grocery stores in the condiment aisle. It’s readily available nationwide at chains like:
– Walmart
– Kroger
– Safeway
– Publix
– Target
– Costco
– Albertsons
– Winn-Dixie
The sauce typically comes in 10 ounce or 18 ounce bottles. It can also be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.
Look for bottles marked “gluten-free” and always double-check the ingredients list for the specific A1 variety, as not all flavors are gluten-free.
A1 Steak Sauce Cost
A1 Steak Sauce Original has an MSRP of $3.49 for a 10 ounce bottle. However, pricing may vary between stores and when on promotion or sale. Some examples of common pricing are:
– Walmart – $2.98 for 10 oz
– Target – $3.49 for 10 oz
– Kroger – $2.49 for 10 oz on sale
– Amazon – $17.60 for six 10 oz bottles ($2.93 per bottle)
The larger 18 ounce bottles are similarly priced between $4.99 to $5.99 at most stores. Stock up when you see sales! A1 Steak Sauce has an indefinite shelf life when unopened.
A1 Steak Sauce Company Info
A1 Steak Sauce is owned by the Kraft Heinz Company, one of the largest food manufacturers in the world.
Contact info for Kraft Heinz:
Address: 200 E Randolph St #7600, Chicago, IL 60601
Customer Service Phone: 1-855-598-5692
Website: www.kraftheinzcompany.com
Email: [email protected]
Those with questions or concerns about ingredients, manufacturing processes or the company’s gluten-free claims can contact Kraft Heinz directly.
A1 Steak Sauce History
As mentioned, A1 Steak Sauce was created by Chef Henderson William Brand in 1831 in London, England. Reportedly, King George IV asked Brand to come up with a sauce for his dried out steaks.
After experimentation, Brand created what became A1 Sauce with a blend of spices, vinegar, and raisin paste. It was first called “Brand’s Sauce.”
The sauce grew popular throughout England and later spread to America. Kraft Foods acquired the brand in the 1960s and began wide scale distribution in the U.S.
In 2000, A1 was bought by the H.J. Heinz Company. When Kraft and Heinz merged in 2015, A1 was reunited under the Kraft Heinz Company umbrella.
Through many owners, the original A1 recipe remains largely unchanged from Henderson William Brand’s 1830s creation. It continues to be a popular steak sauce over 180 years later!
Alternative Steak Sauces
In addition to original A1, here are some other gluten-free steak sauce options to consider:
– **Heinz 57 Sauce** – A tomato-based sauce akin to A1. All Heinz 57 varieties are labeled gluten-free.
– **Lea & Perrins Steak Sauce** – Made with distilled vinegar, spices and raisin paste like A1. Contains wheat though so it is **not gluten-free**.
– **Maggi Sauce** – A thin, soy sauce-like condiment that adds umami flavor to meats. Check for gluten-free varieties.
– **HP Sauce** – Boasts a fruity, spicy flavor profile. Contains barley malt so it is **not gluten-free**.
– **Diana Sauce** – Tomato based sauce with horseradish. Diana is a **gluten-free** brand.
– **Tabasco Sauce** – Adds serious heat! All Tabasco products are **gluten-free**.
– **Worcestershire Sauce** – Tangy, aged sauce often used on steaks. **Annie’s Naturals** and **Wizard’s** brands are **gluten-free**.
So in summary, A1 Original remains a popular gluten-free choice, but there are various alternative steak sauces to experiment with, as long as you verify they are gluten-free by reading labels.
Conclusion
A1 Steak Sauce Original lives up to its reputation for adding bold, tangy flavor to steaks and other meats and dishes. The original A1 recipe is gluten-free, which is great news for those eating gluten-free. Always double check that “gluten-free” is clearly marked on the label and look at the ingredients list to ensure no gluten sources.
While the original A1 Steak Sauce flavor is gluten-free, some varieties like Mesquite and Applewood Smoke do contain gluten. Thankfully there are many ways to enjoy A1 Sauce on meats, sandwiches, vegetables and more, adding a tasty kick of flavor for the gluten-free diet!
