Yes, most Bob Evans sausage products are gluten-free. Bob Evans offers a variety of sausage links and patties that are made without wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients. However, Bob Evans cautions that some sausage products are prepared in facilities that also process wheat and gluten products, so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Overview of Bob Evans Sausage
Bob Evans Farms is a popular food company that produces a variety of pork sausage products sold in grocery stores across the United States. Their sausage lineup includes:
- Breakfast sausages (links and patties)
- Fresh sausages (bratwursts, Italian sausage, etc.)
- Smoked sausages (kielbasa, smoked links, etc.)
- Pre-cooked microwaveable sausage
Bob Evans sausages are made from a simple mix of pork, water, salt, spices and seasonings. The ingredient labels do not indicate the presence of any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains.
Are Bob Evans Sausages Labeled Gluten-Free?
Most Bob Evans sausage varieties are not specifically labeled “gluten-free” by the company. However, Bob Evans states that many of their sausage products are considered gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million according to current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.
On their website, Bob Evans provides a list of sausage products that meet the FDA’s gluten-free standards. This includes popular links like Original Breakfast Pork Sausage, Hot Breakfast Pork Sausage, Original Fresh Sausage, Italian Sausage and Kielbasa Sausage. They also offer gluten-free breakfast sausage patties and pre-cooked microwaveable sausages.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While Bob Evans sausages contain no gluten ingredients, the company issues a disclaimer that their products could be exposed to trace amounts of gluten during manufacturing. The facilities and equipment used to produce Bob Evans sausages are also used to process wheat and gluten-containing foods.
Bob Evans thoroughly cleans equipment between production runs, but there is still a small chance of cross-contamination. The company acknowledges that individuals with celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivities should exercise caution consuming their sausage products.
Calling and Emailing Bob Evans
If you need absolute certainty about the gluten content of a particular Bob Evans sausage, consider calling their customer service line at 1-800-939-2338. You can also email them at [email protected]. The company states they will try to assist customers with gluten-related inquiries as much as possible.
When contacting Bob Evans, be prepared to provide the exact name and packaging details of the sausage product in question. Lot code information is also helpful. Make sure to clearly explain your gluten concerns and sensitivities.
Ingredient Lists
Carefully checking the ingredient labels on Bob Evans sausage packaging is recommended. While most contain no overt gluten sources, it’s important to verify this on each individual variety purchased.
Watch for any ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, malt extract, dextrin or other less common gluten sources. If unsure about any listed ingredients, contact Bob Evans for clarification before consuming.
Purchasing Gluten-Free Bob Evans Sausage
Bob Evans sausages labeled as gluten-free can be purchased at many major grocery stores in the refrigerated meat case. They offer both fresh and fully-cooked sausage products for gluten-free diets.
Some tips for finding gluten-free Bob Evans sausages:
- Look for the “gluten-free” label on packaging.
- Check for sausages listed as gluten-free on their website.
- Inspect ingredients carefully before purchasing.
- Notify store managers about gluten-free demands so they stock more options.
- Ask grocery store staff to help locate gluten-free varieties.
Purchasing Bob Evans sausages online directly from their website can help avoid potential cross-contamination that may occur during transportation and storage at grocery stores.
Cooking Tips
Here are some gluten-free cooking recommendations when preparing Bob Evans sausages:
- Use designated gluten-free cooking equipment and prep areas.
- Don’t reuse marinades, batter or brines that contained gluten.
- Clean all cooking surfaces thoroughly before use.
- Use fresh oil, seasonings and ingredients.
- Don’t bake or fry gluten-free sausages in the same oil used for gluten products.
- Serve gluten-free sausages on their own platter.
With proper precautions taken during preparation, Bob Evans sausages can be a tasty gluten-free addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner or appetizers.
Gluten-Free Sausage Recipes
Here are some recipe ideas for enjoying Bob Evans gluten-free sausages:
Breakfast Sausage Patties
– Serve on gluten-free English muffins, bagels or biscuits
– Make sausage & egg breakfast sandwiches
– Cook into frittata, quiche or breakfast casserole
Smoked Sausage Links
– Grill or pan fry for breakfast or dinner
– Chop up in potato hash or breakfast skillet
– Add to soups, beans or rice dishes
Fresh Italian Sausage
– Mix into gluten-free pasta sauce or lasagna
– Top a gluten-free pizza before baking
– Grill for sausage subs or antipasto skewers
Pre-Cooked Sausage
– Quick microwaveable breakfast or lunch
– Dice up for simple sausage & pepper skillet
– Add to crustless quiche, frittata or egg bake
With an array of gluten-free sausage options, Bob Evans makes it easy to add flavor and protein to all kinds of gluten-free meals and recipes.
Dining at Bob Evans Restaurants
In addition to selling retail sausage products, Bob Evans also operates a chain of family restaurants located primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States.
Bob Evans restaurants offer some gluten-free menu options but do not have dedicated gluten-free preparation and cooking areas. There is a risk of cross-contact for all menu items.
When dining at Bob Evans, gluten-free guests should inform their server about sensitivities right away. Be very cautious when ordering and ask detailed questions about how food is prepared and cooked.
Some potentially gluten-free Bob Evans menu items include:
- Farmhouse Breakfast – eggs, meat, potatoes without toast or pancakes
- Breakfast meats – bacon, ham, sausage
- Burgers without buns
- Salads with gluten-free dressing
- Baked potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Fruit cup
In general, carefully modified main dishes may be suitable, while breaded foods, sauces, soups and desserts likely contain gluten. Again, proceed with caution when eating at any Bob Evans restaurant.
Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity
For those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies, consuming even small traces of gluten can cause health issues. Symptoms may include:
- Bloating, gas and abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting
- Headaches, fatigue and brain fog
- Skin rash, joint pain
- Damage to small intestine over time (celiac disease only)
The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly adhering to a 100% gluten-free diet. For non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a strict or reduced gluten diet may help manage symptoms.
Is Bob Evans Sausage Safe?
Most Bob Evans sausages contain no wheat, rye, barley or gluten ingredients based on the labels. However, the shared facilities and equipment used in manufacturing do pose some degree of risk to extremely gluten-sensitive individuals.
The company cannot guarantee 100% gluten-free products. Those with celiac disease or wheat allergies should weigh the potential for cross-contamination and may wish to avoid Bob Evans sausages, despite being very low in gluten.
People with less severe gluten sensitivity can often tolerate these products, but listen to your own body. Discontinue eating any food that causes adverse reactions.
Other Gluten-Free Sausage Brands
In addition to Bob Evans, some other brands offering gluten-free sausages include:
- Aidells
- Applegate
- Armour
- Butcher’s Bunches
- Johnsonville
- Pederson’s
- Teton
As with Bob Evans, it’s important to double check all ingredient labels and contact manufacturers with any questions when buying other brands too. Opting for certified gluten-free sausages can help reduce risk.
Making Homemade Gluten-Free Sausage
For complete control over ingredients, many gluten-free consumers choose to make DIY sausage at home. This allows the use of certified gluten-free spices, seasonings and casings.
Some things needed to make homemade sausage include:
- Ground pork, chicken, turkey, beef or blend
- Herbs, spices, salt, pepper
- Curing salt or celery juice powder
- Natural sausage casings
The basic process involves mixing ground meat with desired seasonings, stuffing into casings, then cooking. Recipes can be found online for many styles like breakfast, Italian, chorizo, brats and more.
Gluten-Free Sausage Recipe
Here is a simple gluten-free homemade sausage recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp marjoram
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined.
- Scoop mixture and form into patties or stuff into casings if desired.
- Cook on stovetop, under broiler or on grill until browned and cooked through.
- Use in breakfast dishes, on buns, with vegetables, or as a pizza topping.
Experiment with flavors like garlic, fennel seed, paprika and applewood smoked salt. Add cheese, sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to patties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most Bob Evans brand sausages are considered gluten-free to less than 20ppm and do not contain wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. However, the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing should be considered carefully by those with celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity.
When preparing Bob Evans sausages, follow gluten-free cooking practices to prevent contact with other sources of gluten. Bob Evans sausages can work well in a variety of gluten-free recipes and dishes as part of a healthy diet.
Individuals concerned about trace gluten should verify ingredients and production processes directly with the company. For maximum safety, opt for certified gluten-free sausage products or make your own homemade sausage using gluten-free ingredients.