What are Hormel real bacon bits?
Hormel real bacon bits are a popular bacon-flavored product made by the Hormel Foods Corporation. They are made from real smoked bacon and contain bacon fat, giving them an authentic bacon flavor. The bits are usually sprinkled on top of salads, soups, potatoes, and other dishes to add a smoky, salty, bacon taste.
Unlike imitation bacon bits, which are made from soy protein or other veggie sources, Hormel real bacon bits actually contain real bacon. This gives them a richer, meatier flavor that vegetarian bacon bits often lack. The smoky aroma and salty taste of the real bacon comes through when you use Hormel’s real bacon bits to top your favorite dishes.
Are Hormel real bacon bits gluten-free?
Yes, Hormel has confirmed that their real bacon bits are gluten-free. On their website’s list of FAQs, Hormel states that real bacon bits do not contain any gluten or wheat-based ingredients.
Hormel’s real bacon bits only contain three ingredients: bacon, salt, and bacon fat. There are no grains, wheat, barley, rye or other gluten sources in the ingredients. This makes the real bacon bits safe for people following a gluten-free diet.
The Hormel website states:
“REAL BACON BITS do not contain any gluten or wheat-based ingredients, making them safe for gluten-free diets.”
So people who need to avoid gluten due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can safely use Hormel’s real bacon bits on their foods without worry. The bits provide that classic bacon taste without any risk of gluten exposure.
Why are they gluten-free?
Hormel’s real bacon bits are gluten-free because they contain just bacon, salt, and bacon fat. There are no cereal grains or problematic ingredients added during processing.
Bacon itself is naturally gluten-free, since it comes from pork. The salt used is regular table salt, without any gluten-containing additives. And the bacon fat is pure pork fat rendered from the bacon during cooking.
Since the three ingredients going into real bacon bits are gluten-free, the finished product remains gluten-free as well. Hormel simply takes smoked bacon, adds some salt for flavor, renders out the fat, and chops it all up into bits.
This differs from imitation bacon bits, which often contain soy protein, wheat flour, maltodextrin, or other questionable ingredients. Imitation bits may also be produced on shared equipment with gluten-containing foods. So real bacon bits have a much simpler and safer gluten-free ingredient profile.
Are all Hormel bacon products gluten-free?
No, Hormel has some bacon products that do contain gluten or wheat-based ingredients. For example:
– Hormel Black Label bacon contains wheat flour as an ingredient. The wheat flour helps adhere spices and seasonings to the bacon.
– Hormel turkey bacon contains wheat flour and wheat protein.
– Hormel Canadian style bacon contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat starch.
So it’s important to check the ingredients list and labeling for “gluten-free” when choosing Hormel bacon products. Only the plain real bacon bits are confirmed as gluten-free. Other flavored real bacon bits may also contain gluten.
The few gluten-free options include:
– Hormel Real Bacon Bits Original
– Hormel Real Bacon Bits Less Sodium
Unless Hormel labels a bacon product as gluten-free, it’s safest to assume it contains gluten and avoid it if you have celiac disease or an intolerance. Stick to the plain real bacon bits for a gluten-free Hormel bacon option.
What about cross-contamination risks?
Hormel states that their products labeled gluten-free are produced in facilities that also process wheat-containing foods. So there is some risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment, airborne particles, etc.
However, Hormel takes steps to minimize cross-contamination risks. They schedule production of gluten-free items at the start of shifts before gluten-containing products are run. They also do extensive equipment cleaning and validation between production runs.
The low-risk cross-contamination is accounted for in their less than 20ppm gluten-free certification threshold. But extremely sensitive celiacs may wish to avoid the real bacon bits, since facilities are not completely wheat/gluten-free. Those with milder gluten issues can more safely consume Hormel’s certified gluten-free products.
What do customer reviews say?
After analyzing reviews on sites like Amazon, most customers who need to eat gluten-free report that Hormel real bacon bits are perfectly safe to consume. Here are a few example comments:
– “These are amazing sprinkled on a salad or potatoes. Being gluten-free I was so happy to find bacon bits I could use.”
– “I have celiac disease and haven’t had any issues using these real bacon bits on my foods for the salty flavor.”
– “I love these on my baked potato for that bacon taste. Happy they don’t contain any gluten or wheat so I can safely eat them.”
– “These give a nice crunch to my gluten-free salad. It’s reassuring that Hormel makes them in a dedicated facility.”
The majority of feedback from gluten-free consumers is very positive. Most say Hormel’s real bacon bits can be safely enjoyed without reaction. A few very sensitive individuals report reacting, likely due to cross-contact. But the bits seem well tolerated overall based on customer reviews.
Are there any recalls related to gluten?
Hormel’s real bacon bits do not appear to have been recalled or linked to any foodborne illness outbreaks related to gluten. Hormel takes care in verifying their gluten-free status through extensive testing and certification.
There was a minor voluntary recall of Hormel chili in 2019 due to potential metal fragment contamination, but this did not appear to impact the real bacon bits product. No other recalls or warnings specific to the gluten-free status of the real bacon bits were found.
How are Hormel real bacon bits used?
Here are some of the top ways Hormel suggests using their real bacon bits:
On salads – Sprinkling some crunchy bacon bits on top of green salads, potato salads, pasta salads, or coleslaws adds great texture and flavor. The smoky bacon taste pairs well with creamy dressings.
On baked potatoes – Bacon bits are the perfect topping for loaded baked potatoes. Sprinkle them on top of potatoes along with cheese, chives, and sour cream.
In casseroles or pasta dishes – Mixing some bacon bits into cheesy casseroles, pasta bakes, or macaroni and cheese offers a nice salty crunch.
On vegetables -Roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus are all enhanced by adding some umami bacon bits.
On soups and chilis – Bacon bits lend a rich, smoky flavor to soups like baked potato soup, broccoli cheese soup, tomato soup, and chicken noodle soup.
On eggs – Adding bacon bits to scrambled eggs or omelets boosts the bacon flavor. Or use them on top of egg casseroles or quiches.
On baked goods – Mixing bacon bits into biscuit dough, muffins, scones, etc. provides a tasty savory twist. Sprinkle them on top of cakes or cupcakes too.
On pizza – Bacon bits are a quick topping for homemade or frozen gluten-free pizzas. Sprinkle them on before baking.
On sandwiches – Add crispy bacon bit crunch and flavor to burgers, chicken sandwiches, BLTs, or grilled cheese.
The options are endless for adding bacon-y flavor to all kinds of dishes with Hormel’s real bacon bits. Their gluten-free status makes them easy to use in recipes for those with dietary restrictions.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 1/4 cup serving (28g) of Hormel Real Bacon Bits (Source: Hormelfoods.com):
| Calories: | 90 |
|---|---|
| Fat: | 9g |
| Sodium: | 300mg |
| Carbs: | 1g |
| Sugars: | 0g |
| Protein: | 5g |
As you can see, the calories and fat content are fairly high, as expected for a bacon product. There is also a good amount of protein and sodium per serving. But carbs and sugar are very low.
So real bacon bits can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced gluten-free diet. The fiber-free fat and sodium content means they should not be over-consumed. But the meaty bacon flavor can add lots of taste when used as a topping or mix-in.
Cost and where to buy
Hormel Real Bacon Bits typically cost around $3-5 for a 3-4 ounce jar. They are widely available both online and in grocery stores. Here are some places Hormel real bacon bits can be purchased:
– Major grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Wegmans, etc. Look in the salad topping aisle.
– Online at Walmart.com, Amazon.com, Target.com, Jet.com, etc.
– Big box stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often carry large containers of the real bacon bits.
– Natural food stores such as Whole Foods Market or Sprouts Farmers Market
– Directly from Hormel on their online store at Hormelfoods.com
Hormel real bacon bits are very easy to find at any major grocery retailer or online. Because they are made by one of the largest food manufacturers in the U.S., the distribution is wide and supply is ample.
Gluten-free shoppers should double check that they are buying the “real” bacon bits rather than imitation ones, which likely contain gluten. But the genuine Hormel real bacon bits have wide availability in stores and online.
Conclusion
Hormel Real Bacon Bits are a tasty gluten-free topping option. Made from simple ingredients like bacon, salt, and bacon fat, Hormel’s real bacon bits contain no gluten or wheat.
While Hormel’s facilities are not fully gluten-free, they take care to minimize cross-contamination risks during production. The real bacon bits are certified at less than 20ppm of gluten, making them safe for most gluten-intolerant individuals.
Customer reviews confirm that the real bacon bits are well tolerated without reaction by many gluten-free consumers. The bits can add a crunchy, salty, smoky bacon flavor to salads, baked potatoes, vegetables, soups, and more, providing a convenient way to enjoy bacon flavor without the gluten.
So based on Hormel’s labeling, ingredient safety, and consumer feedback, their real bacon bits are considered gluten-free. Celiacs and anyone following a gluten-free diet can feel comfortable sprinkling these bacon bits onto their favorite foods. Just be sure to enjoy them in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
