Gluten free diets are becoming increasingly popular, with many people choosing to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten free diet, it can be challenging to find convenient pre-made foods that fit within their dietary restrictions. One popular pre-made meal is Manwich Sloppy Joes, a classic sandwich filling made with a tomato-based sauce and ground beef. But is Manwich Sloppy Joes gluten free? Let’s take a closer look.
In the opening paragraphs, we will provide quick answers to some key questions about Manwich Sloppy Joes and gluten:
– Yes, original Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce is certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
– Manwich is made by Conagra Brands, who state their Sloppy Joe sauce contains no gluten ingredients.
– While the original sauce is gluten free, some Manwich flavor variants do contain gluten, like the Manwich Smokehouse BBQ Sloppy Joe sauce.
– When enjoying Manwich Sloppy Joes, be sure to use gluten free buns/bread and minimize cross-contamination when cooking.
Examining the Ingredients in Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
To determine if a product is gluten free, we need to closely examine the ingredients label. According to the Manwich website, the original Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce contains the following ingredients:
Tomato puree (water, tomato paste), corn syrup, vinegar, salt, contains less than 2% of modified food starch, dextrose, spices, garlic powder, onion powder, xanthan gum, potassium chloride, paprika, succinic acid.
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Furthermore, Manwich states on their FAQ page that this Sloppy Joe sauce is certified gluten free by the GFCO, a third-party organization that tests products to verify they contain less than 10ppm of gluten. This certification gives extra assurance that the product is appropriately gluten free.
Other Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauces
It’s important to note that while the original Manwich sauce is gluten free, some of the other Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce flavors and varieties do contain gluten. For example, the Manwich Smokehouse BBQ Sloppy Joe sauce lists wheat flour as an ingredient. So if you require a gluten free diet, be sure to double check the ingredients list of any Manwich variety before consuming.
Cross-Contamination Risks
When preparing Manwich Sloppy Joes at home, there are some risks of cross-contamination with gluten to be aware of. Here are some tips for minimizing cross-contamination when using Manwich sauce:
- Use certified gluten free buns or bread. Regular burger buns likely contain gluten.
- If cooking meat, use caution not to transfer any marinades, breadcrumbs, etc that may contain gluten onto the Manwich sauce.
- Use clean cooking tools and prep surfaces that haven’t touched gluten.
- Check labels of any other ingredients used, like onions, seasonings, etc.
Being diligent about kitchen hygiene and avoiding cross-contamination with flour or other gluten sources is important for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Nutrition Information for Manwich Sloppy Joes
Here is the nutrition information for a Manwich Sloppy Joe, based on using 1/2 cup of the original sauce and a gluten free bun:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 333 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Protein | 15g |
The Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce itself is low fat and a good source of protein. With a gluten free bun, it can fit into a balanced gluten free diet. As with any processed food, enjoy in moderation!
Gluten Free Sloppy Joe Recipe Alternatives
While the original Manwich sauce is conveniently gluten free, some people prefer to make homemade Sloppy Joes from scratch. This allows you to control all the ingredients and flavors to your liking. Here are a few tasty Sloppy Joe recipe alternatives that are naturally gluten free:
Simple Homemade Sloppy Joes
Make Sloppy Joe filling by browning 1 lb ground beef with onions, then adding tomato sauce or paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, and seasonings to taste. Serve on gluten free buns.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
For a lighter option, use lean ground turkey instead of beef. Season it similarly to the beef version with Worcestershire, tomato, mustard, vinegar and spices.
Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
Saute onions and green peppers, then add cooked green lentils, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and other desired seasonings. Serve on gluten free buns for a vegetarian, vegan Sloppy Joe.
Where to Buy Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
If you do opt for the convenience of the pre-made Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce, it is easy to find in many major grocery stores in the condiment aisle. Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce can be purchased at stores such as:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Albertsons
- Winn Dixie
- Harris Teeter
- H-E-B
- Many others
Be sure to check the label to ensure you are selecting the original Manwich sauce that is certified gluten free. Also verify the sauce has not passed its expiration or “best by” date.
Conclusion
To conclude, the original Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce is considered gluten free, based on its ingredients and third party certification by the GFCO. People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can enjoy Manwich Sloppy Joes as long as they use certified gluten free buns and practice careful kitchen hygiene to prevent cross-contamination. When preparing Manwich Sloppy Joes at home, check that all ingredients used are gluten free, including the ground meat, onions, seasonings, and buns. While convenient, those with gluten issues may want to consider making homemade Sloppy Joes where they can control all ingredients. When purchasing Manwich sauce, inspect labels closely to ensure you are selecting an approved gluten free variety. With proper precautions, Manwich Sloppy Joes can be a quick and delicious gluten free meal.
