Is Corned Beef Gluten Free? (Yes, Here’s Why)


Is Corned Beef Gluten Free

Corned beef is a popular food staple often used in corned beef hash, served alongside cabbage, and as a primary ingredient in Reuben sandwiches. It is a form of cured beef, and thus it has relatively simple ingredients. Corned beef doesn’t contain any corn, the “corn” refers to large particles of salt that ultimately gives corned beef its salty, cured taste. It originated in the United Kingdom and has since spread across the world, but is corned beef gluten free?

Corned beef is gluten free. Containing mainly beef, salt, sugar, and sodium nitrate, corned beef does not contain wheat or gluten. If you are looking for other gluten free alternatives to corned beef, the best alternatives include Alaska Smokehouse Smoked Salmon Filet, Prima Della Beef Pastrami, Prima Della Seasoned Roast Beef, and Mitica Jamon Serrano.

In this article, we will look at the ingredients and nutritional information of traditional corned beef, as well as gluten free alternatives to corned beef. Grab your fork and let’s dig in!

Why Is Corned Beef Considered Unhealthy?

One of the reasons that corned beef is considered unhealthy is because it is processed, as well as because of its sodium and fat content. Processed red meat has a horrific reputation for containing large amounts carcinogens.

The additives are also a point of contestation. Homemade corned beef that has been placed in natural brine will be grayish, while brining it in sodium nitrate preserves the original color of the meat. Sodium Nitrate is far from a healthy additive, and should be avoided.

Corned Beef vs Deli Beef

There is a pretty drastic difference in quality between prepackaged beef and delicatessen-style beef. The difference in beef quality can be attributed to the presence of additives and preservatives to extend the shelf life of the meat.

Delicatessen style meat is more likely to be natural. Prepackaged beef often contains sodium nitrate and other preservatives, which can harm your health in the long term.

On the other hand, the cons of delicatessen style meat are the price difference and the accessibility. While commercial stores often have many prepackaged meats, delicatessen-style meats is not always as readily available. This makes it much easier to grab a prepackaged brand when compared to a delicatessen-style brand. The same goes for the price difference, as delicatessens tend to be more expensive.

Corned Beef Nutrition Facts

Libby’s Corned Beef

Libby’s Corned Beef is a classic canned version of the homely meal. Made with only four ingredients, this gluten-free canned corned beef provides the same quality that you would get from homemade, at a fraction of the price. It is available at most commercial grocery stores and is the most well-known of corned beef brands out there, winning the #1 for America’s seal. It is perfect for your favorite recipes, whether that is casseroles or straight from the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts (Per 56g):

  • 120 Calories
  • 7g Total Fat
  • 5g Saturated Fat
  • 0g Trans Fat
  • 50mg Cholesterol
  • 550mg Sodium
  • 1g Total Carbohydrates
  • 0g Dietary Fiber
  • 1g Sugars
  • 1g Added Sugars
  • 15g Proteins

Ingredients:

  • Cooked Beef
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Sodium Nitrate

Prima Della Corned Beef

Prima Della Corned beef is a great option if you’re looking for high-quality beef at a lower price. Sliced fresh at Walmart deli, it’s USDA choice beef, and a delicatessen style without the high price tag. Prima Della corned beef is also a lower calorie option than its canned predecessor, with even more of a robust flavor that the whole family will enjoy.

Nutrition Facts (Per 56g):

  • 70 Calories
  • 15 Calories from Fat
  • 2g Total Fat
  • 5g Saturated Fat
  • 0g Trans Fat
  • 30mg Cholesterol
  • 440mg Sodium
  • 1g Total Carbohydrates
  • 0g Dietary Fiber
  • 0g Sugars
  • 12g Protein

Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Water
  • Sodium Lactate
  • Sodium Phosphate
  • Sodium Diacetate
  • Dextrose
  • Salt
  • Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
  • Onion and Garlic Powder
  • Canola Oil
  • Natural Flavors
  • Dextrose
  • Caramel Color
  • Spices

Hormel Corned Beef Hash

Hormel Corned Beef Hash is a timeless flavor that is the most popular corned beef hash in America. It’s a mix of corned beef, potatoes, and seasonings that will give you the homey feeling of holidays and homecooked meals. You can make it your own by adding veggies or other additives, and with such a high concentration of protein, it makes a great addition to a timeless breakfast.

Nutrition Facts (Per 236g):

  • 330 Calories
  • 20g Total Fat
  • 8g Saturated Fat
  • 1g Trans Fat
  • 50mg Cholesterol
  • 760mg Sodium
  • 23g Total Carbohydrates
  • 2g Dietary Fiber
  • 1 Sugar
  • 15g Protein

Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Rehydrates Potatoes
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Flavoring
  • Spice
  • Sodium Nitrate

Grobbel’s Gourmet Corned Beef, Brisket Flat Cut

Grobbel’s Gourmet Corned Beef is a perfect way to add some Irish American Tradition to your next meal. The brisket cut of Grobbel’s Corned Beef is a tender, savory addition to a homemade corned beef hash. They recommend that you serve it with cabbage, carrots, and some potatoes for the most traditional dinner, but it is also perfectly paired with a savory piece of rye bread, with mustard, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. The brisket cut is going to be more tender than the whole beef, so keep that in mind when choosing what to pair this savory treat with.

Nutrition Facts (Per 112g):

  • 200 Calories
  • 14g Total Fat
  • 5grm Saturated Fat
  • 0grm Trans Fat
  • 55mg Cholesterol
  • 950mg Sodium
  • 0g Total Carbohydrates
  • 0grm Dietary Fiber
  • 0grm Sugars
  • 0g Proteins

Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Sodium Phosphate
  • Sodium Erythorbate
  • Sodium Nitrate
  • Flavorings
  • Papain

Corned Beef Alternatives

Prima Della Beef Pastrami

Prima Della pastrami is USDA choice beef and offers a rich, savory taste when compared to its grocery store competitors. Pastrami can be used in a variety of dishes, from Reubens to carbonara. It pairs excellently with classics like potato and macaroni salad, coleslaw, pickles, and even chicken noodle soup. Pastrami has a similar sodium level to corned beef, and ultimately the same savory taste that you would want from good corned beef.

Nutrition Facts (Per 56g):

  • 90 Calories
  • 5g Total Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 0g Trans Fat
  • 25mg Cholesterol
  • 460mg Sodium
  • 0g Total Carbohydrates
  • 0g Dietary Fiber
  • 2g Total Sugars
  • 15g Protein

Ingredients:

  • Water
  • Salt
  • Vinegar
  • Seasoning
  • Sodium Phosphate
  • Sugar
  • Sodium Erythorbate
  • Sodium Nitrate
  • Spices
  • Caramel Color
  • Natural Smoke Flavor

Alaska Smokehouse Smoked Salmon Fillet

Alaska Smokehouse Smoked Salmon Fillet, 8 Ounce Gift Box This traditional smoked salmon is hand-filleted and soaked in traditional brine. The amount of quality in this salmon is shown in its inspections. These smoked salmon are shelf-stable, meaning that no refrigeration is needed until the gold pouch that it comes in is opened. Made with only a few ingredients, this salmon is a whole food that fills you up quickly. It’s 100% wild-caught, which means that it will have less fat content than its farmed counterpart. It’s certified kosher and very high in omega 3 fatty acids, as well as being low carb and high in protein.

Nutrition Facts (Per 56g):

  • 90 Calories
  • 45 Calories from Fat
  • 5g Total Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 0g Trans Fat
  • 40mg Cholesterol
  • 570mg Sodium
  • 0g Total Carbohydrates
  • 0g Dietary Fiber
  • 0g Total Sugars
  • 12g Protein

Ingredients:

  • Salmon
  • Salt
  • Spices
  • Natural Alder Smoke

Mitica Jamon Serrano: 1 Pound Sliced

Jamon serrano is a cousin to prosciutto, but often mort savory and pairs with more smooth cheeses, Spanish wines, and grilled vegetables. It is cured with country air and has a very deep flavor and aroma. It is often sliced paper-thin, and cooking isn’t necessary for this natural ham. It is made with sea salt and hung from their rafters to cure them, giving them a similar salty flavor as corned beef.

Nutrition Facts (Per 28g):

  • 70 Calories
  • 3g Total Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 0g Trans Fat
  • 25mg Cholesterol
  • 560mg Sodium
  • 0g Total Carbohydrates
  • 0g Dietary Fiber
  • 0g Total Sugars
  • 0g Added Sugars
  • 9g Protein

Ingredients:

  • Spanish Ham
  • Sea Salt

Prima Della Seasoned Roast Beef

Prima Della seasoned roast beef is a perfect alternative to corned beef due to its salty, savory taste and accessibility. Prima Della’s roast beef is USDA choice and is a fresher alternative to the prepackages versions that you would commonly find used in sandwiches. This deli-quality meat is delicatessen style and sliced fresh in the store, and has enough spices to mimic the savory taste of corned beef.

Nutrition Facts (Per 56g):

  • 80 Calories
  • 5g Total Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 0g Trans Fat
  • 35mg Cholesterol
  • 210mg Sodium
  • 2g Total Carbohydrates
  • 0g Dietary Fiber
  • 0g Sugars
  • 13g Protein

Ingredients:

  • Beef
  • Water
  • Vinegar
  • Salt
  • Maltodextrin
  • Dextrose
  • Caramel Color
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Spices
  • Celery Seed

Related Questions

What Are Some Ways You Can Use Leftover Corned Beef?

Some of the best ways to use leftover corned beef is to put it in a savory casserole, make some delicious corned beef hash for breakfast, or make a heart corned beef soup. Corned beef will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, making it a great idea to get creative with leftovers.

Is Corned Beef Keto Friendly?

Corned beef is perfectly fine for keto as long as you can fit it into your macros. In fact, many have praised corn beef for bringing savory and nostalgic flavors into their keto diets.

What Should I Eat with Corned Beef?

Some of the best things to eat with corned beef are starchy and neutralizing flavors, as not to make the dish too salty. Some examples include potatoes, sweet potatoes, greens, and mashed potatoes!

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Isabella LoCicero

Isabella is a food blogger and writer of about two years. Her experience around food was greatly influenced by the family around her, and eventually, she wanted to start debunking popular diet myths to improve the lives of the people around her. When she's not writing, Isabella is often hanging out with her adorable akita, Kuma.

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