Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping that the world can’t get enough of. Americans consume over 251.7 million pounds of pepperoni per year! Pepperoni is a type of cured meat, which is a way to keep meat refrigerated for longer periods. The pepperoni was an Italian American invention, similar to chicken parm and other classic Americanized Italian dishes. It’s an adaptation of other spicy sausage recipes, slowly innovated to make the perfect pizza topping. But in Italy, you’ll be in for a surprise if you order a pepperoni pizza! Pepperoni is a term used for bell peppers, showing how truly American this addition is.
Pepperoni is considered gluten-free. However, there is a risk of cross-contamination, and some of the seasonings used may not be gluten-free. Always make sure to check the label to ensure the product is gluten-free. Some gluten-free Pepperoni brands include Hormel Pepperoni, Great Value Pepperoni, Amour Pepperoni, and Bridgford Pepperoni. Gluten-free alternatives to pepperoni include vegetables such as artichokes and peppers.
In this article, we’ll discuss the nutritional value of pepperoni, as well as offer other gluten-free alternatives. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Is Pepperoni Healthy?
Pepperoni is not exactly healthy. It has a lot of protein as it is made out of meat, but it also contains a lot of additives and preservatives that can be linked to other issues. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and isn’t too calorie-dense. However, 84% of the calories are calories from fat, making pepperoni fall somewhere in the middle health-wise. For most people, the preservatives that go into pepperoni are enough to call it unhealthy.
Is Hormel Pepperoni Gluten-Free?
Yes! Per the company’s website, Hormel Pepperoni is listed under the gluten-free products.
Hormel Pepperoni
Nutrition Facts (per 14 pieces):
- 140 Calories
- 118 Calories from Fat
- 13g Total Fat
- 5.6g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 28mg Cholesterol
- 485mg Sodium
- 0g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 0g Sugars
- 4.7g Protein
Ingredients:
- Pork
- Beef
- Salt
- Water
- Dextrose
- Spices
- Lactic Acid
- Starter Culture
- Oleoresin of Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Sodium Nitrate
- BHA
- BHT
- Citric Acid
Why Preservatives Aren’t Healthy
While there are good and had preservatives, things that are extremely high in preservatives can have a bad impact on your health. Natural preservatives aren’t harmful to your health, but artificial and chemical preservatives can have a litany of health problems linked to long-term consumption.
1. Heart Issues
With cardiovascular disease rates skyrocketing, preservatives have been linked as one of the main causes of the spike in heart attacks. Multiple studies have suggested that chemical preservatives can weaken your heart tissue, meaning that consuming large amounts of it will affect you later in your life.
2. Breathing Problems
Studies have shown that the presence of preservatives can exacerbate current breathing issues, such as asthma. Aspartame, sulfites, and benzoates have been shown regularly to cause breathing issues in the long term as well, meaning that you should try not to eat them regularly.
3. Cancer
A lot of artificial and chemical preservatives will contain a high amount of carcinogens that have been linked to cancer. Nitrosamines are particularly guilty of this and mixed with stomach acids, they can have a severe impact on your health.
Gluten-Free Brands of Pepperoni
Great Value Pepperoni
Great value was a brand created by Walmart to be able to compete with the other brands that they carry in their store, effectively
Nutritional Facts (per 16 pieces):
- 140 Calories
- 14g Total Fat
- 5g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 30mg Cholesterol
- 550mg Sodium
- 1g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 0.5g Sugars
- 6g Protein
Ingredients:
- Pork
- Beef
- Salt
- Dextrose
- Natural Flavors
- Oleoresin of Paprika
- Lactic Acid Starter Culture
- Dehydrates Granulated Garlic
- Sodium Nitrate
- BHA
- M BHT
- Citric Acid
Armour Pepperoni
Armour pepperoni is one of the cheaper pepperoni brands available, and with over 70 slices per package, you can be sure that you’re getting enough for what you’re paying. Armour Pepperoni is gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts (per 16 slices):
- 140 Calories
- 120 Calories from Fat
- 14g Total Fat
- 5g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 25mg Cholesterol
- 550mg Sodium
- 1g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 1g Sugars
- 6g Protein
Ingredients:
- Pork
- Beef
- Salt
- Dextrose
- Natural Flavors
- Oleoresin of Paprika
- Lactic Acid Starter Culture
- Dehydrated Granulated Garlic
- Sodium Nitrate
- BHA
- BHT
- Citric Acid
Bridgford Premium Brand Pepperoni
Bridgford’s brand of pepperoni openly labels itself as gluten-free, and while it is the most expensive pepperoni brand on this list, it has a very quality taste with fewer calories than its competitors. Available commercially nationwide, Bridgford also has made sure there is a very low chance of cross-contamination on site.
Nutrition Facts (per 18 slices):
- 130 Calories
- 110 Calories from Fat
- 12g Total Fat
- 4g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 25mg Cholesterol
- 500mg Sodium
- 0g Total Carbohydrate
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 0g Sugars
- 6g Protein
Ingredients:
- Pork
- Beef
- Salt
- Water
- Paprika
- Dextrose
- Spices and Flavorings
- Oleoresin of Paprika
- Sodium Erythorbate
- Sodium Nitrate
- BHA
- BHT
Gluten-Free Toppings: Veggies & Fruit
Artichokes
Artichokes are a great addition to a gluten-free pizza. The salty and savory vegetable pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, and with light cheese, makes a wonderful Greek pizza.
Nutritional Facts (1 medium-sized artichoke):
- 60 Calories
- 0.2g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 120mg Sodium
- 474mg Potassium
- 13g Total Carbohydrate
- 7g Dietary Fiber
- 1.3g Sugars
- 4.2mg Protein
Pineapple
Pineapple is a controversial but popular addition to pizza, pairing extremely well with grilled chicken or ham and bell peppers.
Nutrition Facts (1 pineapple):
- 452 Calories
- 1.1g Total Fat
- 0.1g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 9mg Sodium
- 986mg Potassium
- 119g Total Carbohydrates
- 13g Dietary Fiber
- 89g Sugars
- 4.9g Protein
Garlic
Garlic should be used moderately sparingly due to the presence of garlic in marinara sauce, but it can also be an excellent addition to a savory pizza. When using on a Margherita pizza, for example, it elevates the taste due to its compliments with the basil.
Nutrition Facts (1 clove):
- 4.5 Calories
- 0.2 Calories from Fat
- 0g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 0.5mg Sodium
- 12mg Potassium
- 1g Total Carbohydrates
- 0.1g Dietary Fiber
- 0g Sugars
- 0.2g Protein
Black Olives
Olives are a classic addition to pizza that works well with most toppings due to their universal flavor. They will work well with sweet flavors such as pineapple, or savory flavors such as bacon. This universal pairing is a good option for anyone looking to ass some savoriness to their pizza.
Nutritional Facts (10 olives):
- 44 Calories
- 37 Calories from Fat
- 4.1g Total Fat
- 0.5g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0.3g Polyunsaturated Fat
- 3g Monounsaturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 280mg Sodium
- 3mg Potassium
- 2.4g Total Carbohydrates
- 1.2g Dietary Fiber
- 0g Sugars
- 0.3g Protein
Peppers
Peppers encapsulated jalapenos and sweeter, more mild peppers as they all have a place on a pizza. Peppers go from spicy to sweet additions, allowing the person to customize the flavors as they see fit. A notorious pairing with bell peppers or jalapenos is ham and pineapple, making a delicious Hawaiian pizza the whole family will enjoy.
Nutrition Facts (1 cup):
- 30 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 7g Carbohydrates
- 2.5g Fibers
- 3.5 Sugars
- 1g Protein
Gluten-Free Toppings: Cheeses
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is an example of a friendly cheese that will go well with most heavy flavor ingredients, such as garlic or basil. Gorgonzola comes in many gluten-free varieties that you can use to top your pizza, creating a deep flavor profile without being overwhelming.
Nutrition Facts (5 oz.):
- 500 Calories
- 40.5g Total Fat
- 26.5g Saturated Fat
- 1.2g Polyunsaturated Fat
- 11g Monounsaturated Fat
- 105mg Cholesterol
- 1625mg Sodium
- 365mg Potassium
- 3.3g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 0.7g Sugars
- 30.5g Protein
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a classic pizza topping. Paired with parmesan, you may remember times at local pizza places and give that nostalgic and fresh flavor that the pizza had.
Nutrition Facts (5 oz.):
- 425 Calories
- 285 Calories from Fat
- 31.5g Total Fat
- 18.5g Saturated Fat
- 1.1g Polyunsaturated fat
- 9.5g Monounsaturated Fat
- 110mg Cholesterol
- 890mg Sodium
- 110mg Potassium
- 3.1g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 1.4g Sugars
- 31.5g Protein
Cheddar
Cheddar is a very strong cheese, which can work for or against the flavor of your pizza in the long run. Cheddar will pair well with other very iconic flavors such as chicken and barbecue sauce.
Nutrition Facts (5 oz.):
- 575 Calories
- 425 Calories from Fat
- 47g Total Fat
- 26.5g Saturated Fat
- 1.3g Trans Fat
- 2g Polyunsaturated Fat
- 13g Monounsaturated Fat
- 140mg Cholesterol
- 925mg Sodium
- 110mg Potassium
- 110g Potassium
- 4.4g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 0.7g Sugars
- 32.5g Protein
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is similar to cheddar in its strong flavor, pairing well with chicken and muted vegetables. Blue cheese is not the same as cheddar in that other strong flavors will be very overwhelming and will not usually lead to a good culinary experience.
Nutrition Facts (5 oz.):
- 500 Calories
- 365 Calories from Fat
- 40.5g Total Fat
- 26.5g Saturated Fat
- 1.2g Polyunsaturated Fat
- 11g Monounsaturated Fat
- 105mg Cholesterol
- 1625mg Sodium
- 365mg Potassium
- 3.3g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 0.7g Sugars
- 30.5g Protein
Related Questions
Is Aldi Pepperoni Pizza Gluten-Free?
Aldi carries a specific type of gluten-free pepperoni pizza that anyone can enjoy. Their gluten-free pepperoni pizza is an extremely popular item and is completely safe for anyone on a gluten-free diet.
Does Turkey Pepperoni Contain Gluten?
No! Turkey pepperoni doesn’t have any wheat or grain products in it, just like regular pepperoni. The possibility of cross-contamination remains at the same, as they aren’t likely to be placed into factories with grains.