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


Is Prosciutto Gluten Free

You’ll often see this sliced meat on charcuterie boards (my favorite!) or wrapped around asparagus as a high-protein, low carbohydrate treat. But, does anyone know if prosciutto is gluten-free?

Prosciutto is gluten-free. It is made from pork and doesn’t utilize any gluten ingredients in the process of making and seasoning the product. Some manufacturers aren’t careful with cross-contamination standards but brands like Applegate, Creminelli, and Naturalissima are all certified gluten-free. The best gluten-free alternatives include Gusto Sliced Toscano Salami and Duck Trap River Fish Farm Smoked Sockeye Salmon.

Continuing through this article, we’ll go over whether prosciutto is good or bad for you while listing gluten-free, healthy alternatives to prosciutto for you to keep in mind!

Is Prosciutto Bad For You?

Not particularly. A major downfall of prosciutto is normally its sodium content. Regular consumption of prosciutto can steadily raise your blood pressure, putting you at risk of a heart attack or stroke (if not both).

It was also found by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, that processed meats increase the risk of heart disease by 42 percent and increase the risk for type 2 diabetes by 19 percent. This isn’t very reassuring…not when combined with the information that the nitrates and nitrites in processed meats can increase your risk of different types of cancer.

Prosciutto does contain some important key nutrients like iron, which works to transport oxygen to the cells in your body while also maintaining your energy levels. It is also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It may not be considered the “healthiest” food, but portion controlling and not eating prosciutto every single day is completely fine. 

Are there different types of prosciutto?

Yes, there are! The most commonly known types of prosciutto are prosciutto di Parma (from Parma) and prosciutto di San Daniele (from San Daniele del Friuli), both stemming from Northern Italy. 

Prosciutto di Parma has a notably more nutty and salty flavor, while Prosciutto di San Daniele has a sweeter taste. 

Nutritional Facts for Prosciutto

Naturalissima, Prosciutto

Hand-selected, hand-trimmed, and carefully aged to perfection, this Italian ham is 100% natural and gluten-free. A complement to any dish, this Prosciutto by Naturalissima is lightly salted and has a floral taste.  

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork
  • Sea Salt
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Keto-friendly
  • Paleo-friendly

Nutrition Facts (per 2 Slices, 80g):

  • Calories- 80
  • Total Fat- 6g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 7g

Applegate, Prosciutto

Applegate’s pork raising practices are high-standard with no antibiotics, no animal by-products, no crating, and other practices to ensure more humane and healthy efficiency with standards. Their foods contain no fillers, no GMO ingredients, no chemical nitrates or nitrites, and no artificial ingredients or preservatives. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork
  • Sea Salt
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Keto-friendly
  • Paleo-friendly
  • Non-GMO

Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz, 28g):

  • Calories- 60
  • Total Fat- 3.5g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 7g

Creminelli, Sliced Prosciutto

Creminielli’s Sliced Prosciutto is gluten-free, using only two ingredients. Creminelli takes pride in using non-GMO ingredients while boosting flavor and high quality. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork
  • Sea Salt
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Keto-friendly
  • Paleo-friendly
  • Non-GMO

Nutrition Facts (per 2 oz, 56g):

  • Calories- 120
  • Total Fat- 7g
  • Total Carbs- 2g
  • Protein- 14g

Principe Di San Daniele, Prosciutto Di San Daniele

Principe Di San Daniele’s Prosciutto Di San Daniele carefully selects and raises its pigs to boast flavor and quality. They use only three ingredients, one not being listed–clean sea breezes to “prosciugare” or thoroughly dry the meat. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Italian Pork Leg
  • Sea Salt
  • Gluten-free
  • Keto-friendly
  • Paleo-friendly

Nutrition Facts (per 2 Slices, 20g):

  • Calories- 50
  • Total Fat- 3g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 6g

Boar’s Head Brand, Prosciutto Riserva Stradolce

Boar’s Head’s Prosciutto Riserva Stradolce uses no artificial ingredients in the creation of this flavorful, high-protein, and gluten-free food. Salt and pepper are the only additions to preserve and season the prosciutto. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork 
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Gluten-free
  • Paleo-friendly

Nutrition Facts (per 2 Slices, 28g):

  • Calories- 60
  • Total Fat- 3g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 8g

Daniele, Panini Del Duca Prosciutto

Prepared in the United States, Daniele’s Panini Del Duca Prosciutto is prepared using an ancient European tradition of dry-curing. After that, Daniele’s Del Duca Prosciutto is aged for at least nine months to obtain the highest amount of flavor. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes)
  • Prosciutto (Pork, Salt)
  • Gluten-free

Nutrition Facts (per 2 Slices, 56g):

  • Calories- 140
  • Total Fat- 10g
  • Total Carbs- 1g
  • Protein- 13g

Healthy Gluten-Free Alternatives to Prosciutto

Duck Trap River Fish Farm, Smoked Sockeye Salmon

Ducktrap, Cold Smoked wild Sockeye Salmon, 0.25lb A great low-carb, high protein healthy alternative to prosciutto would be this Smoked Sockeye Salmon by Duck Trap River Fish Farm. It’s gluten-free and comes in slices just like prosciutto, pairing well with charcuterie boards or even cream cheese and gluten-free crackers. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Sockeye Salmon
  • Salt
  • Cane Sugar
  • Spices
  • Fruitwood and Hardwood Smoke
  • Dairy-free
  • Kosher
  • Gluten-free

Nutrition Facts (per 2 Slices, 57g):

  • Calories- 90
  • Total Fat- 4g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 13g

Gusto, Sliced Toscano Salami

Gusto’s Sliced Toscano Salami is made with fennel pollen, which enhances the pork flavor by enhancing the aromatic licorice-like intensity of the flavor. It’s gluten-free, contains zero carbohydrates, and is a great alternative to prosciutto.  

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork
  • Sea Salt
  • Contains Less Than 2% of:
    • Turbinado Sugar
    • Natural Flavoring
    • Wine
    • Fennel Pollen
    • Garlic
    • Lactic Acid Started Culture
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free

Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz, 28g):

  • Calories- 100
  • Total Fat- 7g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 8g

Applegate, Uncured Genoa Salami

Applegate’s Uncured Genoa Salami is USDA-certified organic and gluten-free. Applegate has high standards concerning their pork raising practices and makes sure their products contain the highest of standards. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Organic Pork
  • Sea Salt
  • Contains Less Than 2% of the Following: 
    • Organic Dextrose
    • Cultured Celery Juice Powder
    • Organic Spices
    • Organic Garlic Powder
    • Lactic Acid Starter Culture (Not from Milk)
  • USDA Organic
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free 

Nutrition Facts (per 1 oz, 28g):

  • Calories- 100
  • Total Fat- 7g
  • Total Carbs- 1g
  • Protein- 7g

Principe, Sliced Mortadella

Principe’s Sliced Mortadella is made from 100% select pure pork meat and is certified organic. Principe follows Bologna tradition, grinding and blending high-quality bacon fat, fresh spices, and delectable flavors to create this Sliced Mortadella. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork
  • Pork Fat
  • Salt
  • Vegetable and Fruit Extract (Celery, Carrot, Blueberry, Thyme, Green Tea, Raspberry)
  • Garlic
  • Paleo-friendly
  • Keto-friendly
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free 

Nutrition Facts (per 5 Slices, 57g):

  • Calories- 160
  • Total Fat- 15g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 8g

Alef Sausage, Air Dry Lamb Prosciutto

Alef’s Sausage’s Air Dry Lamb Prosciutto utilizes fresh, never frozen, lamb seasoned with red wine, garlic, and their unique blend of spices. After air-drying the lamb for months, the flavor is unequaled—oh, and it’s gluten-free.

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Lamb Meat
  • Salt
  • Wine
  • Paprika
  • Spices
  • Paprika Smoked
  • Cane Sugar
  • Celery Juice Powder
  • Garlic
  • Lactic Acid Started Culture
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • No Artificial Ingredients

Nutrition Facts (per 2 oz, 57g):

  • Calories- 120
  • Total Fat- 8g
  • Total Carbs- 1g
  • Protein- 10g

Alef Sausage, Capicola Air Dry Pork

Alef’s Sausage’s Capicola Air Dry Pork contains a light sweetness combined with juniper berries to enhance the flavor of the other spices. It’s gluten-free, contains no artificial ingredients, and is high in protein!

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork Meat
  • Wine
  • Sea Salt
  • Contains 2% or Less of:
    • Spices
    • Celery Juice Powder
    • Black Pepper
    • Cherry Juice Powder
    • Garlic
    • Red Pepper
    • Spice
    • Lactic Acid Starter Culture
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • No Artificial Ingredients

Nutrition Facts (per 2 oz, 57g):

  • Calories- 100
  • Total Fat- 5g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 10g

Creminelli Fine Meats, Original Salami Minis

The ideal high-protein snack for individuals constantly on the go, Original Salami Minis by Creminielli Fine Meats is gluten-free and ready to eat. This food is made with humanely-raised pork in United States farms. 

Ingredients for this flavor include:

  • Pork
  • Sea Salt
  • Natural Flavors
  • Wine
  • Organic Spices
  • Sugars
  • Organic Garlic
  • Lactic Acid Starter Cultures (in Beef Casing)
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Keto-friendly

Nutrition Facts (per 1.1 oz, 31g):

  • Calories- 70
  • Total Fat- 4.5g
  • Total Carbs- 0g
  • Protein- 8g

Related Questions

How to make prosciutto-wrapped asparagus?

This is a super easy recipe to make at home to get your protein and veggies in! All it requires is prosciutto slices, wrapping them around 2-3 asparagus spears (and if to your liking, you can add Neufchatel cheese in there, too!). Place on a baking sheet into an oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes until the asparagus spears are tender. 

How to make a prosciutto and melon recipe?

A super simple and easy to prepare recipe is the combination of prosciutto and melon. All you have to do is peel and slice a gala melon (or melon of your choosing) into ½ inch semi-circle slices and wrap a slice of prosciutto around each wedge. Then, enjoy! 

Is there a prosciutto bread recipe?

There is, in fact! If you search on google, you’ll be able to find recipes for “Prosciutto Bread”, which combines the salty, flavorful taste of prosciutto with the yummy, fluff of bread. 

What is the pronunciation of prosciutto?

The pronunciation for “prosciutto” is pro·​sciut·​to | \ prō-ˈshü-(ˌ)tō. It is an Italian word referring to dry-cured salted Italian ham, which is usually sliced thinly. 

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Kaelyn Buzzo

Kaelyn Buzzo is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and a writer. She’s been vegan for over four years and has a passion for health and fitness. You can find her with her fur-babies, writing, or playing volleyball.

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