Bavarian Sausage: Gluten-Free Delicacy Or Health Risk?

Sausages are a staple food in Germany and Eastern Europe, but finding gluten-free options can be challenging. While many sausages are made without gluten-containing ingredients, cross-contamination is a significant concern due to shared equipment and facilities. However, some companies offer certified gluten-free options, and gluten-free Bavarian sausages are available.

Bavaria Sausage's gluten-free products

Bavaria Sausage & Cheese Chalet, of Madison, Wisconsin, is a family-owned and operated business that has been making Old World German sausage for over 62 years. They use Old World family recipes that were brought to the US from Schweinfurt, Germany, and are still mixed by hand from traditional bulk spices.

Bavaria Sausage's products are made with only the finest and freshest ingredients, guaranteeing an authentic taste of the "Old Country". They offer a wide range of German sausages, including bratwurst, weisswurst, knackwurst, leberkase, and more.

The company prides itself on its commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring that no artificial colors, flavors, gluten, fillers, liquid smoke, additives, preservatives, or chemicals are used in their products. Their sausages are made in a sparkling clean USDA Federally inspected "Wurstkuche" (sausage kitchen).

In addition to their sausages, Bavaria Sausage also offers a variety of other German specialties such as pretzels, cheeses, mustards, and more, providing a complete Bavarian experience for their customers.

With their wholesale availability to restaurants, country clubs, schools, and small businesses, Bavaria Sausage brings the taste of Old World Germany to various establishments. Their retail store in Madison, Wisconsin, welcomes customers with German hospitality, creating a memorable "Old World Germany" experience.

Gluten-free alternatives to Bavaria Sausage

While Bavaria Sausage does not contain gluten, it may be challenging to find certified gluten-free sausages. This is because most sausage manufacturers do not meet the requirement of less than 20ppm of gluten for a product to be labelled gluten-free. Additionally, cross-contamination may occur due to shared equipment and facilities.

Jones Dairy Farm

Jones Dairy Farm is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Their products include:

• All Natural Golden Light Sausage and Rice Links
• Brown Maple Pork Sausage Links
• Mild Pork Sausage Links
• All Natural Pork Sausage Roll
• Fully Cooked Sausage Links
• Turkey Sausage Links
• And more

Niman Ranch

Niman Ranch specialises in sustainable and humanely raised pork products. Their gluten-free sausages include:

• Apple Gouda – No Sugar Added
• Ginger Lemongrass – No Sugar
• Smoked Uncured Kielbasa
• Uncured Pork Breakfast Sausage
• Hot Links - No Sugar
• And more

Wellshire Farms

Wellshire Farms offers a variety of gluten-free sausages, such as:

• Original Pork Sausage Patties
• Original Pork Sausage Skinless Links
• Pork Maple Sausage Skinless Links
• Smoked Andouille Sausage
• Smoked Chorizo Sausage
• Traditional Fully Cooked Skinless Sausage Links
• And more

Al Fresco

Al Fresco's gluten-free sausages include:

• Mild Italian Style Chicken Sausage
• Mild Mexican Style Chicken Sausage
• Roasted Pepper & Asiago Chicken Sausage
• Rotisserie Style Chicken Sausage
• Salad Night Rotisserie Style Chicken Sausage

Applegate Farms

Applegate Farms offers a range of gluten-free sausages, including:

• Organic Chicken & Apple Breakfast Sausage
• Organic Chicken & Maple Breakfast Sausage
• Natural Chicken & Apple Breakfast Sausage Patties
• Natural Chicken & Maple Breakfast Sausage
• Natural Chicken & Sage Breakfast Sausage
• Natural Classic Pork Breakfast Sausage
• And more

Bass Farm

Bass Farm uses no gluten ingredients in any of its sausage products. Their gluten-free options include:

• NC Sausage - Dry Sausage
• Hot Ground Sausage
• HC Links
• Mild Sausage
• Pork Sausage Patties
• Patties
• SC Links

Plant-Based Sausages

For those looking for plant-based alternatives, there are several gluten-free options available:

• Linda McCartney Lincolnshire Sausages
• Tesco Plant Kitchen Cumberland Sausages
• Waitrose Mushroom and Leek Bangers
• Quorn Hot Dogs
• Beyond Sausage
• Marks and Spencer Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Sausages
• And more

Gluten-free certification standards

Gluten-free certification is a process that protects consumers with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders by ensuring that a food, drink, or supplement meets strict standards for gluten-free safety. The certification is provided by third-party organisations, which confirm the legitimacy of the manufacturer's gluten-free processes and claims.

There are several certifying bodies that offer gluten-free certification, each with its own criteria to ensure safety for consumers. These include the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a leader in gluten-free certification, which works with manufacturers to help them achieve certification and improve their processes to meet its strict 80-point Standard. This includes requirements that all starting ingredients and finished products test below 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, or the applicable gluten-free threshold of the country of sale, whichever is lower.

Another certifying body is the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP), a food safety-based gluten management system for manufacturers, which was created by the Allergen Control Group and the Canadian Celiac Association. The GFCP is a management system and facility-based certification, which means that it examines the entire practices and production process of the facility, including ingredient sourcing, employee training, cleaning practices, cross-contact controls, operational management, and an end-to-end testing plan. Annual certification audits are conducted by independent International Standard for Organization (ISO) and third-party accredited auditing companies.

Products that have been certified gluten-free will typically bear a symbol on the label, allowing consumers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to quickly and easily identify safe products.

Gluten-free shopping in Germany

Germany has a wide range of gluten-free foods available, and it is relatively easy to live a gluten-free lifestyle there. Here is a guide to gluten-free shopping in Germany.

Supermarkets

Common supermarket chains in Germany, such as Edeka, Globus, Kaiser’s, Kaufland, Handelshof, Real, Rewe, Tegut, and Tengelmann, usually have a dedicated gluten-free shelf. However, some supermarkets, like Kaufland, distribute gluten-free products throughout the store, so you will need to search for them in their respective sections.

"Discounter-supermarkets" like Aldi Süd, Aldi Nord, Lidl, Netto, Norma, and Penny, have a ground stock of products always available and also offer weekly and seasonal gluten-free options.

Delicacy Sections of Department Stores

Department stores like Kaufhof or Karstadt, located in the basement of German pedestrian zones, offer a wide range of products, including US-made products and high-end chocolate brands. While they can be pricey, they carry fun and exciting food items that cannot be found elsewhere.

Large Organic Supermarkets and Reformhaus

Organic supermarkets like Alnatura, BASIC, Denn’s, TEMMA, and Veganz offer a larger selection of gluten-free bread, cereal, and oats.

Reformhaus is a certified term for smaller, independently-owned organic stores found near pedestrian zones or residential areas of larger cities. They offer a great range of organic, whole-grain gluten-free flours and products from different brands that are not available in conventional supermarkets.

Drugstores

Most drugstores like Budni, DM, and Rossmann carry gluten-free products. DM stocks products from Schaer, including flour, cookies, bread, and pretzels. Rossmann's EnerBio brand offers gluten-free options like baguettes, nut-based candy bars, and falafel mixes.

Ethnic Supermarkets

Italian supermarkets like Andronaco in Cologne and Hamburg offer gluten-free pizza, pasta, cookies, and crackers from various brands.

Asian supermarkets are also a great option, offering gluten-free products like sorghum grains, rice and rice-based noodles, wraps, sauces, and frozen and fresh delicacies.

Latin American supermarkets, such as Hola Mundo in Berlin, Munich, and Düsseldorf, provide a wide range of gluten-free options, including white corn for humintas al horno or humintas en chala al horno, arepas, and other traditional foods.

Online Shopping

There are several online shops offering gluten-free foods in Germany, including FoodOase, GlutenfreiGeniessen, Glutyfreeshop, and Querfood. These stores often sell special flour mixes and products from international manufacturers that may not be available in regular stores.

Gluten-Free Bakeries

There are also dedicated gluten-free bakeries in Germany, such as Die Maisterei, Jute Bäckerei in Berlin, Bäckerei Onder de Linden in Cologne, Konditorei Schenkel in Augsburg, and Isabella Glutenfreie Patisserie in Düsseldorf. These bakeries offer a variety of gluten-free breads, buns, cakes, quiches, sandwiches, and more.

Gluten-Free Beers and Sausages

For those who enjoy a cold beer, there are gluten-free options available, such as the gluten-free beer distributed by Cologne-based Intersnack.

When it comes to sausages, it is important to note that most German sausages are made with gluten-free ingredients. However, cross-contamination may occur due to shared equipment and facilities. Therefore, it is essential to look for certified gluten-free options or specifically request gluten-free sausages when shopping.

In conclusion, while living a gluten-free lifestyle in Germany may have its challenges, the availability of gluten-free options in supermarkets, specialty stores, and online shops makes it manageable and allows those with gluten intolerance to enjoy a diverse range of foods.

Gluten-free dining in Germany

Dining out while gluten-free in Germany can be a challenge, but it is possible to find delicious and safe options with a little research and preparation. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you navigate gluten-free dining during your trip to Germany:

Understanding Gluten-Free Options in Germany

When dining out in Germany, it's important to understand how gluten-free options are typically indicated on menus and food packaging. Unlike in North America, where menus usually indicate "gluten-free" directly, European menus often list the allergens present in a dish. So, instead of seeing "gluten-free" on a menu, you may see an "A" next to an item, indicating the presence of allergen A, which refers to gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats.

Additionally, when shopping for gluten-free products in Germany, keep an eye out for the universal symbol of a crossed-out ear, indicating that the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. Products may also be labelled as "glutenfrei" (gluten-free), but it's always important to check the ingredient list, especially with products like wheat starches and oats, as cross-contamination can occur.

Gluten-Free Restaurants and Bakeries

Several gluten-free restaurants and bakeries can be found throughout Germany, offering a variety of delicious and safe options:

• Munich: Gasthof Obermaier offers a gluten-free option for most of their menu items, including Bavarian specialties. Tushita Teahouse features a daily changing menu with vegan and gluten-free treats, and Echt Jetzt Bäckerei is a bakery and cafe with 100% gluten-free breads and sweets. Palm Tree Club serves breakfast, savoury bowls, curries, sandwiches, and even bakes their own gluten-free bread.
• Freiburg im Breisgau: Das Kartoffelhaus offers gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options, with an emphasis on regionally sourced foods. Yepa Yepa is a Mexican restaurant with 100% corn tortillas for tacos, soup, tostadas, and nachos. Burger Chalet provides gluten-free buns and staff knowledgeable about celiac requirements.
• Bonn: Cay Tre Restaurant offers naturally gluten-free Vietnamese dishes, but be sure to confirm gluten-free preparation. Isabella Glutenfreie Pâtisserie has several locations in Germany, including Bonn, and offers cakes, desserts, and breads. Burgermanufaktur can make most of their burgers gluten-free, except for the veggie burger.
• Dusseldorf: Backbrüder is a 100% gluten-free bakery with a wide variety of baked goods. Ruthis Cafe & Bistro, named after the founder's mother who has celiac disease, offers gluten-free breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Cucina Italiana provides gluten-free pizza and pasta options.
• Frankfurt: Glutenfreie Kaffeebar by Alex is a dedicated gluten-free cafe with cakes, waffles, and coffee. Schuchs Restaurant offers gluten-free and lactose-free options, including homemade apple sausages and spareribs. Heroes Burger has gluten-free buns and a clearly marked allergen menu.
• Hamburg: Rudolph's in Hafencity offers gluten-free pizzas, pastas, and Mediterranean dishes, as well as gluten-free beer. Café Himmlische Versuchung is a 100% gluten-free cafe with cakes, tarts, avocado bread, quiche, and soup. Mama Trattoria clearly marks gluten-free options on their menu, including pizzas, salads, and bowls.
• Berlin: Jute Bäckerei is a dedicated gluten-free bakery with a variety of breads, baguettes, crispbreads, and pastries. Mecato Berlin is a 100% gluten-free Colombian restaurant with corn arepas, empanadas, and sweet fried plaintains. Eis Voh started as an ice cream shop and now offers a wide range of gluten-free baked goods, including baguettes, rolls, cakes, and sourdough loaves. Schnitzelei Mitte offers gluten-free schnitzel prepared safely for celiacs. Oshione is a dedicated gluten-free cafe with cakes, bread, croissants, and gluten-free granola.

Gluten-Free Supermarket Options

If you prefer to cook your own meals or want to stock up on gluten-free snacks, Germany offers a variety of supermarkets and health food shops with gluten-free options:

• Supermarkets: Look for larger branches of supermarket chains like Edeka, Rewe, Spar, Kaufland, Globus, Real, and Netto. Many of these larger stores carry gluten-free products, often marked with "glutenfrei" or the German Celiac Society (DZG) logo, which is the crossed grain symbol.
• Drugstores: Drugstore chains like dm, Müller, and Rossmann also offer gluten-free products.
• Health Food Shops: Visit stores like Reformhaus, Bioladen/Biomarkt, Alnatura, SuperBioMarkt, and NaturPur for a wider range of gluten-free and organic options.

Communicating Your Needs

When dining out, it's essential to communicate your gluten intolerance or celiac disease clearly to the restaurant staff. Here are some helpful phrases to know:

• "Ich habe Zöliakie und muss eine strikte glutenfreie Ernährung einhalten." ("I have celiac disease and must maintain a strict gluten-free diet.")
• "Enthält dieses Produkt Weizen/Weizenstärke?" ("Does this product contain wheat/wheat starch?")
• "Kann ich eine glutenfreie Option haben?" ("Can I have a gluten-free option?")

Additionally, consider investing in a detailed gluten-free restaurant card that explains your dietary restrictions in German. These cards can be extremely helpful in ensuring that your needs are understood and can make dining out less stressful.

Traditional German Foods to Enjoy

While many traditional German dishes contain gluten, there are

Frequently asked questions