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What’s in Meatballs? Are They Gluten Free?
There are many types of meatballs, depending on which meat and spices you use. However, the most common ingredients you’ll find in typical meatballs are:
- Ground Meat (usually beef, but also pork, chicken or turkey)
- Eggs
- Butter
- Onion
- Seasoning (garlic, paprika, etc.)
- Breadcrumbs
- Tomato
This list is by no means extensive and other ingredients can be added to meatballs according to the recipe you’re working from.
Do Meatballs Have Gluten?
Usually, yes. Meat, eggs and seasonings are gluten-free, but most meatballs use breadcrumbs or flour as a filler. This is because breadcrumbs are great at absorbing the meat juices when cooking, so it keeps your meatballs flavorful. While that’s great for people that can eat gluten, what about us?
Don’t worry – there are gluten-free meatballs out there that are just as flavorful and use no gluten-containing ingredients. No dry meatballs here! Whether shop-bought or homemade – we’ll be covering them both later in this article.
Whenever you’re buying meatballs, even if they look to be in their purest form, be sure to check the ingredients label. You probably won’t be able to see the breadcrumbs inside, so it’s always best to check and opt for products with a “gluten-free” label if possible.
Gluten-Free Meatballs
If you’re looking to buy your meatballs ready-made, look no further. Here’s a round-up of some of the best gluten-free meatballs on offer.
Rosina
It’s important to note that not all Rosina meatballs are gluten-free, but Rosina makes two gluten-free meatballs: Gluten-Free Italian Style and Gluten-Free Restaurant Style. They contain soy and milk. They have some amazing gluten-free recipes using their meatballs on their website, which is definitely worth checking out. Their Gluten-Free Honey Balsamic Meatballs sound incredible.
The ingredients in these meatballs are:
“Beef and Pork, Chicken, Water, Textured Soy Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Concentrate, Salt, Dehydrated Onions, White Pepper, Garlic Powder, Romano Cheese, Parsley.”
You can usually find these meatballs in your local grocery store.
Ian’s Meatballs
Ian’s Italian Style Chicken Meatballs are a great option if you’re looking for something other than beef. Ian’s lists them as free from gluten, wheat, tree nuts, milk or casein, soy, eggs and peanuts. They’re made in a facility that also makes products containing fish, which is worth knowing if you have a fish allergy.
The ingredients in these meatballs include:
“Skinless, Boneless, No Added Antibiotic or Hormone Chicken Breast, Cornflake Crumbs (Milled Corn, Cane Sugar), Tomato Paste, Water, Potato Flakes, Salt, Garlic Powder, Spices, Onion Powder, Sea Salt, Lemon Juice, Canola Oil”.
You can usually find them in your local grocery store.
Other Brands
If you have a local butcher, or you want to try another brand that isn’t on the list – just be sure to check the labels, or ask your local butcher which ingredients they use. Most will happily tell you. Ask about the breadcrumbs and about shared grinders and prep areas, and remember that the sauce matters too. Restaurant meatballs almost always contain breadcrumbs, so ask before ordering.
Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe
You may want to make your own meatballs, especially as most of the ingredients you’ll need you’ll likely already have in your pantry. This Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs recipe from Gluten-Free Palate is a great place to start if you’re looking at making homemade gluten-free meatballs. The only ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are:
- Ground Beef (or Chicken/Turkey)
- Schar Crackers (or any other GF cracker; see our gluten-free alternatives to breadcrumbs)
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Egg
With 10 minutes of prep time and 18 minutes of cooking time, you’ll be ready to serve your meatballs in no time at all! And the best part about homemade meatballs is, you can use whichever herbs or spices you fancy. If you like your meatballs with a bit of heat, add your favorite spice to give it a kick. Serve them with a gluten-free Alfredo sauce or over gluten-free pasta.
The Bottom Line
Most meatballs contain gluten from breadcrumbs, so buy ones labeled gluten-free or make your own. They’re one of the easiest foods to make yourself, even if you’re a novice like me. For more dinner ideas, see our gluten-free meals and world foods hub.
Sources: Rosina gluten-free meatballs; Ian’s Italian Style Chicken Meatballs; Gluten-Free Palate recipe.
Club Gluten Free shares practical, well-researched guides to gluten-free ingredients, products, restaurants and recipes. We check manufacturer statements and celiac organization guidance, and update our guides when products change.