Last Updated on April 21, 2022
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: is pulled pork gluten free? And taking a look at how to make your own gluten-free pulled pork at home. BBQ season is fast approaching, and it’s always my favorite time of the year – I absolutely adore BBQ food. But gluten can sneak its way into almost any food, and BBQ food is no exception! But is pulled pork typically gluten-free? Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
What Is Pulled Pork?
Pulled pork is exactly what it sounds like! It’s a pork shoulder that has been barbecued and then pulled (or shredded) once it’s been slow-cooked. It tastes really juicy and smoky. A sauce is then added, usually BBQ flavored. You can either serve pulled pork on bread or on its own. I actually like to have pulled pork on a baked potato – it tastes so good!
Learn more about: Is BBQ Sauce Gluten-Free? Get BBQ Ready!
Ingredients In Pulled Pork
The only ingredient in pulled pork is usually pork shoulder. You may add seasoning or spices to add additional flavor, but the only additional ingredients in pulled pork come from the sauce or accompaniments you pair with your pork. Whether that be applesauce, BBQ sauce, bread, or anything else of your choosing.
Is Pulled Pork Gluten Free?
The pulled pork itself will always be gluten-free if it’s natural. Pork is gluten-free and there’s no reason as to why it should contain gluten. However, if you buy ready-made pulled pork with a sauce or order from a restaurant, it’s likely that the sauce may contain gluten. This is because gluten is used in sauces to thicken and flavor. So if you’re buying pulled pork that comes with a sauce, it’s definitely worth checking the ingredients or asking your server for more information.
Gluten Free Pulled Pork Recipe
If you’re looking for a gluten-free pulled pork recipe – look no further! While the cooking time is around 8 hours – the prep time is just 5 minutes, and then you can get on with the rest of your day. This recipe is adapted from My Gluten-Free Kitchen.
Ingredients
The ingredients you’ll need are:
- 3lb of boneless pork roast
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 cube or teaspoon of beef bouillon
- 1 bottle of barbecue sauce (Jack Daniel’s is always my go-to choice)
Recipe
Now all you need to do is:
- Remove any fat from your pork and place the pork in your slow cooker
- Dissolve your beef bouillon in one cup of warm water. Once dissolved, pour into the slow cooker
- Leave your cooker on low and cook the pork for around 7-8 hours. The meat should be easy to shred at this point
- Remove the juices from the cooker and set aside
- Using two forks, shred the pork inside the cooker until the meat has been pulled
- If your meat is looking dry at this point, you may want to add some of the leftover juices you set aside earlier. Try adding a tablespoon at a time
- Once you’re happy with the moistness, pour your bottle of barbecue sauce over the top and mix well
- Now replace the lid on the slow cooker and cook for another hour on the same temperature
- Your pulled pork is ready to serve as you wish!
Read more about: Is Manwich Gluten-Free? (& GF Sloppy Joe Recipe)
Gluten Free BBQ Food
Attending a BBQ can feel quite daunting. While the meat is usually gluten-free, the marinades, condiments, bread, and sauces will likely not be. While meat is often gluten-free, some burgers and sausages have additives given to them to enhance the flavor and the texture. So always be sure to check the ingredients, or check with your server before ordering.
Another concern at BBQs is cross-contact. Cross contact is when gluten-containing foods come into contact with non-gluten-containing foods due to processes such as preparing foods in the same work area. This is particularly a worry if gluten foods are being cooked on the same grill as gluten-free products. Always ensure you make your server aware of any intolerances or allergies you have.
There are a plethora of gluten-free options now. So once you have the all-clear, don’t be afraid to get stuck in! Ribs, burgers, sausages, pork – they all come in gluten-free varieties, or are naturally gluten-free; so be sure to enjoy yourself! Salads and vegetables are also naturally gluten-free too – just be sure to avoid croutons and check the dressings before you dress your salad.
Conclusion
I hope this has helped to answer the question: is pulled pork gluten-free? And given you, a better idea of how to make your own gluten-free pulled pork at home. Fresh meat is one of the easiest foods to make gluten-free dishes from, as meat is naturally gluten-free. As are most of the accompanying dishes at barbecues such as salads and vegetables.
Do you know of any other gluten-free pulled pork recipes? Or want to share your favorite gluten-free barbecue sauce? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
FAQs

Hi, my name’s Zoë. I live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.