Is Arabiki Sausage Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I scrutinize labels to ensure safety for those with dietary restrictions. When we look at the ingredient list for Arabiki Sausage, the primary components are PORK and WATER, which are naturally gluten-free. The fat source, PORK BACK FAT, is also safe.

Where gluten often hides is in fillers and flavor enhancers. Here, the manufacturer uses SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE. While soy itself is gluten-free, processed soy products can sometimes be a source of cross-contamination. However, in this specific formulation, it is not flagged as a gluten source. The flavor profile is built with SALT, SUGAR, FLAVORING, and MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG). MSG is chemically derived from sugar cane or corn and is always gluten-free.

Preservatives and color stabilizers are often a concern. The SODIUM PHOSPHATE, LIQUID SMOKE, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, and SODIUM NITRITE used here are inorganic salts and smoke flavorings that do not contain gluten. Finally, the sausage is stuffed into a NATURAL SHEEP CASING. Natural casings are animal tissue and are inherently gluten-free, unlike some synthetic casings which might use wheat proteins. Therefore, the verdict is a confirmed YES.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Arabiki Sausage is a high-fat, high-protein food typical of processed meats. The inclusion of PORK BACK FAT significantly raises the saturated fat content, which contributes to its signature juicy texture but also makes it calorie-dense. If you are monitoring your cholesterol or saturated fat intake, this is a food to eat in moderation.

The presence of SUGAR and SODIUM NITRITE (a curing salt) indicates it is a processed meat. While the sugar content is likely low per serving, it adds to the total caloric load. The SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE adds a slight boost to the protein content, but the primary macronutrient is fat. It fits well into a Keto or Paleo diet due to the low carbohydrate count, but it is not ideal for a low-sodium or heart-healthy diet plan.