Up to this point, who does not even know what a meatball is? They can be found practically anywhere, and thanks to their unique composition, it is a great source of protein. It is a ball of meat (as its names suggest) that usually comes in a small form factor. Normally, ground beef is the most common type of meat used for this dish, but using turkey or pork will not cause any problem. They are popular and tasty, especially its Italian version which consists of meatballs covered in tomato sauce in a spaghetti bed.
Meatballs are just so good to the point that many individuals are tempted of consuming them more than once per day. However, before even thinking of doing something like that, you have to make sure that the composition is good for your organism. That is why the next article focuses on discussing: Are Meatballs Gluten Free? While explaining everything about meatballs in detail.
Are Meatballs Gluten Free?
In simple words, when meatballs come in a pure composition (which is the way it should come by default) then they are gluten-free without any doubt. However, the problem comes when brands and restaurants decide to make their own meatballs and sell them to the public. Nowadays, the great majority of “street” meatballs contain gluten ingredients such as breadcrumbs.
The most commonly used ingredients for meatballs are ground meat, eggs, onion, seasoning, tomato, and butter. In that composition, there should not be any problem with saying that meatballs are gluten-free. But since breadcrumbs are added to absorb all the meat juices to keep the dish flavorful and tastier, meatballs have been becoming a product that those who can not eat gluten-containing dishes should avoid at all costs.
Thankfully, whether you decide to prepare meatballs on your own or decide to buy them on the street, there are some gluten-free brands and ingredients that you can still use to make sure that your meatballs are safe and tasty at the same time.
Do Brands make Gluten Free Meatballs?
Yes, there are some interesting gluten-free options when it comes to meatballs. This is for the simple fact that you can practically add anything to meatballs as there is nothing that can stop you from trying different styles and variations. It would be wise to check the ingredients label to make sure that you are avoiding all breadcrumbs and hidden flour.
Nowadays it is easy to find meatballs that come prepared in an organic style which can come full of rich protein and are certified gluten-free which will let you eat at peace knowing that every piece of that meatball is containing fresh and natural ingredients.
When you talk about meatballs, it is impossible to not bring the Italian style into the equation. This is the most easy-to-find meatball type on the market, and since the Italian culture has a lot of focus on their cooking, a lot of gluten-free variations can be found at an affordable price. Normally, ingredients like beef, pork, chicken, and many kinds of seasoning are used for the creation of these protein balls.
Finally, thanks to their unique composition, it is not only possible to find gluten-free meatballs, but you can also find some variations that come without some of the commonest allergens, making them the perfect choice for those who have to stay away from these ingredients. These usually come without any wheat, milk, soy, eggs, and peanuts, but they do have some source of fish in their composition, so avoid consuming them if you suffer from fish allergies of any kind.
Is it Possible to Prepare Gluten Free Meatballs at Home?
While it might be true that storebought meatballs help a lot of people save time and resources, if you want to experience a true gluten-free experience, then you should prepare the meatballs at home to avoid falling into unwanted situations. As you might already know, preparing meatballs is something that most individuals can do without any issue, even those who do not have a lot of experience can get comfortable with this type of dish.
To prepare some tasty gluten-free meatballs in your own kitchen, you should rely on ingredients like ground beef, parmesan cheese, salt, seasonings like pepper, onion and garlic powder, eggs, and dried parsley that will add a unique flavor to the whole thing.
There is nothing like being the one who prepares the meatballs as you can add whatever you want without compromising the natural composition. This dish is ideal for those who want to taste something that can not flop in any way.
Gluten Free does not Guarantee Healthiness
Thinking that gluten-free means that the dish is healthy could prove to be one of your biggest mistakes. In the case of meatballs, even gluten-free variations can prove to be damaging to your organism if you decide to consume them on a regular basis or multiple times per day. Meatballs come with a great source of fat, and a 3-ounce serving can already pack a lot of nutrients and proteins into your organism, going far beyond that point could gradually increase the chances of developing any illness in the future.
Conclusion – Meatballs are Gluten Free, but there is a Catch.
They are only gluten-free in their natural form, meaning that some restaurants or brands can get away while making claims like “completely natural meatballs” even though they decide to rely on the usage of breadcrumbs or flour that counts as a gluten-containing ingredient. It would be better if you decide to purchase the ingredients on your own and then proceed to prepare your own style of meatballs.
If you happen to be someone who does not feel comfortable while cooking, then do not worry, there are multiple brands in the market that are still honest with the consumers. If you read the ingredients label then you can see which meatballs contain gluten, use this technique to enjoy this majestic dish without compromising anything, just refrain from overconsuming them.