Charcuterie Diet Questions, Answered

Short, sourced answers to the questions hosts ask most about gluten, nuts, rennet and honey on a charcuterie board.

Gluten-free

Is salami gluten-free? Usually, but check
Most salami is gluten-free: pork, salt, spices and a starter culture. Some brands add wheat-based binders, fillers or seasonings, so read the full ingredient list before serving it to a guest with celiac disease.
Is prosciutto gluten-free? Yes
Yes. Prosciutto is a whole pork leg cured with salt and air-dried. There's no wheat in it. The gluten risk on a board comes from crackers and bread touching it, not the ham.
Which crackers are safe for a guest with celiac disease? Labeled gluten-free only
Use crackers labeled gluten-free: rice, cassava, chickpea or seed crackers, plantain chips or cheese crisps. A wheat-free recipe isn't enough on its own, because some share a production line with wheat.

Nut-free

Are pink peppercorns safe for a nut allergy? Leave them off
Pink peppercorns aren't true pepper. They come from a plant in the cashew family, and people allergic to cashews or pistachios can react to them. Leave them off a nut-free board.
Does mortadella have nuts? Often (pistachios)
Often. Many mortadellas are studded with pistachios, and some are plain. Read the label every time, and for a serious tree nut allergy, use prosciutto cotto or salami instead.

Vegetarian

Is Parmesan vegetarian? No (Parmigiano-Reggiano)
Parmigiano-Reggiano isn't vegetarian. Its official recipe requires calf rennet. Some cheeses sold as "parmesan-style" or "Italian hard cheese" use microbial rennet and say vegetarian on the label.
Which cheeses are vegetarian? It depends on the rennet
Fresh cheeses set with acid, like ricotta, mascarpone and cream cheese, are usually vegetarian. Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Gruyère, Gorgonzola and Roquefort usually aren't. For everything else, the label decides.

Vegan & dairy-free

Is honey vegan? No
No. Honey is made by bees, and the Vegan Society doesn't consider it vegan. On a vegan board, use fig jam, membrillo or another fruit preserve for the sweet note.

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