FAQs

FAQ

• Are Old Wisconsin meat products gluten free?

  Almost all Old Wisconsin meat products are gluten free. The MSG used in some Old Wisconsin products contains no wheat or gluten derivatives; it is made from raw sugar, cane molasses and beet molasses.
  
  Old Wisconsin Jerky products contain gluten. The "Bold" varieties of our Snack Bites, Snack Sticks and Smokestacks also contain gluten.

• What do the “Sell By” or “Use By” dates mean?

  They are the dates by which the product should be sold and consumed, respectively. If the product has been stored correctly, the product should be wholesome for a week past the “Sell By” date.
  

• Are “Keep Refrigerated” Old Wisconsin products fully cooked and ready to eat?

  Yes, all Old Wisconsin “Keep Refrigerated” products are ready to eat and fully cooked. Products usually served hot should be heated before serving, and the products served cold should be refrigerated until ready for use.
  

• What is sodium erythorbate?

  SODIUM ERYTHORBATE is the sodium salt of erythorbic acid, a highly refined food-grade chemical closely related to vitamin C, synthesized from sugar, and used as a color fixative in preparing cured meats. (Note: Erythorbate is NOT earthworms. Perhaps the spelling or pronunciation has contributed to this misconception.) [Source: Additives in Meat and Poultry Products, 2000]
  

• When calling, writing or emailing with comments, what information will Old Wisconsin need?

  Please have packaging available so we can get the product name, package size, “Sell By” or “Use By” date, code dates, UPC #, where you purchased the product and your comment. Also, include your name and address.
  

• How long is the product good for once the package is opened?

  The product should be sealed air tight, refrigerated and used within seven days. Actual time will vary depending upon the environment.
  

• Can Old Wisconsin products be frozen?

  Yes, all Old Wisconsin products can be frozen. Freezing does affect the flavor and texture of the product to some degree. Products that are going to be frozen should be frozen as soon as possible before the “Sell By” or “Use By” date and only for two months. The product should be frozen in the original unopened package when possible.
  

• What does it mean if mold is observed in an unopened package?

  If mold is observed in an unopened package, it is an indication that the packaging has been compromised. This is commonly referred to as a “Leaker.” Mold is common (just like cheese and bread) among opened product because it has been exposed to the environment. The mold that grows on fermented sausage products is harmless and will not make you ill. However moldy product should not be consumed.
  

• What is the nutritional information for the 0.5oz Beef Stick and 0.5oz Turkey Stick?

  0.5oz Beef Sticks

  

  INGREDIENTS: BEEF, SALT, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, NATURAL SPICES, DEXTROSE, LACTIC ACID STARTER CULTURE, NATURAL FLAVORINGS, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE (MADE FROM SUGAR), GARLIC POWDER, SODIUM NITRITE, WATER. GLUTEN FREE.

  
  

  0.5oz Turkey Sticks

  

  INGREDIENTS: TURKEY, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED TURKEY, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: SALT, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, NATURAL SPICES, DEXTROSE, LACTIC ACID STARTER CULTURE, CARRAGEENAN, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE (MADE FROM SUGAR), GARLIC POWDER, SODIUM NITRITE. IN COLLAGEN CASING. GLUTEN FREE.

• What is the location and hours of your factory store?

  Our factory outlet store is located at:
  2107 South 17th Street
  Sheboygan, WI 53081
  
  The hours are Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm and Saturdays from 9:00am - 1:00pm.

• Do your products contain MSG?

  Old Wisconsin adds no MSG. However, MSG is found in virtually all food, particularly food that is high in protein, including meat, poultry, cheeses and fish. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein.

• What is your lactic acid starter culture derived from?

  Our starter culture is derived from corn.