Are Grill Mates Seasonings Gluten-Free? A Guide for a Safe Nutrition Diet

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, nearly 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease, making clear food labeling critical. For those with gluten sensitivities, a common question is: are Grill Mates seasonings gluten-free? The answer requires careful attention to specific products and labeling details.

Quick Summary

McCormick labels certain Grill Mates seasonings as gluten-free, though some seasoning blends may contain or be exposed to gluten. Consumers should always read the product label carefully for the most accurate information on ingredients and any potential cross-contamination warnings to ensure product safety.

Key Points

Not all Grill Mates are gluten-free: While some flavors are clearly labeled, it is essential to check each product's packaging for a 'Gluten-Free' claim.
McCormick uses clear labeling: The company explicitly lists any gluten-containing ingredients and does not hide them under 'natural flavors' or 'spices'.
Risk of cross-contamination exists: For those with celiac disease, the risk of cross-contact on shared equipment means extra caution is necessary, even with good manufacturing practices.
Third-party certification offers highest safety: Brands with third-party certification (like GFCO) provide the most reliable gluten-free guarantee for sensitive individuals.
Homemade blends are a safe alternative: For complete control and zero risk of cross-contamination, making your own seasoning blends is the safest option.
Check ingredients for gluten sources: Always read the ingredient list for explicit gluten-containing items like wheat, barley, rye, or malt.
Avoid bulk bins for spices: Bulk spice bins have a high risk of cross-contamination and should be avoided on a strict gluten-free diet.

Understanding McCormick's Gluten-Free Labeling Policy

McCormick, the company behind Grill Mates, has a clear policy for labeling gluten. They ensure any product with a gluten-derived ingredient is clearly stated on the label, avoiding vague terms. While single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free, blends can be more complex. McCormick labels specific products, including Grill Mates selections, with a 'Gluten-Free' claim if they meet stringent standards.

Navigating Specific Grill Mates Gluten-Free Flavors

Some Grill Mates products are labeled 'Gluten-Free'. Always check the packaging for this claim as formulations can change. {Link: Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/MCCORMICK-GRILL-MATES-GF-SWEET-TANGY-2-9-OZ/10274663005}, {Link: GIANT https://giantfoodstores.com/groceries/baking-cooking/spices-seasonings/seasonings-mixes-blends/beef-pork-seasonings/mccormick-grill-mates-classic-smash-seasoning-285-oz-btl.html}, {Link: Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/TxIOJIPADYWA98/}, and {Link: Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/McCormick-Grill-Mates-Gluten-Free-Hamburger-Seasoning-7-75-oz-Bottle/920217368} are examples of Grill Mates products labeled gluten-free. For Montreal Steak Seasoning, the ingredients are generally considered gluten-free based on McCormick's policy, with certified options available from some retailers.

Understanding Cross-Contamination Risks

For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a concern. McCormick practices thorough equipment cleaning, but acknowledges that some lines are shared with gluten-containing products. Even with cleaning, trace amounts can remain. Third-party certification, like from the GFCO, offers the highest assurance, requiring testing below 10 ppm gluten. Sensitive individuals should consider this risk or seek certified options.

How to Check Seasoning Labels for Hidden Gluten

To ensure your seasonings are safe:

Look for 'Gluten-Free' Certification: A third-party logo (e.g., GFCO) is the clearest indicator.
Read the Ingredients List: Check for wheat, barley, rye, or malt. McCormick labels these clearly.
Be Wary of "Natural Flavors" in Other Brands: Some brands may use these for gluten sources without explicit declaration.
Avoid Bulk Bins: High risk of cross-contamination.
Contact the Manufacturer: If in doubt, contact the company.

Comparison: Grill Mates vs. Other Gluten-Free Seasoning Options


Feature	McCormick Grill Mates	Certified GF Brands (e.g., Spicely Organics)	Homemade Blends
Gluten-Free Status	Many products labeled 'Gluten-Free' but not all. Must check each product.	All products from certified lines are tested and guaranteed to be gluten-free.	100% gluten-free if using pure, single-ingredient spices and dedicated utensils.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Uses good manufacturing practices to minimize risk, but potential for sensitive individuals on shared lines exists.	Third-party certified, often produced in dedicated facilities, minimizing risk significantly.	Zero cross-contamination risk if prepared in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen space.
Ingredient Control	Manufacturer's blend; relies on their labeling accuracy.	Tested and verified ingredients; high standard for purity.	Complete control over every single ingredient and its source.
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores across the country.	May require special trips to health food stores or ordering online.	Requires sourcing individual spices; easy for common blends, harder for complex ones.
Cost	Generally affordable and competitively priced.	Can be more expensive due to certification and specialized production.	Varies depending on cost of individual spices; potentially cheaper in the long run.

Conclusion

Whether Grill Mates seasonings are safe depends on the product and individual sensitivity. McCormick's labeling is transparent, and many Grill Mates are labeled gluten-free. However, celiac sufferers should note the potential for cross-contamination on shared lines. Certified gluten-free brands or homemade blends offer the highest assurance. Always check the label and choose based on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, McCormick has a transparent labeling policy and will clearly state 'Gluten-Free' on products that are formulated without gluten. They do not hide gluten ingredients.

For individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity, some risk of cross-contamination exists because McCormick uses shared production lines for some blends. Always check for a 'Gluten-Free' claim on the specific product and consider your personal sensitivity level.

No. You should not assume all Grill Mates seasonings are gluten-free. Only use products that are explicitly labeled with the 'Gluten-Free' claim on the packaging.

Naturally gluten-free spices are single-ingredient and contain no gluten by nature. Certified gluten-free products have undergone third-party testing to ensure gluten content is below a safe threshold (e.g., 10ppm) and often involve facility audits.

Yes, brands like Spicely Organics and Morton & Bassett offer certified gluten-free spices and blends. Looking for trusted certifications like GFCO or NSF can guide your choices.

Common hidden gluten sources include wheat flour or wheat starch used as anti-caking agents or fillers, and in some products from other brands, ambiguously labeled 'natural flavors' or maltodextrin that can be wheat-derived.

You can create your own blends using pure, single-ingredient spices from trusted brands. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and eliminates the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment.

Yes, McCormick's policy ensures any gluten-containing ingredient is clearly declared. However, for those with severe sensitivities, the risk of shared equipment should be a consideration, even if no gluten ingredients are listed.