Are Watkins Spices Gluten Free? What You Need to Know

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Watkins' official FAQ, many of their single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free, as they do not contain wheat, barley, or rye. However, navigating the world of packaged foods for a gluten-free diet requires careful consideration, especially regarding manufacturing processes and potential cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed information on which Watkins spices and products are considered gluten-free, which may contain gluten, and the company's manufacturing precautions against cross-contamination. It also explains the difference between 'naturally gluten-free' and 'certified gluten-free'.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free: Many Watkins single-ingredient spices are inherently gluten-free as they are free of wheat, rye, and barley.
Not Certified Gluten-Free: Watkins spices are not third-party certified gluten-free, meaning they are not tested to guarantee against cross-contamination.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The company produces both gluten-free and gluten-containing products in the same facility, posing a risk for those with Celiac disease or high sensitivity.
Read All Labels: Consumers must check the ingredient list of every product, as some specific items like gravy mixes contain gluten.
Company Safeguards: Watkins implements rigorous cleaning procedures and adheres to SQFI standards to minimize cross-contamination risks.
Specific Products: Certain Watkins items, such as extracts, flavorings, and some organic spice blends, may be explicitly labeled and verified as gluten-free.
Consider Your Sensitivity: Individuals with Celiac disease might prefer fully certified brands, while those with less severe sensitivity may find Watkins' products acceptable with careful label checks.

Understanding Watkins' Stance on Gluten

For individuals managing a gluten-free diet, comprehending a manufacturer's allergen protocols is paramount. Watkins clarifies that while many of their products are naturally free of gluten-containing grains, they are not a certified gluten-free company. This distinction is vital for consumers to evaluate their personal risk. The company employs rigorous cleaning protocols to mitigate cross-contamination, but notes that gluten-containing products are processed in the same facility.

What Watkins Products Contain Gluten?

Identifying specific products that contain gluten is essential. Based on information from Watkins' FAQ, several gravy and seasoning mixes include gluten. Always checking the ingredient list is critical. Products known to contain gluten include:

Organic Country Gravy Mix
Organic Brown Gravy Mix
Organic Turkey Gravy Mix
Organic Chicken Gravy Mix
Organic Beef Stew Seasoning
Organic Pot Roast Seasoning
Beef Soup & Gravy Base

The Importance of 'Naturally Gluten-Free' vs. 'Certified Gluten-Free'

This distinction is crucial, especially for those with Celiac disease. 'Naturally gluten-free' means the ingredients themselves are gluten-free, like many single spices, but doesn't rule out manufacturing cross-contamination. 'Certified gluten-free' products are independently tested and meet strict standards, usually below 20 ppm gluten, often produced to minimize cross-contamination. Watkins products lack this third-party certification.

Watkins' Allergen Control and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

Watkins adheres to SQFI standards with Level II certification and employs HACCP programs and cleaning routines to reduce cross-contamination. While these practices lower risk, they don't eliminate it entirely for those with Celiac disease due to shared facilities. Label reading is always recommended.

Comparison: Watkins Spices vs. Certified Gluten-Free Brands


Feature	Watkins Spices	Certified Gluten-Free Brands (e.g., McCormick, Simply Organic, Spicely)
Gluten Status	Many are naturally gluten-free but not certified. Some mixes contain gluten.	Most individual spices are certified gluten-free by third parties like GFCO.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Moderate risk, as gluten-containing products are processed in the same facility, despite cleaning procedures.	Very low to negligible risk due to stringent testing, dedicated equipment, or dedicated facilities.
Verification	Relies on internal processes and SQFI Level II certification.	Confirmed by independent, third-party organizations.
Labeling	Clearly labels products that contain gluten on the ingredient list. Some products are marked 'Gluten-Free' based on ingredients.	Explicitly marked with a certified gluten-free logo, providing high assurance.
Best For	Individuals with less severe gluten sensitivity or those who do not require absolute certainty regarding cross-contamination.	Individuals with Celiac disease, high gluten sensitivity, or those seeking maximum safety.

The Takeaway for Consumers

The distinction between "naturally gluten-free" and "certified gluten-free" significantly impacts purchasing for those with Celiac disease. Naturally gluten-free means ingredients are free of gluten, but manufacturing risk exists. Certified gluten-free offers higher assurance through testing and verification of allergen controls. For Watkins, while many single spices are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination is a possibility due to shared facilities. Always check ingredient lists, and those with high sensitivity may prefer certified gluten-free brands for safety.

Reading the Labels on Watkins Products

Careful label reading is essential. Some Watkins products, including certain extracts and flavorings, are explicitly labeled 'gluten-free'. These labels are reliable for the specific product. Never assume that all Watkins products are gluten-free if one is. Always check the ingredient list, especially for mixes which are more likely to contain gluten. Consulting the official Watkins website for updated information or FAQs is also advisable, though not all products may have detailed information online. For instance, Watkins Assorted Food Coloring is specifically labeled as gluten-free.

Conclusion: Navigating Watkins for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Many Watkins products, such as single spices and extracts, are naturally gluten-free, but the brand lacks certification. This implies a cross-contamination risk, despite Watkins' cleaning practices. Consumers with Celiac disease or significant gluten sensitivity should meticulously read labels and be aware of products containing gluten, like specific gravy and stew mixes. Those requiring absolute certainty might opt for officially certified gluten-free brands. For individuals with milder sensitivity, checking ingredients and acknowledging the cross-contamination risk may suffice. An informed consumer is best equipped to navigate a gluten-free diet. The ingredient list and any direct labeling remain the most reliable resources.

Sources

: Watkins Bourbon FAQ regarding gluten-containing products.
: Watkins Customer Support via Amazon regarding non-certification and shared facility.
: Facebook post referencing Watkins gluten-free list from official website.
: Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla Extract on Walmart indicating gluten-free label.
: Watkins Assorted Food Coloring on Amazon.ca listing gluten-free certification.
: Gluten-Free Certification Organization explains the meaning of certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Watkins products are gluten-free. While many spices and extracts are naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients, some products like certain gravy and stew mixes do contain gluten. Consumers should always check the ingredient list for each item.

Individuals with Celiac disease should exercise caution. While many spices are naturally gluten-free, Watkins products are processed in a shared facility with gluten-containing items. The company's cleaning protocols reduce risk, but do not eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

A 'naturally gluten-free' product is made from ingredients without gluten, but could still be cross-contaminated during manufacturing. A 'certified gluten-free' product is independently verified through testing to meet strict standards for safety.

Watkins has stated that their spices are not tested for gluten and are not certified gluten-free. They rely on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and cleaning routines to manage allergens.

The most reliable method is to check the ingredient list on the product packaging for any gluten-containing ingredients. Watkins may also explicitly label some products, like specific extracts, as gluten-free.

Many Watkins extracts, including vanilla, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. However, it is always best to check the label of the specific extract you intend to use to confirm.

According to Watkins' FAQ, some of their gravy and seasoning mixes, such as Organic Country Gravy Mix and Beef Soup & Gravy Base, contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Yes, Watkins Assorted Food Coloring is derived from vegetable juices and spices and is specifically labeled as gluten-free.