Does Fajita Seasoning Contain Gluten? A Comprehensive Guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While pure, single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free, a 2018 study from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found that up to 18% of tested spices showed gluten contamination from manufacturing processes. The question of whether fajita seasoning contains gluten is therefore more nuanced than it appears and requires careful consideration of the source.

Quick Summary

Pure spices in fajita seasoning are gluten-free, but store-bought versions pose a risk due to potential gluten-containing fillers, anti-caking agents, or cross-contamination during production. Reading labels for certifications or making a homemade blend are the safest ways to avoid hidden gluten.

Key Points

Ingredient Purity: Pure spices in fajita seasoning, like cumin and paprika, are naturally gluten-free, but blended products can be risky.
Hidden Additives: Many commercial fajita seasoning packets contain fillers, modified food starch, or anti-caking agents that may contain gluten.
Cross-Contamination: Manufacturing in facilities that also process wheat and other gluten grains is a significant source of contamination, even in products without gluten ingredients.
Check for Certification: The most reliable way to find safe store-bought fajita seasoning is to look for a third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from organizations like GFCO.
DIY is Safest: Making your own fajita seasoning at home using certified single-ingredient spices provides full control and eliminates all risks of hidden gluten.
Avoid Bulk Bins: Bulk spices, like those often found in grocery store bins, carry a high risk of cross-contamination from shared scoops and airborne particles.

The Core Ingredients: Inherently Gluten-Free

The foundation of any fajita seasoning blend is a mix of dried spices, such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. In their purest, single-ingredient form, all these spices are naturally gluten-free. A whole cumin seed or a pure chili pepper, for example, contains no gluten protein, which is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. This makes it possible and simple to create a completely gluten-free fajita seasoning from scratch, ensuring full control over the ingredients and process.

The Hidden Dangers in Commercial Blends

The risk associated with store-bought fajita seasoning comes from additives and manufacturing practices. To prevent clumping, reduce costs, or enhance flavor, commercial spice companies may add ingredients that contain gluten or were processed in a gluten-containing environment.

Common gluten-containing culprits to watch for include:

Wheat Flour: Often used as a cheap filler or anti-caking agent, especially in less expensive brands.
Modified Food Starch: Unless specified as being derived from a gluten-free source (like corn or potato), it could come from wheat.
Maltodextrin: Typically corn-based, but can be wheat-based, and must be avoided unless explicitly stated as gluten-free.
Natural Flavors: This catch-all term can sometimes hide ingredients that contain gluten, and manufacturers are not always required to disclose the source.

Cross-Contamination: The Silent Threat

Even when the ingredients list appears clean, cross-contamination is a serious concern for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. Most spice manufacturers process a wide range of products in the same facilities, and shared equipment can lead to trace amounts of gluten finding their way into a supposedly gluten-free product. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s testing highlighted this risk, finding gluten in a significant percentage of packaged spices. Airborne flour dust in a processing plant can also settle on other products, creating an invisible contamination risk. For this reason, buying from bulk bins is particularly risky, as shared scoops and close proximity increase the chance of contact with gluten.

Reading Labels and Verifying Safety

For store-bought fajita seasoning, label scrutiny is the most important defense. Look for products that are explicitly labeled “Certified Gluten-Free.” Certification logos from organizations like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) or NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) provide a higher level of assurance, as they require rigorous testing and facility audits to ensure the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. Relying solely on a label that says “gluten-free” but lacks certification can be risky, as some independent studies have shown that these products can still contain detectable gluten levels. Some reputable brands like McCormick offer specific gluten-free versions of their fajita seasoning, but even then, it's wise to check the label on each purchase.

The Safest Approach: DIY Homemade Fajita Seasoning

The most foolproof way to ensure your fajita seasoning is completely gluten-free is to make it yourself. This gives you absolute control over each individual ingredient, allowing you to choose certified gluten-free single-ingredient spices and avoid any risk of hidden additives or cross-contamination. Homemade blends are not only safer but often fresher and more flavorful than their commercial counterparts.

A simple homemade gluten-free fajita seasoning recipe:

4 tsp chili powder (certified GF)
2 tsp ground cumin (certified GF)
2 tsp smoked paprika (certified GF)
2 tsp garlic powder (certified GF)
1 tsp onion powder (certified GF)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Combine all ingredients in an airtight jar. Shake well to mix. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months for best flavor.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Fajita Seasoning Comparison


Feature	Homemade Seasoning	Commercial Blends
Gluten Risk	Very Low (dependent on sourcing pure spices)	Moderate to High (due to fillers, anti-caking agents, and cross-contamination)
Ingredients	Whole, single-ingredient spices	May include fillers, starches, and other undisclosed additives
Additives	None	Possible maltodextrin, wheat starch, and natural flavors
Cost	Less per batch over time	Higher, with potential for lower quality
Control	Full control over every ingredient and freshness	Limited control, relying on brand verification and testing

Conclusion: Navigating the Spice Aisle Safely

While the base spices are naturally gluten-free, the answer to "does fajita seasoning contain gluten?" is, unfortunately, often yes, especially for off-the-shelf commercial blends. The presence of gluten can come from intentional additives like wheat-based fillers or from accidental cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the safest route is to look for brands with clear third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' labels. Alternatively, making your own seasoning from certified single-ingredient spices completely eliminates any risk. With a little extra care, you can ensure your favorite Mexican dishes remain both flavorful and safe for everyone at the table. For more resources on food safety and labeling, consider visiting the Celiac Disease Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all store-bought fajita seasonings are gluten-free. Many commercial brands use fillers, thickeners, or anti-caking agents that can contain gluten. Always check the ingredient list and look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label.

For absolute certainty, look for products with a third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, such as those from GFCO or NSF. This indicates the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards. Also, review the ingredient list for potential hidden sources like wheat starch or maltodextrin.

Yes, cross-contamination is a major concern for spices. It can occur during processing and packaging if equipment is shared with gluten-containing products or if airborne flour dust is present in the facility.

Yes, making your own fajita seasoning is the safest way to guarantee it is gluten-free. By using certified single-ingredient spices, you can eliminate the risk of hidden gluten from additives and cross-contamination.

Pure cumin, paprika, and other individual spices are naturally gluten-free. The risk comes from how they are processed and handled in a factory environment.

Some brands, like McCormick, offer explicitly labeled gluten-free versions of their fajita seasoning. It is always best to check the most current packaging for certification, as product formulas can change over time.

No, it is highly recommended to avoid bulk spice bins if you need a gluten-free option. Shared scoops and the open nature of the bins pose a high risk of cross-contamination.