Does Lawry's Seasoning Contain Gluten? A Comprehensive Guide
For many on a gluten-free diet, a key question for any pantry staple is whether it's safe to consume. Lawry's, a popular brand of spices and seasonings now owned by McCormick, presents a mixed answer. The short and most critical takeaway is that the gluten-free status is product-dependent, and for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity, exercising caution is always the best approach. While some of their most famous blends, like the iconic Seasoned Salt, do not contain gluten ingredients, some of their other products, particularly marinades and mixes, are not gluten-free.
McCormick's Allergen Labeling Policy
Since 2008, Lawry's has been a brand under the McCormick umbrella. McCormick has a well-defined policy regarding allergen labeling that provides consumers with a solid starting point for their gluten-free investigations. According to the company, if a product contains a gluten-based ingredient, it will be clearly declared on the label. This means you will see words like "wheat," "barley," "rye," "oats," or "triticale" explicitly listed in the ingredients statement. The company also clarifies that gluten will not be hidden within catch-all terms like "spices" or "natural flavors." For many, this policy offers a high degree of confidence when reviewing a product label.
However, there is a crucial distinction to make. Just because a product is not made with gluten-containing ingredients does not mean it is certified gluten-free. This is where the topic becomes more complex and requires a discerning approach from those with celiac disease.
Lawry's Product Breakdown
To better understand the situation, let's look at some of the most common Lawry's products and their gluten status.
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
This is perhaps the most famous Lawry's product. It is a signature blend of salt, herbs, and spices, including paprika and turmeric, and does not contain any gluten ingredients. However, it is not certified gluten-free. For this reason, some with celiac disease have reported adverse reactions, leading Celiac.com forums and other celiac support groups to recommend against its use due to potential cross-contamination concerns during manufacturing. For those with less severe sensitivities, it may be acceptable, but strict avoidance is recommended for celiac patients.
Lawry's Garlic Salt
Lawry's Garlic Salt is another popular staple. In communications, McCormick has explicitly stated that their Garlic Salt does not contain gluten ingredients. This product is considered a safer bet, but as always, a review of the current label at the time of purchase is recommended to account for any potential changes in formulation.
Lawry's Marinades
This is a category where consumers must be extremely vigilant. Many of Lawry's marinades are not gluten-free. For example, Lawry's Teriyaki with Pineapple Juice Marinade and Lawry's Herb & Garlic with Lemon Marinade both list wheat-containing ingredients and are not considered safe for a gluten-free diet. Always read the marinade label thoroughly before purchase, as the formula can differ significantly from one flavor to another.
Lawry's Taco Seasoning Mix
It is critical to note that Lawry's Taco Seasoning Mix is not gluten-free and contains wheat flour as an ingredient. This product is unsafe for anyone with a gluten allergy or sensitivity.
The Cross-Contamination Risk
The most significant concern for individuals with celiac disease is the potential for cross-contamination. While McCormick states they follow good manufacturing practices to minimize cross-contact of ingredients, they do not guarantee their products are 100% free of allergens not listed on the label. For a person with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response. The fact that some consumers have reported adverse reactions to the Seasoned Salt reinforces this concern and highlights the difference between a product without gluten ingredients and one that is certified gluten-free.
Lawry's Gluten-Free Status Comparison
| Product | Status Regarding Gluten Ingredients | Certification Status | Cross-Contamination Risk | Recommended for Celiac? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasoned Salt | No gluten ingredients listed | Not certified gluten-free | Moderate-to-High (per consumer reports) | Use caution or avoid |
| Garlic Salt | No gluten ingredients listed | Not certified gluten-free | Lower (still possible) | Verify current label |
| Taco Seasoning Mix | Contains wheat flour | Contains gluten | High | Avoid |
| Teriyaki Marinade | Contains wheat | Contains gluten | High | Avoid |
| 25% Less Sodium Seasoned Salt | No gluten ingredients listed | Not certified gluten-free | Moderate-to-High | Use caution or avoid |
Making a Safe Choice: Your Action Plan
For anyone on a gluten-free diet, the most reliable course of action is to follow a multi-step verification process. First, always read the most current product label at the time of purchase. Second, if you have celiac disease, consider avoiding non-certified products or contacting McCormick directly for the most up-to-date manufacturing information. Alternatively, many certified gluten-free seasoning options are available on the market that do not carry the same risk. For example, brands like Spice Islands offer a range of products labeled gluten-free. Ultimately, while some Lawry's products are safe for many, caution is key for the highly sensitive.
McCormick's corporate site offers allergen information and ingredient lists for their products.
Conclusion: Navigating Lawry's Seasonings on a Gluten-Free Diet
In summary, the question of whether Lawry's seasoning contains gluten requires a nuanced answer. While many of their flagship products, like Seasoned Salt and Garlic Salt, are formulated without gluten ingredients and follow a strict labeling policy from McCormick, they are not certified gluten-free. This leaves open the possibility of cross-contamination, a risk that has led some highly sensitive consumers to report adverse reactions. Conversely, other Lawry's products, such as Taco Seasoning and some marinades, explicitly contain wheat and must be avoided by those on a gluten-free diet. The best practice for anyone adhering to a strict gluten-free lifestyle is to check every label carefully, consider certified gluten-free alternatives, and listen to your body's specific sensitivities.
