Is French's Onion Dip Gluten-Free? A Guide for Safe Snacking

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

While French's is a brand known for its gluten-free mustard and Worcestershire sauce, a pre-made "French's onion dip" is not a standard product they sell. Instead, the company (under McCormick) offers a gluten-free French onion dip seasoning mix that you can prepare safely at home. This clarification is crucial for those managing a gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

There is no pre-made French's onion dip. The company sells a gluten-free seasoning mix, but consumers must check labels carefully when considering other brands.

Key Points

No Pre-made French's Dip: There is no pre-made, branded French's onion dip sold; they offer a seasoning mix.
McCormick Mix is Gluten-Free: The McCormick Classic French Onion Dip & Seasoning Mix is explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Read All Labels Carefully: Always check ingredient lists and allergen statements on any brand of onion dip, as ingredients and facilities vary.
Beware of Brewer's Yeast: Be cautious with dips containing brewer's yeast, as some forms can contain gluten, as noted with past Dean's dip issues.
Control with Homemade: The safest option is to make homemade onion dip using certified gluten-free ingredients to avoid any cross-contamination risks.
Check Cross-Contamination: Always be aware of cross-contamination risks, especially with shared utensils or fryers, if consuming with other snacks.

Clarifying the 'French's' Confusion

Many consumers search for "French's onion dip" due to the brand's popular mustard and ketchup, but no such product exists in a ready-to-eat tub. The most likely product people are thinking of is the McCormick Classic French Onion Dip & Seasoning Mix, which is explicitly labeled as gluten-free. It is essential for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to recognize this distinction, as buying another brand without reading the label could lead to gluten exposure.

The seasoning mix from McCormick contains a simple list of five ingredients: onion, salt, buttermilk, yeast extract, and chives. The company affirms its gluten-free status, making it a safe and reliable option for a quick and easy dip when mixed with a gluten-free base like sour cream or yogurt.

The Risks with Other Onion Dips

Unlike the straightforward seasoning mix, the gluten-free status of pre-made or other branded onion dips varies widely. The core ingredients of many dips—like sour cream, dehydrated onions, and seasonings—are often naturally gluten-free. However, manufacturers often add other components that can introduce gluten, including:

Modified Food Starch: Can be derived from wheat, so it must be specified as corn or potato-based on the label.
Hydrolyzed Proteins: Both hydrolyzed torula and brewer's yeast protein, as found in some Dean's dips, have raised concerns among celiac communities regarding their sourcing and processing.
Maltodextrin: Can come from corn, potato, or wheat. Unless specified as gluten-free, caution is advised.
Flavorings and Extracts: The source of "natural flavors" is not always disclosed and could contain gluten-based ingredients.

Comparison of Dip Types for Gluten-Free Diets


Feature	McCormick (French's) Seasoning Mix	Typical Pre-Made Dip (e.g., Dean's, others)	Homemade Dip (DIY)
Gluten-Free Status	Explicitly labeled and safe.	Varies by brand; requires diligent label checking.	Fully controllable; safest option if ingredients are verified.
Preparation	Simple mixing with sour cream or yogurt.	Ready-to-serve; no preparation needed.	More involved; requires cooking or chopping of ingredients.
Control	Full control over the base (sour cream, yogurt, etc.).	Limited control over ingredients and additives.	Complete control over every single ingredient.
Ingredients	A clean, short list of five ingredients.	May contain various starches, gums, and protein hydrolysates.	Fresh ingredients; can be made with certified gluten-free products.
Cross-Contamination	Minimal risk, provided personal utensils and bowls are used.	Potential risk from shared manufacturing lines, unless certified.	No risk if prepared in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.

Making a Homemade Gluten-Free Onion Dip

For those who prefer complete control over their ingredients or enjoy the process of cooking, a homemade version is the best solution. Not only is it guaranteed safe, but it often tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options.

Quick and Easy Version: Combine full-fat sour cream with dehydrated onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and parsley. Chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. This replicates the classic dry mix experience with maximum ingredient control.
Caramelized Onion Version: For a richer flavor, slowly caramelize finely diced onions in butter or oil until deep golden brown before mixing with sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings. This version offers a gourmet touch and deeper umami flavor.

Best Practices for Gluten-Free Dipping

Inspect the Label: Always read the ingredient list and allergen statement, even on products previously considered safe, as formulas can change. Look for a certified gluten-free logo.
Avoid Shared Utensils: If serving a gluten-free dip at a party with other gluten-containing snacks, use separate utensils to prevent cross-contamination.
Check Pairing Items: Don't forget that what you dip with also needs to be gluten-free. This includes crackers, chips, bread, and vegetable dippers, which should be free of contamination from handling.

Conclusion

To definitively answer the question "Is French's onion dip gluten-free?", it's crucial to understand that there is no pre-made dip under that brand name. The associated seasoning mix produced by McCormick is a confirmed gluten-free product, but consumers must check labels carefully for all other dip brands. The safest bet for those with severe sensitivities is to prepare a homemade version using certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure complete peace of mind. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy this classic appetizer without risking your health.

Note: The McCormick Classic French Onion Dip & Seasoning Mix has been confirmed as gluten-free by the manufacturer. More information can be found on the McCormick website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, French's does not sell a pre-made, refrigerated onion dip. The product often associated with the name is a gluten-free seasoning mix made by McCormick.

Yes, the McCormick Classic French Onion Dip & Seasoning Mix is explicitly labeled as gluten-free and contains no artificial flavors or added MSG.

No, many brands of pre-made dip or seasoning mixes may contain gluten-based additives like modified starches, hydrolyzed proteins, or malt, so reading the label is crucial.

As seen with past concerns over Dean's dip, brewer's yeast protein can potentially contain gluten. While the manufacturer stated the product was FDA-compliant, those with celiac disease may choose to avoid it.

You can easily make a safe, homemade version by combining plain sour cream or Greek yogurt with your own gluten-free spices, such as dehydrated onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and parsley.

Some brands like Great Value and Daisy offer products labeled gluten-free, but always verify the most recent product information directly on the package before purchasing.

Always use clean utensils and bowls when preparing or serving gluten-free dips. Avoid sharing containers with gluten-containing items, and ensure any crackers or chips served alongside are also certified gluten-free.