Is Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix gluten-free?

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to labeling practices, not all spices and seasonings are safe for those avoiding gluten due to potential cross-contamination. Navigating the grocery aisle for hidden gluten is challenging, and many shoppers wonder: Is Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix gluten-free?

Quick Summary

Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix is not certified gluten-free, posing a risk for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. While ingredients do not explicitly contain gluten, the brand's general lack of certification and history of inconsistent labeling make it unsafe due to potential cross-contamination.

Key Points

Not Certified: Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix does not carry a certified gluten-free label and should be considered unsafe for strict gluten-free diets.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The manufacturing process for Great Value seasonings carries a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.
Maltodextrin is Safe: The presence of corn maltodextrin is not a concern, as it is highly processed to be gluten-free, even if derived from wheat.
Inconsistent Labeling: The Great Value brand has a history of inconsistent allergen labeling, making it unreliable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Consider Alternatives: Opt for explicitly labeled certified gluten-free brands, or make a homemade seasoning mix with individually sourced spices to ensure safety.
Check for Certifications: Always look for third-party certifications like the GFCO mark to verify a product's gluten-free status, especially with store brands.

The Definitive Answer on Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix

For those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, it is critical to rely on clear certification, not just an ingredient list. The final verdict for Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix is that it cannot be considered safe due to the risk of cross-contamination and the lack of a certified gluten-free label. While the ingredient list doesn't show obvious gluten sources, relying on this alone is a dangerous practice for a strict gluten-free diet.

Analyzing the Great Value Ingredients and Brand Labeling

Walmart's Great Value brand does not consistently label all its spices and seasonings as gluten-free. The ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix include: "CORN MALTODEXTRIN, GARLIC, SEA SALT, PARMESAN CHEESE (PART SKIM MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), SUGAR, ONION, BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), SPICES, NATURAL FLAVOR, NONFAT DRY MILK, WHEY, PARSLEY, SALT". On the surface, this list appears free of wheat, barley, or rye. However, the risk lies in the manufacturing process.

The Maltodextrin and Cross-Contamination Concerns

Maltodextrin is a common additive that can cause confusion. Though the name contains "malt," it is a different substance. Reputable sources confirm that maltodextrin is highly processed to remove gluten proteins, making it safe even if derived from wheat. The real issue with Great Value seasonings, and many non-certified products, is manufacturing on shared equipment. A history of inconsistent allergen labeling with the Great Value brand, including reported "may contain wheat" warnings on other seasonings, signals a significant risk for contamination. For a strict gluten-free diet, a product must be either certified gluten-free by a third-party organization (like GFCO) or clearly labeled by the manufacturer with a validated gluten-free claim.

Why a Certified Label Matters for Your Health

Manufacturers that certify their products as gluten-free adhere to strict standards, often testing below 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This process ensures safety beyond what is listed on an ingredient label. When a brand like Great Value does not certify a specific product, it is best to assume a risk of cross-contamination, especially when they produce other products containing gluten on the same equipment. The presence of milk in the seasoning also means it shares equipment with other dairy-containing items, highlighting the potential for co-mingling with other allergens and ingredients.

Safer Gluten-Free Alternatives

To enjoy garlic parmesan wings without worry, consider one of the following reliable alternatives:

Certified Brands: Look for seasonings with an explicit "Certified Gluten-Free" label from a trusted organization. Brands like Weber offer a gluten-free garlic parmesan seasoning. Always check the packaging for the latest information.
Make Your Own Dry Mix: By combining individual spices, you can create a delicious seasoning blend with complete control over the ingredients. A simple mix could include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley, combined with high-quality grated parmesan cheese. This removes all doubt of cross-contamination.
Purchase Gluten-Free Ingredients Individually: Use individual spices that are clearly labeled or from brands known for dedicated gluten-free processing to ensure safety.

Comparison of Great Value vs. Safe Alternatives


Feature	Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning	Certified Gluten-Free Alternative (e.g., Weber)	Homemade Garlic Parmesan Mix
Gluten Status	Not labeled or certified gluten-free.	Certified gluten-free.	100% gluten-free if using safe ingredients.
Cross-Contamination Risk	High, based on brand's history and lack of certification.	Minimal; processes are controlled and validated.	None, if ingredients are sourced safely.
Ingredients Control	Based on manufacturer; includes milk and maltodextrin.	Controlled by manufacturer; labels are reliable.	Complete control over every single ingredient.
Labeling Trust	Inconsistent across product line; requires caution.	Validated and backed by third-party certification.	No label needed, as you control the process.

How to Safely Enjoy Wings on a Gluten-Free Diet

For those who are highly sensitive or have celiac disease, the best course of action is to avoid non-certified seasoning mixes. Instead, create your own or purchase from brands that explicitly display a certified gluten-free mark. This ensures peace of mind while preparing delicious meals. For more information on reading labels and gluten-free dietary guidelines, reputable sources like the Gluten Intolerance Group offer excellent resources.

Conclusion

While Great Value Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix does not list any gluten-containing ingredients, its lack of a certified gluten-free label makes it an unsafe choice for individuals with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivities. The risk of cross-contamination is too high to justify using a product with inconsistent brand-wide labeling. The safest approach is to use individually sourced, naturally gluten-free spices or to opt for a seasoning mix from a brand that is certified gluten-free. Prioritizing safety and vigilance when reading labels is the best way to maintain a strict gluten-free diet and ensure your health is not compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ingredient list for the dry seasoning mix does not explicitly list wheat or other gluten-containing grains. However, a lack of wheat on the label does not guarantee the product is gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination.

Yes, maltodextrin is considered gluten-free even when made from wheat because the processing removes all gluten proteins. The maltodextrin in this seasoning should not be a source of gluten.

The product is likely not labeled gluten-free because Walmart does not guarantee that its manufacturing and packaging processes prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing products. Without this control, they cannot make a validated gluten-free claim.

Not necessarily all, but it is a major risk. A celiac guide specifically warns that Great Value spices are not consistently labeled gluten-free and some blends have contained wheat. It is safest to avoid non-certified Great Value seasonings.

A safe alternative is to make your own seasoning from scratch using individually sourced, certified gluten-free spices. Certified brands like Weber also offer gluten-free versions of garlic parmesan seasoning.

According to some information from Walmart, their bottled Parmesan Garlic Wing Sauce is sometimes labeled as gluten-free. However, ingredients and labeling can change, so always check the most current product information directly on the bottle and website to verify.

The best way to be certain is to choose a product with a third-party certification mark on the packaging, such as the GFCO symbol, which validates its gluten-free status.