Is McCormick Celiac Safe? A Comprehensive Guide

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, gluten-free products must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, but for individuals with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. Is McCormick celiac safe? The answer depends on the specific product, as single spices are naturally gluten-free while some blends carry risks.

Quick Summary

Pure, single-ingredient McCormick spices are gluten-free, but some seasoning blends may contain gluten or have cross-contamination risks due to shared equipment. For celiac safety, always check labels for specific 'gluten-free' certification and avoid products lacking clear allergen information.

Key Points

Single Spices are Pure: McCormick’s pure, single-ingredient spices, like paprika or cinnamon, contain no added gluten.
Blends May Contain Gluten: Many seasoning mixes from McCormick, like some taco or chili seasonings, contain wheat-derived ingredients or risk cross-contamination.
Seek "Gluten-Free" Certification: For maximum safety, rely on McCormick products with a specific "gluten-free" label or GFCO certification, as these are tested for low gluten levels.
Shared Equipment is a Risk: McCormick uses shared manufacturing lines, which poses a cross-contamination risk for highly sensitive celiac individuals.
Read Labels Closely: For non-certified products, always check the ingredient list for explicit declarations of gluten sources like wheat or barley, as per McCormick's policy.
Choose Certified Alternatives: If uncertain, consider using a brand that is fully certified gluten-free, or create your own blends from pure, single-ingredient spices to control ingredients completely.

Navigating the spice aisle can be a minefield for individuals with celiac disease, who must avoid even trace amounts of gluten to prevent health complications. While many spices are naturally gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination and the presence of wheat-derived additives in blends make reading labels a critical habit. For McCormick, one of the most prominent spice brands, the key to safety lies in distinguishing between their pure spices and their blended seasoning mixes, and understanding their manufacturing protocols.

Single-Ingredient vs. Blended Spices

Pure, single-ingredient spices, such as McCormick's ground cinnamon, paprika, or cumin, are naturally free of gluten. McCormick confirms that nothing additional is added to these products. The primary concern for celiac sufferers, however, arises from seasoning blends and mixes. Unlike single spices, these blends often contain multiple ingredients, some of which may be derived from gluten-containing grains. For instance, a regular taco seasoning mix might include wheat-derived maltodextrin, whereas the specific "Gluten-Free" version will not.

The Importance of Certified Gluten-Free Products

For the highest degree of safety, especially for those with high sensitivity, relying on products with third-party certification is crucial. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a reputable third-party organization, sets a stringent standard of less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten in products, which is stricter than the FDA's 20 ppm guideline. McCormick offers a selection of products certified by the GFCO, and these will bear the GFCO logo or a clear "gluten-free" banner. Relying on these certified options is the most reliable way to ensure a product is safe for a strict gluten-free diet.

The Cross-Contamination Conundrum

McCormick, like many large-scale food manufacturers, operates facilities that process both gluten-containing and gluten-free products. This raises the risk of cross-contamination during production. Although McCormick states they follow good manufacturing practices and perform equipment clean-downs, some sensitive individuals have reported adverse reactions, suggesting that these measures may not be foolproof for everyone. Historical testing by organizations like Gluten Free Watchdog also found detectable levels of cross-contamination in some products, though this data is older and practices may have evolved. This makes relying solely on the ingredient list without a certification a riskier proposition for those with celiac disease.

How to Safely Shop for McCormick Products

To ensure your McCormick products are celiac-safe, follow these steps:

Prioritize Certified Labels: Always look for a clear "gluten-free" certification logo (like GFCO) or a banner on the packaging, especially for seasoning mixes and blends.
Read the Ingredient List Carefully: For products that lack certification, read the ingredients for any mention of wheat, barley, or rye. McCormick's policy is to declare all gluten sources clearly, including ingredients like wheat-derived maltodextrin.
Stick to Pure Spices: When in doubt, choose the pure, single-ingredient spices, which are inherently gluten-free.
Avoid Ambiguous Wording: Phrases like "natural flavors" without a clarified source can sometimes hide gluten. For celiac safety, certified products are the best route.

McCormick Product Comparison: Gluten-Free vs. Standard


Product Category	Celiac-Safe Option	High-Risk Option	Celiac-Safe Identification
Taco Seasoning	McCormick Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix	McCormick Original Taco Seasoning Mix	Look for the green "Gluten-Free" banner
Chili Seasoning	McCormick Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Mix	McCormick Original Chili Seasoning	Look for the "Gluten-Free" label
Gravy Mix	McCormick Gluten-Free Brown Gravy Mix	Standard McCormick Gravy Mixes	Specific "Gluten-Free" designation on package
Single Spices	McCormick Ground Cinnamon, Paprika, etc.	Not applicable, all single spices are pure	Purity confirmed by ingredient list (only one ingredient)
Seasoned Salt	Lawry's Seasoned Salt (owned by McCormick)	Lawry's Seasoned Salt is not certified gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination	Not recommended for strict celiac diets without certification

Conclusion

So, is McCormick celiac safe? The conclusion is nuanced. While all of McCormick's single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free and can be considered safe, a risk of cross-contamination exists for those with celiac disease due to shared processing equipment. For seasoning blends, the safety depends entirely on selecting products explicitly labeled and preferably certified "gluten-free." McCormick has made it easier to identify these safe options with clear labeling. However, for the most sensitive individuals, prioritizing third-party certified brands or making your own blends from single-ingredient spices remains the safest course of action. Always scrutinize the label and err on the side of caution when your health is on the line.

Note: While McCormick's pure spices have no gluten ingredients, the risk of cross-contact in a shared facility is a consideration for highly sensitive celiac individuals.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any dietary concerns.

Beyond Celiac provides a comprehensive resource on gluten-free spices and ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

McCormick's pure, single-ingredient spices are naturally safe for celiac disease. For seasoning blends and mixes, only products with a clear "gluten-free" certification on the label should be considered safe due to cross-contamination risks.

Yes, for individuals with celiac disease, there is a risk of cross-contamination with McCormick products. The company uses shared manufacturing equipment for both gluten-containing and gluten-free items, and although they follow cleaning procedures, traces may remain.

To identify a gluten-free McCormick seasoning mix, look for a certified "gluten-free" label or banner on the package. The ingredient list will also explicitly state any gluten-containing ingredients, but the certification is the most reliable indicator.

McCormick states they will list any gluten-containing ingredients clearly on the label, including wheat derivatives like maltodextrin. However, for those with severe sensitivities, a certified label is still the safest option due to potential cross-contamination risks not reflected in the ingredient list alone.

For single-ingredient McCormick spices, there is no risk of hidden gluten. In blended mixes, however, relying solely on the ingredient list may be risky for highly sensitive individuals, as traces from cross-contamination might be present.

The safest alternatives are brands that are certified gluten-free and processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities, such as Spicely Organics or Morton & Bassett. Creating your own blends from pure, certified single spices also eliminates risk.

The regular McCormick Taco Seasoning is not celiac safe because it may contain wheat-derived ingredients or have a higher risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. McCormick offers a specific, certified gluten-free version for those with celiac disease.