Is McCormick Chicken Seasoning Gluten-Free? A Comprehensive Guide to Labeling and Safety

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 study by the Celiac Disease Foundation, nearly 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, necessitating a strict gluten-free diet. For these individuals and others with gluten sensitivity, checking every ingredient is critical, which leads to the common question: Is McCormick chicken seasoning gluten-free?

Quick Summary

Assessing whether McCormick chicken seasoning is gluten-free requires careful label reading, as some blends are safe while others contain gluten. The company transparently lists gluten-containing ingredients, but potential cross-contamination exists for highly sensitive individuals. Certified gluten-free options and single-ingredient spices are the safest choices.

Key Points

Not All Products Are the Same: Always check the specific product label, as some McCormick chicken seasonings are explicitly labeled gluten-free while others are not.
McCormick's Labeling Policy: Gluten ingredients, including wheat-derived components like modified maltodextrin, are clearly disclosed in the ingredient statement.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: For individuals with celiac disease, potential cross-contact during manufacturing is a concern, as some blends are made on shared equipment.
Safest Options: For maximum safety, choose single-ingredient spices or blends that carry a third-party gluten-free certification.
DIY is Best for High Sensitivity: Making your own seasoning from guaranteed gluten-free pure spices eliminates the risk of cross-contamination entirely.
Read the Label Every Time: Product formulations can change, so always verify the ingredient statement and look for gluten-free claims at the time of purchase.

Understanding McCormick's Gluten-Free Policies

For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding a brand's labeling practices is crucial for safe eating. McCormick clearly lists all gluten-containing ingredients on its product labels.

McCormick outlines its labeling practices, noting that single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free, while gluten in blends is explicitly listed, sometimes with names like “Wheat Gluten.” Wheat-derived ingredients, such as maltodextrin, are marked with “(WHEAT)”. While McCormick aims to reduce cross-contact, gluten and gluten-free products may be made on the same equipment.

Is Specific McCormick Chicken Seasoning Gluten-Free?

The gluten-free status depends on the specific McCormick product. Many popular chicken seasoning options are formulated to be gluten-free.

Examples of McCormick chicken seasonings labeled gluten-free include McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning and McCormick Perfect Pinch Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning. The McCormick Gluten-Free Garlic, Herb and Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning is also labeled gluten-free.

The Importance of Certified Gluten-Free Labels

For maximum assurance, particularly for individuals with celiac disease, look for third-party certifications like the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP). Some McCormick products have this certification.

How to Check McCormick Labels for Gluten

Follow these steps to check for gluten on McCormick product labels:

Look for “Gluten-Free”: Check the front of the packaging for a clear gluten-free claim.
Examine the Ingredient List: Review the list for wheat, rye, barley, or oats, and for ingredients followed by “(WHEAT)”.
Be Aware of Hidden Sources: While McCormick lists allergens, in unlabeled blends, terms like “spices” could potentially be derived from gluten sources.
Seek Certifications: For the highest safety level, look for third-party certifications like GFCO or GFCP.
Check the Website: If unsure, confirm allergen information on the official McCormick website.

Comparison Table: McCormick Chicken Seasoning Options


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Blends	Unlabeled Blends/Mixes	Single-Ingredient Spices
Example Products	Montreal Chicken, Rotisserie Chicken, Garlic Herb	Unspecified chicken rubs, gravy mixes	Garlic Powder, Paprika, Thyme
Safety Level for Celiacs	Highest. Tested and verified to be below the gluten threshold.	Risky. Potential for cross-contamination due to shared equipment.	Highest. Naturally gluten-free, safest option for sensitive individuals.
Labeling	Explicitly labeled “Gluten-Free” with potential third-party certification.	No clear gluten-free claim; requires thorough label inspection.	Naturally GF; may not have a special label but is safe.
Ingredient Purity	May contain additives but guaranteed gluten-free.	May contain fillers or thickening agents derived from gluten.	100% pure spice, no additional fillers or additives.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Chicken Seasoning

Creating your own chicken seasoning blend from guaranteed gluten-free pure spices is the safest way to avoid cross-contamination. Here's a simple recipe:

1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp sea salt

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container for a safe and flavorful chicken rub.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices for a Gluten-Free Diet

While many McCormick chicken seasonings, such as Grill Mates Montreal and Perfect Pinch Rotisserie, are labeled gluten-free, the answer depends on the specific product. For individuals with severe sensitivities or celiac disease, consider the potential risk of cross-contamination in shared facilities. Choosing products with a third-party gluten-free certification, using naturally gluten-free single-ingredient spices, or making your own blends are the safest options. Always read labels to make informed choices. More information is available on the {Link: McCormick FAQ https://www.mccormick.com/pages/faq}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning is explicitly labeled as gluten-free on its packaging and is a safe option for those avoiding gluten.

No, not all McCormick products are gluten-free. While all single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free, certain seasoning blends and mixes may contain gluten, and these are clearly labeled in the ingredients.

McCormick states they follow good manufacturing practices and have allergen control programs in place. However, some products containing gluten may be processed on the same equipment as gluten-free items, a risk for highly sensitive individuals.

To check for gluten, read the product label and look for the common names of gluten sources like “wheat,” “barley,” “rye,” or “oats.” McCormick also lists wheat-derived ingredients explicitly, such as “Maltodextrin (WHEAT)”.

Yes, some McCormick blends are certified gluten-free by third-party organizations like the GFCP. These products have been verified to meet strict standards and are the safest option for those with celiac disease.

For those with a severe gluten allergy, the safest options are McCormick’s 100% pure, single-ingredient spices, such as garlic powder or paprika, which are not processed with added fillers.

You can generally trust the “Gluten-Free” label on McCormick products, as the company is transparent about its labeling. However, for maximum certainty, seek out products with a third-party certification mark.