Is McCormick Pure Mint Extract Gluten-Free?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

According to McCormick & Company's official policy, all their pure, single-ingredient extracts are gluten-free. This includes McCormick Pure Mint Extract, which is made from a simple blend of alcohol, water, and the natural oil of mint. However, navigating gluten-free products requires understanding not just the ingredients, but also the manufacturing processes involved.

Quick Summary

McCormick Pure Mint Extract is officially certified gluten-free by the manufacturer. While the pure ingredients contain no gluten, consumers with celiac disease or high sensitivity should be aware of potential cross-contamination concerns, though McCormick follows strict manufacturing practices to prevent this.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: McCormick Pure Mint Extract is officially recognized as gluten-free by the manufacturer.
Pure Ingredients: The extract is made from simple, pure ingredients: alcohol, water, and oil of mint, with no hidden gluten.
Synthetic Alcohol: McCormick uses a synthetic ethyl alcohol, not a grain-based alcohol, eliminating a common source of gluten in extracts.
Careful Manufacturing: While not explicitly certified on the label, McCormick follows strict manufacturing guidelines to prevent cross-contamination.
Label Transparency: The company guarantees that any gluten-containing ingredients in any of their products will be clearly listed on the label.
Consider Alternatives: For extremely sensitive individuals, certified gluten-free options from brands like Simply Organic may provide greater assurance.

McCormick's Official Stance on Gluten-Free Extracts

McCormick has publicly stated that all their pure, single-ingredient extracts are gluten-free. This assurance stems from the core ingredients used, which for McCormick Pure Mint Extract are alcohol, water, and oil of mint. None of these ingredients contain gluten. McCormick also guarantees that any product containing gluten will list it clearly in the ingredient statement, and no allergens are hidden in vague terms like "natural flavors". The alcohol used is synthetic, not grain-based.

What "Pure Extract" Means for Gluten-Free Diets

The term "pure extract" indicates the flavor is extracted from its source (like mint) using alcohol and water, without added fillers, colors, or flavors. This is different from "flavoring" or "imitation extract," which may contain gluten-derived ingredients, though McCormick is transparent with labeling. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the simple ingredients and McCormick's labeling policy make its pure extracts a dependable option.

Cross-Contamination and Manufacturing Practices

Beyond ingredients, manufacturing practices are vital. For those with celiac disease, minimal cross-contamination can cause reactions. McCormick follows good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and takes precautions to prevent cross-contamination, though they don't have dedicated gluten-free lines for all products. While some reports mention verbal confirmation of thorough cleaning between batches, the official website is the most reliable source. The risk of cross-contamination with a pure extract is low for most, but individuals with severe celiac disease may prefer verifying the latest policies or choosing certified gluten-free products.

List of Common Gluten Sources to Watch For in Extracts

Grain-based alcohol: Some extracts use alcohol from wheat, barley, or rye. McCormick uses synthetic ethyl alcohol.
Malt: A gluten ingredient from barley, sometimes found in sweet flavorings.
Coloring: Less common now with clear labeling, but some additives could contain gluten.
Fillers: Cheaper imitation extracts might use gluten-containing fillers. Always check ingredient labels.

Comparison of Mint Extract Brands

Here is a comparison of McCormick Pure Mint Extract with other popular brands:


Feature	McCormick Pure Mint Extract	Simply Organic Peppermint Extract	Watkins Mint Extract
Gluten-Free Status	Officially gluten-free based on ingredients and policies.	Certified USDA Organic and Gluten-Free.	Labeled gluten-free by Watkins.
Key Ingredients	Alcohol, Water, Oil of Spearmint & Peppermint.	Organic Alcohol, Water, Organic Peppermint Oil.	Alcohol, Water, Natural Flavors.
Certifications	Kosher, Non-GMO. Relies on ingredient transparency.	USDA Organic, Certified Gluten-Free.	Kosher, Gluten-Free labeled.
Cross-Contamination	GMPs followed to minimize risk.	Certified gluten-free (under 20 ppm gluten).	Company practices aim to minimize risk.
Purity	Pure extract.	Pure extract from organic ingredients.	Uses natural flavors, confirming purity.

Conclusion: A Safe Choice for Most

McCormick Pure Mint Extract is generally a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivity due to its gluten-free ingredients and manufacturing practices. It contains pure mint oil, water, and synthetic alcohol, with no hidden gluten. For individuals with extreme celiac sensitivity, a product with third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' labeling, like Simply Organic, might offer more reassurance. Always check the ingredient list for current information before purchasing.

Using Gluten-Free Mint Extract in Recipes

Pure mint extract works well in various gluten-free recipes:

Baking: Use according to recipe instructions for gluten-free baked goods, ensuring other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Beverages: Add a few drops to drinks like hot cocoa or smoothies.
Ice Cream: Ideal for homemade gluten-free mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Flavoring: Provides a consistent mint flavor in sauces, frostings, and fillings.

Visit the McCormick website for more information on their ingredients and products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, McCormick Pure Mint Extract does not contain wheat or any other gluten-containing grains. The company explicitly confirms that its pure extracts are gluten-free.

Yes, the alcohol used in McCormick's pure extracts is synthetic ethyl alcohol, not grain-based, making it safe for those on a gluten-free diet.

To be certain, always check the ingredient label. The company has a policy of clearly labeling any gluten ingredients. However, their pure extracts are considered safe by the company's standards.

A pure extract is derived directly from the source using natural ingredients, while imitation flavorings are often created synthetically and may contain other ingredients. McCormick Pure Mint Extract is a pure extract.

McCormick follows good manufacturing practices to minimize cross-contamination risk. While the risk for a pure extract is low, extremely sensitive individuals may prefer products from dedicated certified gluten-free facilities.

Yes, since the extract itself is gluten-free, it is suitable for celiac-safe baking, provided all other ingredients used in the recipe are also gluten-free.

While all pure extracts are gluten-free, some seasoning mixes and other blended products may contain gluten. McCormick states that any gluten-containing ingredients will be clearly listed on the label.