Is McCormick Roasted Garlic and Herb Seasoning Gluten-Free? A Guide for a Safe Nutrition Diet

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to McCormick's official website, their Grill Mates® Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning is labeled as gluten-free. This is crucial information for anyone following a gluten-free nutrition diet, whether due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning is labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer. While pure spices are naturally gluten-free, blends require label checks due to potential additives or cross-contamination during processing.

Key Points

Is McCormick Roasted Garlic and Herb seasoning gluten-free?: Yes, the McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning is labeled as gluten-free by the manufacturer.
Always Check the Label: While McCormick's policy is to clearly label gluten, it is always best practice to check the packaging for the "gluten-free" claim, as product formulations can change.
Single-Ingredient vs. Blends: Pure, single-ingredient spices from McCormick are generally gluten-free, but blended seasonings like this one require specific confirmation via labeling.
Cross-Contamination Concerns: Highly sensitive individuals should be aware of potential cross-contamination risks in facilities where both gluten-free and gluten-containing products are processed.
Control Your Own Blends: To eliminate all risk and ensure purity, consider making your own roasted garlic and herb blend from single-ingredient spices.
Kitchen Safety: Proper kitchen practices, such as using dedicated utensils and storage, are crucial to prevent cross-contamination with other gluten-containing foods.

Understanding the Gluten-Free Status of McCormick Seasonings

For individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies, scrutinizing ingredient labels is a daily necessity. When it comes to flavorings, a simple seasoning blend can hide gluten-containing ingredients or be at risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment. This makes the question, "Is McCormick roasted garlic and herb seasoning gluten-free?" a significant one for anyone on a strict gluten-free nutrition plan.

The Short Answer: Yes, with a Closer Look

Based on official information from the manufacturer, McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning does not contain gluten. According to their stated policy, if a McCormick product carries a "gluten-free" claim, it means the product and its manufacturing line have been validated as such. Gluten-containing ingredients, when present in other products, are clearly listed on the label. However, it's always wise to double-check the label on your specific bottle at the time of purchase, as formulations can occasionally change.

McCormick's General Approach to Gluten

McCormick's general policy is a helpful guide for navigating their wide array of products. Here’s a breakdown of their labeling practices:

Single-Ingredient Spices: All of McCormick’s single-ingredient spices, like pure garlic powder or paprika, are naturally gluten-free and 100% pure with nothing added. They are safe for those avoiding gluten.
Blended Seasonings: For seasoning mixes and blends, McCormick explicitly lists any gluten-containing ingredients. They do not hide allergens under generic terms like "spices" or "natural flavors". For example, if a blend contains a wheat-derived ingredient like maltodextrin, it will be labeled as "maltodextrin (WHEAT)".
Cross-Contamination: While McCormick takes precautions to minimize cross-contamination with sanitation and hygiene programs, some very sensitive individuals or those with celiac disease may still have concerns about products made on shared equipment. The company maintains that products with a "gluten-free" claim have undergone validated manufacturing processes.

A Broader Perspective on Gluten-Free Spices

Beyond just McCormick, it's important for anyone on a gluten-free diet to be aware of the potential for hidden gluten in spices and blends. Pure, unprocessed spices are always safe, but when they are processed or blended, the risks increase.

Here are some common ways gluten can get into seasonings:

Fillers and Anti-caking Agents: Some less reputable brands may use wheat-based starch as a filler or an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping.
Flavorings: Certain flavor enhancers or carriers for flavor can contain gluten.
Cross-Contamination: Processing spices in the same facility or on the same equipment as gluten-containing products poses a risk, especially for those with celiac disease.

For maximum safety, look for products with a third-party certification seal, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These certifications require rigorous testing to ensure gluten levels are below the required threshold, typically less than 10 or 20 parts per million (ppm).

Protecting Your Kitchen from Cross-Contamination

Even with certified gluten-free products, kitchen practices are essential to prevent cross-contamination. This is particularly important for households where both gluten and gluten-free foods are prepared.

Tips for a safe gluten-free kitchen:

Dedicated Utensils: Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces for gluten-free foods.
Separate Storage: Store gluten-free spices and ingredients in a separate cabinet or designated area to avoid accidental mixing with gluten-containing items.
Cleanliness: Thoroughly clean all shared surfaces and equipment before preparing gluten-free meals.

Comparison of McCormick Seasonings for Gluten-Free Diets


Feature	Single-Ingredient Spices (e.g., Paprika)	Seasoning Blends (e.g., Roasted Garlic & Herb)
Natural Gluten Status	Inherently gluten-free as they are pure herbs/spices.	May contain gluten, requires verification.
McCormick Policy	All are gluten-free and 100% pure.	Gluten is clearly declared in the ingredient list.
Labeling	Label confirms 100% pure product.	Look for an explicit "Gluten-Free" banner on the label.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Very low for pure products, but still possible in shared facilities.	Lower risk if certified gluten-free, but always a concern for sensitive individuals.
Best for Celiac Disease	High safety, but cautious individuals may seek certified versions.	Safe if explicitly labeled "gluten-free" and handled with care.

Making Your Own Roasted Garlic and Herb Blend

For those who prefer to avoid all potential cross-contamination risks or simply enjoy a fresh approach, making your own seasoning blend is a simple and rewarding process. It gives you complete control over every ingredient and ensures purity.

Recipe for a homemade roasted garlic and herb blend:

2 tbsp garlic powder (ensure it is a pure, single-ingredient spice)
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container away from heat and light for maximum freshness. This homemade blend provides all the flavor with none of the worry.

Conclusion

In summary, McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning is officially labeled as gluten-free by the manufacturer, making it a safe choice for most individuals on a gluten-free diet. However, for those with severe sensitivities, understanding McCormick's overall policy on single-ingredient spices versus blends is vital. Always verify the label for the "gluten-free" claim, and when in doubt, consider making your own spice blends to ensure complete control over your ingredients. For additional guidance on gluten-free foods and managing a sensitive diet, resources like Beyond Celiac provide valuable information and support.

Note: Product formulations can change, so always check the most current label before consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the manufacturer, the product is labeled gluten-free and manufactured on a line validated as such, which indicates it is generally safe for individuals with celiac disease.

No, McCormick's policy is to declare all gluten sources clearly by name on the ingredient list, and they do not hide allergens under these generic notations.

No, not all McCormick products are gluten-free. While all single-ingredient spices are, some seasoning blends and mixes may contain gluten, which will be clearly listed on the label.

If the label does not have a gluten-free claim, it's best to err on the side of caution. Do not assume it is safe, and contact McCormick Consumer Affairs for clarification or choose a different, explicitly labeled product.

Besides looking for a gluten-free label, you can check the ingredient list for common gluten-containing items (wheat, barley, rye, malt). For certified safety, look for third-party certifications like GFCO on the packaging.

While McCormick takes steps to minimize cross-contamination, some highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease may still react to trace amounts. It's a personal risk assessment, and third-party certified products offer the highest level of assurance.

Yes, for those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease, making your own blends from pure, single-ingredient spices is the safest way to ensure your seasoning is 100% gluten-free.