Is McCormick seasoning mix gluten-free? A comprehensive guide for consumers

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official company information, McCormick states that while their single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free, their various seasoning mixes are not universally safe. The crucial question, "Is McCormick seasoning mix gluten-free?" depends entirely on the specific product and its label. This guide provides clarity on which items are safe.

Quick Summary

McCormick's gluten-free status varies by product; some seasoning mixes contain gluten while dedicated gluten-free versions are certified safe. Individuals must carefully check labels and understand potential cross-contamination risks in shared facilities.

Key Points

Not All Mixes Are Gluten-Free: The gluten-free status of McCormick seasonings depends entirely on the product; single-ingredient spices are safe, but mixes must be checked individually.
Look for the Banner: The most reliable way to identify a safe McCormick seasoning mix is to find the explicit "Gluten-Free" banner on the packaging.
Labeling is Transparent: McCormick clearly labels all gluten-containing ingredients, including any derived from wheat sources, such as maltodextrin (WHEAT).
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: For individuals with celiac disease, the potential for cross-contamination due to shared manufacturing equipment is a serious concern with non-certified mixes.
Certified is Safest: Products with third-party certifications like GFCO offer the highest assurance of safety for sensitive individuals by testing to stricter standards.
Read All Labels Carefully: The only way to know for sure is to read every product label, as ingredients can change and not all mixes are created equal.

The Critical Difference: Single Spices vs. Blended Mixes

McCormick's single-ingredient spices are generally considered naturally gluten-free. However, when multiple ingredients are combined in seasoning mixes, the potential for gluten increases. Some mixes may contain wheat-based ingredients, which are disclosed on the packaging. Therefore, consumers needing gluten-free options should be cautious with seasoning mixes and not assume they are gluten-free without checking.

Reading McCormick Labels: What to Look For

Identifying safe McCormick seasoning mixes requires careful label examination. The company uses specific labeling to help consumers. Look for a "Gluten-Free" banner on dedicated gluten-free versions. Some products are GFCO certified. Review the ingredient list, as McCormick identifies wheat-derived ingredients. Mixes lacking an official gluten-free label should be considered potentially unsafe due to cross-contact, especially for items known to contain gluten.

Comparison of Popular McCormick Seasoning Mixes

This table outlines the gluten status of several common McCormick products. For more details on specific products, refer to {Link: G-Free Foodie https://gfreefoodie.com/are-mccormick-spices-gluten-free/}.


Product	Gluten-Free Status	Certification	Key Notes
Pure Spices (e.g., Paprika, Cumin)	Naturally Gluten-Free	Not Certified	100% pure, single ingredient. Safe for most.
Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix	Yes	GFCO Certified	Look for the dedicated "Gluten-Free" label.
Original Taco Seasoning Mix	Varies; Not Certified GF	No	Some versions have no gluten ingredients but are not certified safe.
Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Mix	Yes	GFCO Certified	Look for the specific "Gluten-Free" labeled version.
Montreal Chicken Seasoning	Naturally Gluten-Free	No (often)	No gluten ingredients are typically used, but cross-contact is possible.
Beef Stew Seasoning Mix	No	Contains Gluten	Packaging explicitly lists wheat ingredients.

The Critical Factor of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a concern for highly sensitive individuals. While McCormick follows cleaning procedures, some gluten-free and gluten-containing products may share processing lines. Third-party certifications like GFCO provide a higher level of assurance through stricter testing. Making your own blends from verified gluten-free spices or using dedicated gluten-free brands are alternatives.

Conclusion: The Final Say on McCormick Seasonings

The gluten-free status of McCormick products varies. Single-ingredient spices are generally safe, but seasoning mixes require careful review. Always look for an explicit "Gluten-Free" banner or GFCO certification. For additional food safety information, resources like Beyond Celiac are helpful. By being diligent, you can safely use McCormick products on a gluten-free diet.

Can you tell which seasonings are gluten-free just by reading the ingredients?

Ingredient lists are important, but for highly sensitive individuals, they might not fully address cross-contamination risks. An explicit "Gluten-Free" claim or certification offers a higher level of safety assurance.

How to create your own gluten-free seasoning mixes

To eliminate cross-contamination concerns, consider making homemade seasoning blends using individual gluten-free spices. Combining spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder allows control over ingredients and process.

The Importance of Storing Spices Properly

Proper storage helps maintain spice quality and prevent cross-contamination. Use airtight, opaque containers away from heat and light for gluten-free spices. For those with celiac disease, using dedicated, labeled containers and utensils for gluten-free items is advisable to avoid accidental contact with gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, McCormick produces a specific version of their taco seasoning that is clearly labeled "Gluten-Free" and is typically certified by an organization like GFCO.

While the regular taco seasoning may not contain any obvious gluten ingredients, it is not certified gluten-free and could be subject to cross-contamination in the manufacturing process. It is not recommended for those with celiac disease.

Yes, all of McCormick's pure, single-ingredient spices and extracts are naturally gluten-free and do not have any added ingredients.

You can tell by reading the ingredients list and looking for any mention of wheat, barley, malt, or rye. Also, check for a "Gluten-Free" claim or certification, as its absence on a mix is a potential red flag.

McCormick states that they use good manufacturing practices to minimize cross-contamination, but some gluten-containing blends are processed on the same equipment as gluten-free ones, which poses a risk for highly sensitive individuals.

Yes, according to McCormick, all their extracts are gluten-free, as they are made with a synthetic ethyl alcohol rather than a grain-based one.

Individuals with celiac disease should only use single-ingredient McCormick spices or opt for McCormick products that are explicitly labeled "Gluten-Free" and ideally GFCO certified to avoid cross-contact risks.