Is McCormick's Chilli Seasoning Gluten-Free? A Guide to Their Labeled and Standard Mixes

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to McCormick's own labeling standards, the answer to 'Is McCormick's chilli seasoning gluten-free?' depends entirely on which product you purchase, as their standard mix contains wheat while a certified gluten-free version is also readily available.

Quick Summary

McCormick provides both standard and certified gluten-free chilli seasoning mixes; labels must be checked carefully, as the traditional blend uses wheat flour.

Key Points

Standard mix contains wheat: McCormick's regular chilli seasoning mix includes enriched wheat flour and is therefore not gluten-free.
Certified GF version exists: A specific product, McCormick's 'Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Mix', is explicitly formulated and certified to be gluten-free.
Check the label carefully: Always look for the clear 'Gluten-Free' banner and GFCP certification mark on the packaging to ensure you have the safe product.
Pure spices are generally safe: McCormick's single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free, but caution is needed with any blended seasoning mix unless specified.
Cross-contamination risk: For highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease, be aware that McCormick uses shared equipment for some products, which can pose a minor risk.
Homemade is an option: Creating your own gluten-free chilli seasoning from scratch using individual, pure spices is a simple and guaranteed safe alternative.

Understanding McCormick's Chilli Seasoning Options

Navigating packaged seasonings can be challenging on a gluten-free diet. McCormick offers two distinct options for chilli seasoning: a standard mix and a certified gluten-free mix. The standard version includes enriched wheat flour as a thickener and flavor carrier, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies. To address the needs of the gluten-free community, McCormick also produces a dedicated Gluten Free Chilli Seasoning Mix. This product is formulated without gluten-containing ingredients and is verified by the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP), a third-party standard.

McCormick aims for clear labeling. According to their policies, any product containing gluten will list it in the ingredients. The certified gluten-free version has a prominent certification on the front of the package, aiding consumers who rely on labels for safety.

What to Look for on the Label

To ensure you purchase the correct product, always examine the packaging:

Green banner: Look for a green "Gluten-Free" banner on the packaging.
Product name: The certified product will be clearly labeled, for example, "McCormick Gluten Free Chili Seasoning Mix".
GFCP logo: Check for the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) logo for third-party verification.
Ingredients list: The standard mix lists "Enriched Wheat Flour", while the gluten-free version uses alternatives like "Modified Corn Starch".

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

McCormick employs good manufacturing practices and labels gluten clearly. However, they use shared equipment for some products containing gluten. This presents a theoretical, small risk of trace gluten for highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease. Most people with gluten intolerance can rely on certified gluten-free labeling. For those with severe sensitivities, dedicated gluten-free facilities or homemade seasoning are the safest options.

Comparison: Standard vs. Certified Gluten-Free Chilli Seasoning


Feature	McCormick Standard Chili Seasoning Mix	McCormick Certified Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Mix
Contains Wheat?	Yes.	No.
Certification	Not applicable.	GFCP Certified.
Thickening Agent	Enriched Wheat Flour.	Modified Corn Starch.
Packaging Identifier	Standard.	"Gluten-Free" banner.
Key Spices	Chili pepper, cumin, onion, and garlic.	Spices and herbs (including chili pepper, oregano, and cumin), onion, salt, garlic.
Risk for Celiacs	Not safe.	Generally safe, but GFCP certification provides highest assurance.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Chilli Seasoning

Creating your own gluten-free chilli seasoning at home avoids cross-contamination risks and allows ingredient control. McCormick’s single-ingredient spices, like chili powder, are naturally gluten-free. Using these, you can customize flavor and heat. Many homemade seasoning salt recipes are naturally gluten-free.

Here is a basic recipe:

Combine 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
Add 1-2 tsp salt.
Mix well.
Store in an airtight container.

This DIY approach ensures a pure, gluten-free blend and is great for meal prep.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Choosing the right McCormick chilli seasoning requires careful label reading. Remember there's a standard version with wheat and a certified gluten-free version. For safety, especially with celiac disease, always choose the explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free product. Vigilance ensures you can enjoy flavorful meals safely. For more information, visit McCormick's website [mccormick.com/gluten-free].

Frequently Asked Questions

No, McCormick offers both a regular version that contains wheat and a specific, certified gluten-free version. You must check the label to distinguish between the two.

Look for the clear "Gluten-Free" banner on the packaging and the "Certified Gluten-Free" mark from the GFCP (Gluten-Free Certification Program).

The primary difference is the presence of enriched wheat flour in the standard mix, which is replaced with a gluten-free alternative like modified corn starch in the certified gluten-free version.

Yes, McCormick states that all of their single-ingredient spices and extracts are naturally gluten-free and have no additional ingredients.

While McCormick follows good manufacturing practices, they use shared equipment for some blends. For highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease, this may pose a slight risk.

No, the regular mix contains enriched wheat flour and should be avoided if you have any gluten sensitivity. Always choose the certified gluten-free product.

The certified gluten-free mix contains spices and herbs (including chili pepper, oregano, and cumin), onion, salt, garlic, and modified corn starch.

The McCormick Organics Chili Seasoning Mix is also labeled and formulated to be gluten-free, using organic spices and rice flour.