Navigating the world of seasoning blends on a gluten-free diet can be challenging. Many assume that a simple mix of spices is safe, but hidden ingredients and cross-contamination risks can be a concern for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The answer to does Season All have gluten? is not as straightforward as it seems and requires brand-specific knowledge. Both Morton's and McCormick have produced versions of this popular seasoned salt, each with its own set of ingredients and manufacturing policies.
Decoding Morton's Season-All Ingredients
Morton Salt, the producer of Morton® Season-All® Seasoned Salt, provides a detailed ingredients list for its product. An analysis of these ingredients shows no overt gluten-containing items like wheat, barley, or rye. The list typically includes salt, spices (including chili pepper, black pepper, and celery seed), maltodextrin, paprika, onion, and garlic.
- Maltodextrin: The presence of maltodextrin is often a point of scrutiny for gluten-free consumers. In the United States, maltodextrin is most commonly derived from corn. However, its source can vary by region. According to Celiac.com, the U.S. version is considered safe for celiac disease patients. Morton also explicitly confirmed that their Season-All Seasoned Salt is gluten-free.
- The Verdict: Based on its listed ingredients and brand statements, Morton's Season-All does not contain gluten. However, it’s always wise to check the most current label, as formulations can change over time.
Examining McCormick's Season All Policies
For those wondering about McCormick's version, the company has a clear labeling policy regarding gluten.
- Clear Labeling: McCormick states that all gluten-containing ingredients will be clearly listed in the ingredient statement, using terms like "wheat," "barley," or "malt". They do not hide gluten under general terms like "spices" or "natural flavors".
- Cross-Contamination Risk: For individuals with high sensitivity, a major point of concern is cross-contamination. McCormick confirms that while they follow good manufacturing practices to minimize risk, some of their products are run on shared equipment with gluten-containing items. This means that while no gluten ingredients may be listed, trace amounts could be present.
- The Verdict: If you are highly sensitive to gluten, McCormick's Season All might carry a higher risk of cross-contamination than some alternatives. It is always recommended to look for a version with a certified gluten-free label.
Comparing Seasoning Options
| Feature | Morton's Season-All | McCormick's Season All | Certified Gluten-Free Blend | Homemade Seasoning Blend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | Generally considered gluten-free by ingredients. Contains maltodextrin (usually corn-derived in US). | Labels gluten ingredients clearly, but cross-contamination risk exists for sensitive individuals. | Third-party tested and verified to contain less than 20ppm gluten. | No risk of hidden gluten or cross-contamination if made with certified ingredients. |
| Ingredients | Salt, maltodextrin, paprika, spices, onion, garlic. | Depends on the specific product, but labels will list any gluten. | Varies by brand, but uses only naturally gluten-free ingredients and anti-caking agents. | You control all ingredients. |
| Best For | Casual gluten-free diet, low sensitivity. | Reading labels carefully and checking for clear gluten declarations. | High-sensitivity individuals or celiac disease patients. | Complete control and highest safety for celiac disease. |
How to Ensure Your Seasonings Are Gluten-Free
When buying any seasoning blend, including Season All, following these steps can help ensure safety:
- Read the Label Every Time: Manufacturers can change ingredients or formulas at any point. Always check the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources like wheat, rye, barley, or malt.
- Look for Certification: The most reliable way to guarantee a product is gluten-free is to find a certification mark from an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These products are independently tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
- Contact the Manufacturer: If you have doubts about a product's gluten status or processing methods, contact the company directly. Their customer service can provide specific allergen information.
- DIY Your Own Blends: The safest method is to create your own Season All blend using individual, pure spices. This eliminates any risk of hidden ingredients or cross-contamination. For example, a basic blend includes paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed.
Conclusion
The question of whether Season All has gluten does not have a single answer, as it depends on the brand. Morton's Season-All, based on its ingredients and company statements, is considered gluten-free. McCormick's version is transparent with its labeling, but the risk of cross-contamination due to shared equipment remains a factor for highly sensitive individuals. For those with celiac disease, relying on certified gluten-free products or creating homemade blends offers the greatest peace of mind. As a rule, vigilant label-reading and skepticism toward non-certified blends are the most important tools for a safe nutrition diet.
