Nutrition Diet: Is Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt Gluten Free? The Answer for Celiac and Sensitive Individuals

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, up to 1% of the world's population has Celiac disease, making the search for safe food products like seasonings a top priority. Navigating labels is critical, and many ask, is Lawry's black pepper seasoned salt gluten free? The answer is nuanced, requiring a close look beyond just the ingredient list.

Quick Summary

Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt does not contain gluten ingredients, but it is not certified gluten-free, posing a risk of cross-contamination for celiac and highly sensitive individuals. Manufacturer McCormick relies on a product-specific ingredient declaration. For complete safety, certified gluten-free alternatives or homemade spice blends are recommended.

Key Points

Not Certified Gluten-Free: Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt is not certified gluten-free, despite containing no gluten ingredients according to the manufacturer.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: Since it's not certified, there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten products during manufacturing, which is a major concern for celiac patients and those with high sensitivity.
Manufacturer's Labeling: McCormick states that any gluten ingredients will be declared on the product label, but this doesn't guarantee the absence of cross-contamination.
Consumer Anecdotes: Some sensitive individuals have reported adverse reactions to Lawry's seasoned salt products, reinforcing caution for those with strict dietary needs.
Safer Alternatives Available: Certified gluten-free seasoning blends from brands like McCormick Grill Mates (specific labeled products) and Morton & Bassett offer safer options.
DIY is Safest: Making your own homemade seasoned salt blend using pure, single-ingredient spices is the safest way to ensure a completely gluten-free result.

Understanding Gluten-Free Claims

For those on a gluten-free diet, especially individuals with celiac disease, the term "gluten-free" is a crucial label. However, the absence of gluten-containing ingredients, such as wheat, barley, and rye, does not automatically guarantee a product is safe. The risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing, when products are made on shared equipment or in facilities that also process gluten, is a significant concern. This is why many rely on third-party certifications, which verify that a product consistently meets strict standards, typically testing for less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

The Manufacturer's Stance on Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt

McCormick, the parent company of Lawry's, provides clear information regarding the ingredients in their products. When asked about gluten in their Black Pepper Seasoned Salt, the company states that gluten and gluten products, when present, are explicitly declared on the label. A review of the ingredient list confirms this product does not contain any obvious gluten sources like wheat flour. The listed ingredients are typically salt, spices (including black pepper, paprika, and turmeric), sugar, onion, corn starch, garlic, and natural flavors.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

The ingredients for Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt, as listed on the McCormick website and various retail sites, typically include:

Salt
Spices (including black pepper, paprika, and turmeric)
Sugar
Onion
Corn starch
Garlic
Tricalcium phosphate (an anti-caking agent)
Extractives of paprika
Natural flavor

None of these ingredients inherently contain gluten. The inclusion of corn starch is a common source of confusion, but corn is naturally gluten-free. Therefore, based on the ingredients alone, the product appears to be gluten-free.

Consumer Experiences and Hidden Risks

Despite the manufacturer's ingredient declaration, many in the gluten-free community remain cautious. Several accounts from consumers on forums like Celiac.com and blogs detail adverse reactions after consuming Lawry's seasoned salt products. These reports, while anecdotal, suggest a potential risk of cross-contamination. Unlike many dedicated gluten-free brands, McCormick does not label Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt with a certified gluten-free seal, which is a key indicator for many. This lack of certification often leads highly sensitive individuals and those with celiac disease to avoid the product entirely to be safe.

For those who react to even minute amounts of gluten, the manufacturing environment is a critical factor. Without a certified gluten-free label, there's no guarantee the seasoning wasn't processed on the same lines or in the same facility as products containing gluten. Given the availability of safer alternatives, many health-conscious consumers choose to eliminate this potential risk entirely.

Alternatives to Lawry's for a Gluten-Free Diet

For those seeking a seasoned salt without the risk of gluten cross-contamination, several excellent and safe alternatives are available. Some manufacturers offer certified gluten-free products, while making your own blend provides complete control over ingredients.

Certified Gluten-Free Seasoning Blends:

McCormick's Grill Mates Certified Gluten-Free Blends: McCormick offers specific Grill Mates products labeled 'Gluten Free,' such as Coarse Black Pepper & Flake Salt Seasoning. Always check for the certified label.
Morton & Bassett: This brand explicitly states that all of its spices are natural, gluten-free, and non-GMO, providing a reliable option for a wide range of spices.
Spiceology SPG (Salt, Pepper, Garlic): A popular and naturally gluten-free option for grilling and general seasoning.

Comparison: Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt vs. Certified GF Alternatives


Feature	Lawry's Black Pepper Seasoned Salt	Certified Gluten-Free Alternative	DIY Homemade Seasoned Salt
Gluten-Free Ingredients?	Yes, ingredients listed are gluten-free.	Yes, all ingredients verified as gluten-free.	Yes, user controls all ingredients
Cross-Contamination Risk?	Potential risk, as not certified GF.	Very low risk, verified by certification.	No risk if ingredients are from safe sources
Manufacturer Guarantee	States gluten will be listed if present.	Guaranteed safe for celiac and sensitive individuals.	Guaranteed by consumer
Best for:	Individuals with low or no gluten sensitivity.	Celiac disease, high sensitivity.	Anyone who wants full control and customization.

How to Make Your Own Gluten-Free Seasoned Salt

Making your own blend is a foolproof way to ensure it is 100% gluten-free. It's also easy to customize to your taste. A simple recipe for a gluten-free seasoned salt includes a mix of single spices, all of which should be confirmed as pure and free from cross-contamination.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup fine sea salt
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Mix well until evenly combined.
Transfer to a clean, airtight glass jar for storage.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

The question, is Lawry's black pepper seasoned salt gluten free?, does not have a simple yes or no answer for everyone. While the ingredients do not list gluten-containing elements and the manufacturer adheres to standard labeling practices, the lack of third-party certification and reports of reactions from sensitive individuals introduce an element of risk. For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, opting for products that are explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free is the safest and most prudent choice. For everyone else, or those looking for a guaranteed safe alternative, a simple homemade blend offers flavor and complete peace of mind. Staying informed and knowing your personal tolerance levels are key to maintaining a safe gluten-free diet.

Here is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand gluten in food products more deeply: National Celiac Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is not recommended for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. While the ingredients are not listed as containing gluten, the product is not certified gluten-free, meaning there is a risk of cross-contamination during production.

No, the official ingredient list provided by McCormick does not include any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye.

The primary risk is potential cross-contamination. Since the product is not certified, it may be produced in a facility or on equipment that also handles gluten-containing foods.

Yes, many brands offer certified gluten-free options. Examples include specific labeled products from McCormick Grill Mates, the entire range from Morton & Bassett, and Spiceology.

No, corn is naturally gluten-free. Corn starch is a safe ingredient for a gluten-free diet, provided it has not been cross-contaminated.

You can make a homemade blend by combining simple, single-ingredient spices like fine sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. This gives you complete control over the safety of your ingredients.

Reported reactions are likely due to high gluten sensitivity or undiagnosed celiac disease, where even trace amounts from cross-contamination can cause symptoms. Some forums and blogs have noted these anecdotal experiences.