Understanding What Brands of Spices are Gluten Free

While pure spices are naturally gluten-free, a significant percentage of packaged spices can contain gluten due to additives or cross-contamination, posing a risk to those with sensitivities. For a safe and flavorful diet, it is crucial to know what brands of spices are gluten free and practice label-reading diligence.

Quick Summary

This guide details gluten-free spice brands, explains why contamination occurs, and offers tips for safe shopping. It covers specific brands like McCormick and Badia, emphasizes label reading, and discusses certified-safe versus naturally gluten-free options.

Key Points

• Check for Certification: Certified gluten-free brands like Spicely Organics and Morton & Bassett offer the highest level of assurance against cross-contamination.

• Read All Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list and allergen warnings on all spice products, especially blends, for hidden gluten.

• Single Spices are Safer: Pure, single-ingredient spices carry a lower risk of contamination than pre-mixed blends, but vigilance is still required.

• Avoid High-Risk Brands: Be cautious with store brands that lack clear gluten-free labeling, as products like Walmart's Great Value have shown potential cross-contamination risks.

• Make Your Own Blends: For complete control, consider buying certified single-ingredient spices and making your own custom blends at home.

• Stay Away from Bulk Bins: Bulk spice bins are a significant source of cross-contamination and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Why Do Some Spices Contain Gluten?

Naturally, spices derive from plants and are inherently gluten-free, coming from roots, seeds, flowers, or bark. However, the journey from plant to pantry introduces risks that can add gluten to the final product. For individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, these hidden sources can trigger adverse health reactions.

Potential Sources of Gluten in Spices

• Anti-Caking Agents: To prevent clumping, some manufacturers add anti-caking agents, which can sometimes be derived from wheat. While regulations require wheat to be declared as an allergen, some additives like modified food starch can be wheat-based without being explicitly labeled, necessitating vigilance.
• Cross-Contamination: A major concern is cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities. Spices can be processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing products, leading to trace amounts of gluten finding their way into a supposedly pure spice. Highly sensitive individuals often report reactions from non-certified products.
• Spice Blends: Pre-packaged spice blends, marinades, and seasonings are the most common source of hidden gluten. Ingredients like wheat flour or maltodextrin (if derived from wheat) are often used as fillers or for thickening in products like taco seasoning or gravy mixes.

Certified Gluten-Free Spice Brands

For the highest degree of safety, especially for those with celiac disease, looking for a third-party certification is essential. These certifications ensure that products are tested and contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, and sometimes less.

• Spicely Organics: A leader in the certified gluten-free market, Spicely Organics states that all its spices are produced in a dedicated, gluten-free facility. They are certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group, providing peace of mind for the celiac community.
• Morton & Bassett: All of Morton & Bassett's spices are certified gluten-free by the NSF. This means you can confidently purchase any of their offerings knowing they meet strict safety standards.
• Badia Spices: Badia is both labeled and confirmed gluten-free on its website for many of its products, including a wide array of single spices and blends. They are also known for being an affordable option for gluten-free cooking.
• Dan-O's Seasonings: This brand explicitly labels its seasonings as gluten-free.
• Primal Palate: Primal Palate offers a range of organic and certified gluten-free seasonings and spices.

Evaluating Popular and Widespread Spice Brands

While some brands offer certified products, many have a more nuanced approach. It is crucial to read the label of each individual product.

• McCormick: As a major brand, McCormick's status is important to understand. All of its single-ingredient spices and extracts are considered gluten-free. The company explicitly states it will clearly list any gluten-containing ingredients in its blends. However, McCormick uses shared manufacturing equipment, so those with high sensitivity may still want to exercise caution and look for products with a clear 'gluten-free' label.
• Simply Organic: Some of Simply Organic's spices are certified gluten-free, but not all. They recommend checking the ingredient list carefully or opting for the ones that carry the certification logo.
• Trader Joe's: Many of Trader Joe's store-brand spices are clearly labeled gluten-free, making them a budget-friendly option. However, the selection can be limited to what is available in-store.
• Great Value (Walmart): Unlike many other brands, Great Value (Walmart's store brand) does not label its spices as gluten-free. Some products may contain warnings about being processed with wheat, making them a high-risk choice for individuals with celiac disease.

Comparison of Key Gluten-Free Spice Brands

Brand	Certification Status	Specific Notes	Best For
Spicely Organics	Certified Gluten-Free	All products made in a dedicated GF facility.	Highest level of safety for severe sensitivities.
Morton & Bassett	Certified Gluten-Free by NSF.	All products are GF, a one-stop-shop option.	Shoppers prioritizing certified options across the board.
Badia Spices	Labeled Gluten-Free.	Affordable and widely available, check individual labels.	Budget-conscious and widely available.
McCormick	Varies by Product	Single spices are GF, but check blends for labeling due to shared equipment.	General use, but high-sensitivity individuals should seek certified blends.
Simply Organic	Varies by Product	Some products certified GF, not all.	Health-conscious shoppers willing to check labels.
Trader Joe's	Labeled Gluten-Free.	Clear labeling on store brand products, good value.	Budget-friendly shopping; requires local access.
Great Value (Walmart)	Not Labeled GF.	High risk of cross-contamination; not recommended.	Not recommended for strict gluten-free diets.

How to Ensure Your Spices are Truly Gluten-Free

Beyond choosing reputable brands, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of exposure to gluten in spices:

1. Always Read the Label: Do not assume a spice is safe. Read the ingredient list and check for any warnings about shared manufacturing facilities or potential allergens.
2. Look for Certification Seals: Seals from organizations like GFCO or NSF are the most reliable indicator of a product that has been rigorously tested and confirmed to be gluten-free.
3. Buy Single-Ingredient Spices: Buying whole or ground single-ingredient spices, such as cumin seeds or ground cinnamon, greatly reduces the risk of hidden fillers or anti-caking agents.
4. Make Your Own Blends: The safest and most creative option is to make your own blends from certified single-ingredient spices. This gives you complete control over your ingredients.
5. Be Aware of Bulk Bins: Bulk spices are a high-risk area for cross-contamination and should be avoided if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity. Shared scoops and open containers can easily lead to contamination.

Conclusion

While many pure spices are naturally gluten-free, relying on brands with clear labeling and certifications is the safest bet for those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Brands like Spicely Organics, Morton & Bassett, and Badia offer explicitly labeled or certified options, while larger brands like McCormick require more careful label reading, especially for blends. By staying informed about potential risks and prioritizing certified products, you can ensure your meals are both safe and full of flavor.

Beyond Celiac provides a comprehensive resource on which spices, seasonings, and herbs are gluten-free, outlining what to look for and what to avoid during your grocery shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all spices naturally gluten-free?

Yes, pure, single-ingredient spices are naturally gluten-free as they are derived from plants. However, gluten can be introduced during processing through additives or cross-contamination.

What is the difference between 'labeled gluten-free' and 'certified gluten-free'?

'Labeled gluten-free' means a company self-declares the product meets FDA standards (less than 20 ppm gluten). 'Certified gluten-free' means a third-party organization, like GFCO, has verified and regularly audits the product and facility to meet their standards.

Which spice brands are reliably certified gluten-free?

Brands reliably certified gluten-free include Spicely Organics, Morton & Bassett, Dan-O's Seasonings, and Primal Palate.

Is McCormick safe for a gluten-free diet?

McCormick's single-ingredient spices are considered gluten-free. However, because they use shared equipment, highly sensitive individuals should be cautious and only use McCormick blends explicitly labeled 'gluten-free'.

Why should I avoid bulk spices if I am gluten-free?

Bulk spices carry a high risk of cross-contamination due to shared scoops and open containers. It is impossible to guarantee that the spice has not come into contact with gluten-containing products.

Can I use store-brand spices like Great Value?

Store brands like Walmart's Great Value are not generally labeled as gluten-free and may use wheat-based anti-caking agents or be processed on shared equipment. They are not recommended for strict gluten-free diets.

What are some hidden sources of gluten in spices?

Hidden sources of gluten in spices include anti-caking agents derived from wheat, modified food starch, maltodextrin from wheat, and cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment.