Which Chili Seasoning Packets Are Gluten Free?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Studies show that for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, even trace amounts of gluten can cause adverse reactions. Navigating the spice aisle can be tricky, but this guide will clarify which chili seasoning packets are gluten free and safe for consumption.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive overview of store-bought chili seasoning packets, highlighting brands with certified gluten-free options and detailing how to read labels to ensure a worry-free meal.

Key Points

Look for Certified Labels: Prioritize seasoning packets explicitly marked with "Certified Gluten-Free" and a third-party logo like GFCO.
Choose Correct McCormick Packet: McCormick offers a specific gluten-free version of their chili seasoning; its standard packet is not safe and contains wheat.
Check for Fillers: Be aware that common gluten-containing thickeners in seasoning blends include wheat flour and some starches or modified food starches.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Products processed in shared facilities or sold in bulk bins carry a risk of gluten cross-contact, which is dangerous for those with celiac disease.
Consider Homemade: The safest and most controlled method is making your own chili seasoning from scratch using pure, certified single-ingredient spices.
Verify Uncertain Brands: If a seasoning packet from a brand like Old El Paso isn't explicitly labeled, check with the manufacturer regarding their facility and cross-contamination practices.

The Hidden Threat of Gluten in Seasoning Packets

While pure spices are naturally gluten-free, many pre-packaged seasoning mixes, including some chili seasoning packets, are not. The main culprit is often wheat flour, which is added as a filler or a thickening agent. Manufacturers may also use starches, modified food starch, or anti-caking agents that can be derived from gluten-containing grains. For individuals with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, accidental ingestion of these ingredients can lead to significant health issues. Always remember that even if a seasoning blend doesn't list wheat, it could still contain other gluten sources like barley or rye, or be subject to cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Trusted Certified Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Brands

Fortunately, a growing number of brands are offering clearly labeled and certified gluten-free chili seasoning packets, making it easier than ever to enjoy a safe and delicious meal. When shopping, always look for a clear "gluten-free" label on the packaging, and for those with celiac disease, prioritize products with a third-party certification mark from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

McCormick Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Mix

McCormick offers a dedicated Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Mix that is verified by the GFCO, in contrast to their standard chili seasoning which contains wheat flour. The gluten-free version is clearly marked and uses modified corn starch as a thickener.

Simply Organic Chili Seasoning

Simply Organic provides a gluten-free chili seasoning using organic spices and thickeners like potato starch, suitable for gluten-free and paleo diets. Certified products from this brand are manufactured to minimize cross-contamination risks.

Pioneer Brand Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning

Pioneer offers a certified gluten-free chili seasoning mix using ingredients like corn masa flour for thickening.

Noble Made Chili Seasoning

Noble Made provides a chili seasoning blend certified gluten-free, Paleo, and Whole30 approved, using tapioca starch as a thickener.

Comparison Table of Gluten-Free Chili Seasoning Brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Certification	Key Ingredients / Notes
McCormick	Dedicated GF version available	GFCO Certified	Look for the specific "Gluten-Free" packet; contains modified corn starch.
Simply Organic	Certified Gluten-Free	GFCO Certified (for some products)	Uses organic spices and potato starch as a thickener.
Pioneer Brand	Certified Gluten-Free	Certified by GFCO	Uses corn masa flour as a thickener; specifically labeled for gluten-free diets.
Noble Made	Certified Gluten-Free	Certified by GFCO	Paleo and Whole30 approved; uses tapioca starch for thickening.
Club House	Dedicated GF version available	Explicitly labeled	Offers a 25% less salt and gluten-free version; uses cornstarch.

The Safest Bet: Making Your Own Homemade Seasoning

For complete control and avoidance of cross-contamination, making your own chili seasoning from scratch is the safest option. Use single-ingredient spices from GFCO-certified brands like Morton & Bassett or Spicely Organics.

A Basic Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

5 Tbsp Chili Powder
2 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
2 Tsp Sea Salt
1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

Combine all ingredients and use approximately 2-3 tablespoons per pound of meat or beans. This method removes concerns about hidden gluten or cross-contamination if certified pure spices are used.

What About Other Brands? The Importance of Diligence

Brands not explicitly labeled gluten-free, such as Great Value and Good & Gather, may have products produced on shared equipment. While Old El Paso has some gluten-free products, always check the specific chili seasoning packet for certification due to shared facilities. Verify current information with the manufacturer if unsure.

Conclusion: Your Safest Path to Flavorful Chili

Ensuring gluten-free chili is easy by choosing certified gluten-free seasoning packets from brands like McCormick (GF version), Simply Organic, Pioneer, or Noble Made. Making your own blend with certified single-ingredient spices offers the most safety. Always check for certification logos and avoid bulk spices to prevent cross-contamination. For more resources, visit the Beyond Celiac website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many standard chili seasoning mixes contain wheat flour or other gluten-based ingredients that act as thickeners or anti-caking agents. This is why it is crucial to read labels carefully and choose a product that is specifically labeled 'gluten-free'.

The key difference is the thickener used. The regular McCormick chili seasoning contains wheat flour, making it unsafe for a gluten-free diet, while the certified gluten-free version uses modified corn starch instead.

Yes, Simply Organic chili seasoning is known to be a gluten-free option. It uses organic spices and thickeners like potato starch instead of wheat-based alternatives.

For those with celiac disease, it is best to look for products with a third-party certification logo, such as GFCO, rather than relying on the manufacturer's 'gluten-free' claim alone, as certification requires more rigorous testing for cross-contamination.

The most common thickener is wheat flour. Other ingredients that might contain hidden gluten include modified food starch, maltodextrin (unless specified as being from corn), and certain natural flavors.

No, it is not recommended to use spices from bulk bins if you have celiac disease. Bulk bins have a high risk of cross-contamination with gluten from shared scoops and airborne flour.

To prevent cross-contamination, use dedicated gluten-free utensils, cookware, and cutting boards. Thoroughly clean all surfaces, and store gluten-free ingredients separately from gluten-containing products.

In addition to chili seasoning brands, other companies that offer certified gluten-free products include Spicely Organics, Morton & Bassett, and Badia Spices.