Which Seasoning Salt Is Gluten-Free? A Guide to Safe Flavor

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, most pure, single-ingredient spices and herbs are naturally gluten-free, but things get complicated with blends. Knowing which seasoning salt is gluten-free requires more than just checking for wheat on the ingredient list, due to hidden additives and cross-contamination risks.

Quick Summary

Pure, single-ingredient spices are safe, but blended seasoning salts require careful label-reading to avoid hidden gluten from anti-caking agents, modified food starch, or cross-contamination. Third-party certification is the most reliable assurance of a product's gluten-free status.

Key Points

Certification is Key: Look for official gluten-free certification labels (GFCO, NSF) on blended seasoning salts for the highest level of safety assurance.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources like wheat-based modified food starch, maltodextrin, or "natural flavors".
DIY is Safest: Make your own seasoning salt blends at home using single-ingredient spices to guarantee a gluten-free product and control all ingredients.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Prevent gluten transfer by using separate, labeled utensils and spice jars, and never shaking spices directly over cooking food.
Single Ingredients are Safer: Pure, single-ingredient spices like paprika, garlic powder, and plain salt are naturally gluten-free, but should still be sourced carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
Choose Reliable Brands: Several brands, including McCormick (specifically labeled GF versions), Lawry's (GF version), Redmond Real Salt, and Borsari, offer certified or verifiably gluten-free options.

Understanding the Risks of Gluten in Blended Seasoning Salts

While plain salt is naturally gluten-free, blended seasoning salts are a different story. Manufacturers may add a variety of ingredients to create specific flavor profiles, some of which could contain gluten. Common culprits include anti-caking agents, modified food starch, or flavor enhancers derived from wheat. The most significant risk, however, comes from cross-contamination during the manufacturing process, especially when a facility also handles products containing wheat, barley, or rye.

How to Identify Hidden Gluten Sources

Reading the ingredient list is crucial, but it requires a careful eye. Be on the lookout for the following potential gluten-containing ingredients:

Modified Food Starch: If not specified as corn-based, it may be derived from wheat.
Maltodextrin: While often corn-based, it can occasionally come from wheat.
Barley Malt: A barley-derived ingredient that is a source of gluten.
Wheat Flour: Sometimes used as a binding or filler agent in spice blends.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP): Can be derived from wheat.
Natural Flavors: The origin of these flavors is not always disclosed and may contain gluten derivatives.

For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, relying on third-party certifications like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) is the safest method. These certifications ensure that a product meets strict standards and has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Brands with Gluten-Free Seasoning Options

Many brands offer safe, certified, or verifiably gluten-free seasoning salt options. Here are some reliable choices:

McCormick: Many of McCormick's single-ingredient spices and some blended seasonings, such as their Gluten-Free Himalayan Pink Salt with Black Pepper and Garlic, are specifically labeled gluten-free.
Lawry's: Lawry's offers a certified Gluten Free Seasoned Salt. It is essential to choose the explicitly labeled gluten-free version, as older recipes or cross-contamination concerns have been reported in the past.
Redmond Real Salt: This brand is known for its natural, unrefined sea salt and offers a variety of gluten-free seasoning salts.
Borsari: Borsari's seasoned salts are crafted in small batches and are confirmed to be gluten-free.
Badia: This brand provides several certified gluten-free products, including Badia Onion Salt and Black Garlic Pink Salt.

The DIY Advantage: Making Your Own Seasoning Salt

For complete control and peace of mind, making your own seasoning salt blend is an excellent option. This guarantees you know every single ingredient that goes into your mix. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:

Homemade All-Purpose Gluten-Free Seasoning Salt

1/2 cup pure, gluten-free salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tsp celery seed powder (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well to mix thoroughly. Store in a cool, dark place. This blend is versatile and perfect for everything from roasted vegetables to grilled meats. Using high-quality, single-ingredient spices is key. You can find more single-ingredient, naturally gluten-free spices on the Beyond Celiac website, which provides excellent resources for safe choices.

Comparison of Popular Seasoning Salts


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Product (e.g., McCormick GF Himalayan Pink Salt)	Standard Seasoning Salt (Not certified)	DIY Homemade Blend
Safety Assurance	Highest. Third-party testing guarantees <20 ppm gluten.	Variable. Requires careful label-reading; high risk of cross-contamination.	Complete. Full control over ingredients and preparation environment.
Ingredient Transparency	High. Label lists all ingredients, and certification confirms safety.	Moderate. Potential for hidden gluten in unnamed "natural flavors" or additives.	Complete. You know exactly what's in your blend.
Flavor Control	Limited. Flavor profile is preset by the manufacturer.	Limited. Flavor profile is preset by the manufacturer.	Highest. Fully customizable to personal preference.
Cost	Typically higher than non-certified alternatives due to testing costs.	Varies by brand and quality.	Can be more cost-effective over time, especially with bulk purchases.
Availability	Widely available in many grocery stores and online retailers.	Readily available everywhere.	Requires sourcing individual spices, which might require a specialty store.

Preventing Cross-Contamination in Your Kitchen

Even with certified gluten-free products, cross-contamination is a serious concern for individuals with celiac disease. Shared spice racks, communal seasoning shakers, and contaminated measuring spoons can all transfer gluten. To prevent this, consider these practices:

Use a separate, labeled set of spices exclusively for gluten-free cooking.
Always use clean measuring spoons and other utensils.
Never shake seasoning directly from a container over a pot of food, as steam can introduce moisture and residue into the spice jar.
Clean all kitchen surfaces and equipment thoroughly before cooking.

Conclusion: Navigating Flavor Safely

For those on a gluten-free diet, enjoying flavorful food should not come with risk. While many common seasoning salts may pose a threat due to hidden gluten sources or manufacturing practices, plenty of safe and delicious options exist. Looking for third-party certification is the most reliable way to guarantee a product is gluten-free. For the ultimate peace of mind and customizable flavor, making your own blends at home is an excellent strategy. By following these guidelines, you can confidently answer the question, "which seasoning salt is gluten-free?" and ensure your meals are both safe and delicious. Always remember that for high sensitivity, confirmation through certification or direct manufacturer contact is the gold standard.

Authority Link

For more comprehensive information on gluten-free foods and safety practices, visit the Beyond Celiac website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all seasoning salt is gluten-free by default. While plain salt is naturally gluten-free, blended seasoning salts may contain gluten through additives like anti-caking agents, modified food starch, or flavor enhancers, or be contaminated during manufacturing.

Common ingredients that may contain gluten include modified food starch (if not specified as corn-based), maltodextrin (if wheat-derived), hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), and certain 'natural flavors' or fillers.

The most reliable way is to look for a third-party gluten-free certification label, such as GFCO, on the packaging. For high sensitivity, confirm the product's status directly with the manufacturer.

No, it is best to avoid purchasing spices from bulk bins. They are at high risk for cross-contamination from shared scoops and handling with gluten-containing items.

Lawry's offers a specific product labeled as Gluten Free Seasoned Salt. However, historical reports of celiac reactions suggest extreme caution with the uncertified version. Always opt for the clearly labeled gluten-free bottle.

Use dedicated, clearly labeled spice jars for gluten-free cooking. Never use measuring spoons that have touched gluten-containing ingredients, and avoid shaking seasoning directly from the bottle over food.

Yes, making your own blend is a great way to ensure it is 100% gluten-free. Use pure, single-ingredient spices and a high-quality salt for your mix. This gives you complete control over the ingredients.