Raw spices, seasonings and herbs that are made from plants are gluten-free. If you’re buying a seasoning mix, always read the label to ensure no wheat, barley or rye have been added.
Spices sold singularly—ie, there’s only one ingredient in the ingredients list—should be safe. This includes, but is not limited to: salt, pepper, garlic powder, garlic salt, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric, onion powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme.
Seasoning Mixes
Seasoning mixes include multiple spices and herbs, and occasionally an anti-caking agent. In rare cases, a gluten-containing ingredient, such as wheat starch, may be used for the anti-caking agent. This is why it’s always a good idea to read the label and ensure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.
Examples of common seasoning mixes:
- Italian seasoning: basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram
- Curry powder: turmeric, cumin, ginger, and black pepper. Sometimes garlic and cinnamon are included.
- Garam masala: cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, mace, and nutmeg
- Tajin: chili peppers, lime and sea salt
- Taco seasoning: salt, paprika, oregano, chili, onion powder and garlic powder
Some popular seasoning mixes, such as Old Bay, Lawry’s and Mrs. Dash don’t contain gluten, but are not labeled gluten-free. It’s up to each individual if they are comfortable trying these seasoning mixes. If you have concerns about a specific brand, reach out to the manufacturer with your questions.
Cross-Contact Concerns
Do not buy spices, herbs or seasonings from bulk bins, as cross-contact can easily occur with scoops and gluten-containing items. Instead, buy spices in individual packets, jars or bottles.
In rare cases, companies may add wheat flour or wheat starch to seasoning mixes to reduce costs. Fortunately, US and Canadian food regulations require these wheat-based ingredients to be declared on the label.
Even if you accidentally bought seasonings containing gluten, seasonings usually make up such a small portion of a meal that it wouldn’t cause a reaction. Celiac expert Shelley Case, RD, writes:
“A single serving of a ground spice is typically quite small (about 0.5 grams). So if a spice had 160 ppm of gluten and an individual ate 0.5 grams of this spice in a meal, the amount of gluten consumed would be 0.08 milligrams (mg). Studies have found that a threshold level of less than 10 mg of gluten per day is safe for most individuals with celiac disease.”
Learn more about the potential for cross-contact.
Brands to Buy
Purchases made through these links benefit Beyond Celiac and our mission to accelerate celiac disease research.
McCormick’s gluten-free seasonings line is certified gluten-free by the GFCP.
Single-ingredient McCormick spices and herbs (not certified gluten-free)
Penzys Spices has a wide variety of seasonings, spanning from the cooking essentials to the unique and rare.
Simple Girl Spices are gluten-free, organic, and diabetic friendly. Try the Simple Girl Gourmet Spice Set.
Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.
FAQs
Spices sold singularly—ie, there's only one ingredient in the ingredients list—should be safe. This includes, but is not limited to: salt, pepper, garlic powder, garlic salt, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric, onion powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, and thyme.
What spices should be avoided with celiac disease? ›
Be very careful with mixed seasoning products, such as taco seasoning or curry powders. Some seasonings may contain wheat flour, wheat starch or hydrolyzed wheat protein.
Which McCormick spices are not gluten-free? ›
All McCormick single ingredient spices are gluten-free. McCormick extracts are gluten-free as well. If McCormick products have gluten (certain spice blends and mixes do), it will be listed clearly in the ingredient statement.
Are Trader Joe's spices gluten-free? ›
As a general rule of thumb, dairy, juice, meat and produce do not contain gluten or any gluten derivatives. Under Trader Joe's Brands, ingredients listed as “natural flavors” or “spices” do not contain gluten or gluten derivatives. Use common sense and remember the motto: When in doubt, leave it out.
Is McCormick garlic and herb gluten-free? ›
Gluten-free information on product packaging: Front label includes a gluten-free claim.
Is Lawry's seasoning gluten-free? ›
Lawry's seasoned salt does not contain any gluten ingredients, and Lawry's has replied to consumer inquiries saying that they are gluten-free.
What spices have hidden gluten? ›
There are two reasons why ground spices like curry powder, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon might contain gluten: They were either contaminated in the factory, or the manufacturer added a little flour to them later to prevent caking. Most herbs and spices are safe, however, especially if they're fresh.
What 3 foods should someone with celiac disease avoid? ›
A gluten-free diet generally means not eating most grains, pasta, cereals, and processed foods. The reason is that they usually contain wheat, rye, and barley. You'll need to become an expert at reading ingredient lists on packages. Choose foods that don't contain gluten.
What condiments are not gluten free? ›
Condiments such as soy sauce, barbecue sauce, mustard, and gravy are often made with gluten containing ingredients, such as wheat, wheat starch or malt flavoring. Be sure to double check ingredients on condiments and sauces or look for gluten free varieties.
Is Worcestershire sauce gluten free? ›
Ingredients. The original Worcestershire sauce included barley malt vinegar, making it unsafe for someone with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, there are many different versions of Worcestershire sauce, including gluten-free versions.
Basil is gluten free. Basil should be safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders.
Is oregano seasoning gluten free? ›
Usually, yes. “Spice” or “spices” are naturally gluten free. Spices such as basil, oregano, and thyme may be listed collectively in an ingredients list as spice or spices; the ingredient list does not need to name each spice.
Is Ezekiel bread gluten free? ›
Then, we take the freshly sprouted live grains and slowly mash them, mix them into dough in small batches and slowly bake into bread. Q: Are Food for Life Ezekiel 4:9®, Genesis 1:29® and 7-Sprouted Grains products "gluten free"? A: No. These products contain naturally occurring gluten.
Does allspice have gluten? ›
Allspice is gluten free. Allspice should be safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders.
Does paprika have gluten in it? ›
Pure paprika should only contain one ingredient: ground Capsicum annuum chili peppers. These peppers are carefully harvested, dried, and ground to create the fine powder that we know as paprika. As long as no additional ingredients are added during manufacturing, paprika itself is naturally gluten-free.
Does garlic seasoning have gluten? ›
Garlic Powder is gluten free. Garlic Powder should be safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders. Fig's dietitians reviewed this note on garlic powder. Check ingredients faster with the free Fig app!
What herbs are good for gluten intolerance? ›
Examples of various herbs for the management of celiac disease
| Name of the herbs | Role played |
|---|
| Chamomile | Carminative |
| Meadowsweet | Antacid and anti-inflammatory |
| Lemon balm | Reduce bloating |
| Liquorice | Antispasmodic |
3 more rows
Raw spices, seasonings and herbs that are made from plants are gluten-free. If you’re buying a seasoning mix, always read the label to ensure no wheat, barley or rye have been added.