Quick Answer
Yes, McCormick Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix is gluten-free. McCormick states that this product does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or oats, which means it is free of gluten. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, McCormick Sloppy Joe mix can be safely consumed.
Ingredients in McCormick Sloppy Joe Mix
According to the McCormick website, the ingredients in McCormick Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix are:
- Tomato powder
- Salt
- Sugar
- Spices
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Caramel color
- Natural flavor
None of these ingredients contain gluten. The mix is made in a facility that handles wheat, but the product itself tested as gluten free. McCormick takes care to avoid cross-contamination for its gluten-free items.
Why Gluten Matters
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, gluten poses no health concerns. But for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause digestive problems and other symptoms.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten triggers damage to the small intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a milder condition involving gluten intolerance. Both require following a strict gluten-free diet by avoiding foods containing gluten.
For people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, using McCormick’s Sloppy Joe seasoning provides a fast and easy way to prepare a classic sandwich recipe without worrying about gluten exposure.
McCormick’s Gluten-Free Status
On its website, McCormick provides a list of frequently asked questions about gluten. Here are some key details:
- McCormick analyzes all products for gluten and notes which ones are considered gluten free.
- Any McCormick product labeled as gluten free must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
- McCormick conducts gluten testing on products multiple times throughout the manufacturing process.
- Gluten-free products are produced on separate equipment from items containing gluten.
McCormick takes many precautions to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the accuracy of its gluten-free labels. This rigorous approach provides assurance to consumers with gluten restrictions.
Sloppy Joe Mix Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts panel on McCormick’s Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix states the following:
| Serving size | 2 tbsp (16g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 20 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 340mg |
| Total carbs | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
The mix itself is low in calories, fat, and protein. It provides 15% of the daily recommended sodium intake in just 2 tablespoons. When making sloppy joes, consider using low sodium ingredients to balance out the sodium from the seasoning.
How to Make Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
To assemble gluten-free sloppy joes using McCormick’s mix:
- Cook 1 pound lean ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in 1 pouch McCormick Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix, 3/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve on gluten-free hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
The key is using gluten-free ingredients to complement the seasoning mix. Opt for certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and hamburger buns. Whole grain gluten-free buns can provide an extra nutrition boost.
Other Tips for Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
- Try turkey or vegetarian crumbles instead of beef.
- For a tangy twist, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Top with gluten-free dill pickle slices.
- Bake sweet potato fries as a side dish.
- Add shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion for crunch.
Get creative with add-ins and toppings while ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free. Use gluten-free tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce or look for a certified GF brand.
Is McCormick’s Manwich Gluten Free?
No, McCormick’s Manwich original sloppy joe sauce is not labeled as gluten-free. The ingredients for Manwich include wheat flour.
However, McCormick makes a gluten-free version called Manwich Bold gluten-free sloppy joe sauce. This allows people on a gluten-free diet to still enjoy the popular Manwich taste.
Other McCormick Gluten-Free Products
In addition to its Sloppy Joe and Manwich seasoning mixes, McCormick offers various other gluten-free products including:
- Grill Mates marinades
- Recipe Inspirations meal kits
- Hot Dog and Burger seasonings
- Tuscan Herb and Garlic All Purpose seasons
- Chili, Taco, Ranch and Fajita seasoning mixes
Check McCormick’s gluten-free section for their full range of gluten-free spices, seasonings and recipes.
Other Brands of Gluten-Free Sloppy Joe Mix
In addition to McCormick, there are other brands that make gluten-free sloppy joe seasoning mixes:
- Stonewall Kitchen Gluten Free Sloppy Joe
- Fody Food Co Sloppy Joe Seasoning
- Glutino Gluten-Free Sloppy Joe Mix
- Campbell’s Gluten-Free Sloppy Joe Sauce Mix
Check the ingredients carefully when purchasing sloppy joe mix to ensure it is certified gluten-free. Homemade mixes using spices and tomato paste can also be an option.
Sloppy Joes at Restaurants
Dining out with celiac disease or gluten intolerance requires caution with menu items. Here are some tips for enjoying restaurant sloppy joes safely:
- Check that the bun and sauce are gluten-free.
- Ask about preparation methods and cross-contamination.
- Choose veggie or turkey sloppy joe options if available.
- Opt for a bowl without the bun if uncertain.
- Stick to restaurant chains with strong gluten-free practices.
Being informed about menu choices makes dining out less stressful. Many restaurants now offer gluten-free menus and food prep protocols.
Celiac Disease and Sloppy Joes
For those with celiac disease, sloppy joes can be a favorite comfort food made safely gluten-free. Here are some tips:
- Use McCormick’s gluten-free sloppy joe mix.
- Choose certified gluten-free buns and condiments.
- Check meat ingredients if using pre-made burger patties.
- Cook in a clean pan or bake in aluminum foil.
- Prevent cross-contamination with prep and storage.
With the right ingredients and kitchen practices, people with celiac disease don’t have to give up enjoying delicious sloppy joes.
Gluten Sensitivity and Sloppy Joes
Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can also eat problem-free sloppy joes. Follow these guidelines:
- Verify all ingredients in seasoning mixes are gluten-free.
- Use a dedicated gluten-free toaster for buns.
- Cook sloppy joe meat in a pan only used for gluten-free dishes.
- Serve with side dishes that don’t contain gluten.
- Wash hands and cooking tools thoroughly before and after prep.
People with gluten intolerance need to be careful about cross-contamination when cooking. Using fully gluten-free ingredients and prep tools is key.
Kids’ Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
Here are tips for making gluten-free sloppy joes that kids will enjoy:
- Shape ground meat into fun gluten-free bun shapes.
- Let them decorate their buns with gluten-free toppings.
- Cut sandwich into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Serve with cute toothpicks and frilly party picks.
- Pair with gluten-free sweet potato fries or fruit kabobs.
Adjust sandwiches to appeal to kids and complete the meal with fun gluten-free sides. Gluten-free chicken nuggets can also substitute for the beef.
Conclusion
McCormick’s Sloppy Joe seasoning mix is a tasty gluten-free option to quickly add flavor to a homemade sandwich. By combining with gluten-free ingredients and avoiding cross-contamination in prep, sloppy joes can be safely enjoyed by people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and food allergies. With some adjustments, kids can also get in on the fun of creating their own gluten-free sloppy joe creations.
