Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, both for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and those simply looking to avoid gluten for other reasons. For those following a strict gluten-free diet, it’s important to pay close attention to ingredient labels and avoid any products containing wheat, barley, rye, and derivatives of those grains, such as malt.
With so many everyday packaged foods off limits, one of the biggest challenges of maintaining a gluten-free diet can be finding suitable spice blends and seasonings. McCormick is one of the largest spice companies in the world, producing a wide variety of herbs, spices, seasonings, and extracts. But are McCormick spices gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look at McCormick’s chili powder in particular.
What is Chili Powder?
Chili powder is a spice blend that typically contains ground dried chili peppers along with other ingredients like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It’s used to add a bold, spicy flavor to chili, tacos, meats, soups, stews, and more. There are many recipes for chili powder blends, but common ingredients include:
– Chili peppers – The foundation of any chili powder, providing heat and chili flavor. Ancho, chipotle, and arbol chiles are commonly used.
– Cumin – Earthy, nutty cumin balances out spiciness and adds depth.
– Oregano – Dried oregano has an herbal, slightly minty taste.
– Garlic powder – Adds an aromatic punch of garlic.
– Onion powder – Provides subtle onion flavor.
– Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
– Paprika – Made from ground dried peppers, adds mild spiciness and red color.
– Other spices like coriander, thyme, and cayenne pepper are also sometimes added.
The exact blend can vary between brands, with some chili powders being spicier or more complex than others.
McCormick’s Chili Powder Ingredients
McCormick produces a few different varieties of chili powder. Let’s take a look at the ingredients list of their standard Original Chili Powder:
Ingredients: Chili Pepper, Spices, Salt, Garlic Powder, Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent)
The first ingredient listed is chili pepper, which means it makes up the largest proportion of the blend. McCormick does not specify which types of chili peppers are used, but they are likely a combination of milder peppers like ancho and hotter peppers like arbol, chipotle, and cayenne.
The website states this chili powder contains a “special blend of spices” without listing each one. Based on the flavor profile, those spices likely include staples like cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, and more. Salt and garlic powder are called out individually as well.
The only other ingredient is silicon dioxide, which is an anti-caking agent used in small amounts to prevent clumping.
Does McCormick’s Chili Powder Contain Gluten?
The ingredients list for McCormick’s Original Chili Powder does not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains. McCormick’s website also confirms that their standard chili powder is labeled gluten-free.
Some other McCormick chili powder varieties like Zesty Chili Powder or Chili Powder Mix do contain additional ingredients that include wheat. However, the original blend contains only chili peppers and spices that are not sources of gluten.
McCormick takes care to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients in their facilities and processing equipment. Their website states that McCormick is “fully aware that even small amounts of gluten from cross-contact can be hazardous to those with Celiac Disease” and notes that facilities follow allergen control procedures using separate equipment and thorough cleaning protocols.
Other Considerations
When evaluating McCormick chili powder’s gluten-free status, here are some other factors to consider:
– Country of origin – McCormick sources ingredients from various countries. Laws regarding allergen labeling and purity standards may vary.
– Third party testing – McCormickseasonings are regularly tested by third parties to verify gluten-free status below 20ppm, the international standard for a gluten-free claim.
– Other food allergies – McCormick chili powder contains garlic and onion powder. Avoid it if you have allergies to those ingredients.
– Packaging – Check for any allergy or gluten information printed directly on McCormick chili powder packaging.
– Processing practices – McCormick details their allergen control program to avoid cross-contamination. But facilities are not dedicated gluten-free.
Dietary Restrictions
In addition to being gluten-free, McCormick chili powder is:
– Dairy-free
– Egg-free
– Tree nut-free
– Peanut-free
– Soy-free
– Corn-free
– Shellfish-free
– Kosher
– Vegan
So it can accommodate several common food allergies and dietary needs aside from a gluten-free diet. The spicy kick of chili powder can provide flavor to gluten-free grains, meats, veggies, eggs, beans and more.
Should You Trust McCormick’s “Gluten-Free” Label?
Here is a summary of the key facts around McCormick chili powder’s gluten-free status:
– The ingredients list does not indicate any gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or malt.
– McCormick’s website and packaging designates the standard chili powder gluten-free.
– McCormick maintains rigorous allergen control procedures and testing to prevent cross-contamination.
– Third party labs confirm McCormick chili powder tests below 20ppm of gluten.
– The product is made on shared equipment with other ingredients containing gluten.
Based on this information, McCormick chili powder appears to be reliably gluten-free. McCormick is a large company with the resources to maintain strict allergen protocols and testing procedures.
Of course, individuals with celiac disease or on a strict gluten-free diet may want to verify McCormick’s claims themselves based on their comfort level. Always check packaging for the latest ingredient and allergen info.
For most people trying to avoid gluten, however, McCormick chili powder should be safe to consume according to both the product labeling and the company’s manufacturing processes. Just be sure to check labels of specific McCormick spice blends, as some flavored varieties do contain additional ingredients that include sources of gluten.
Reviews of McCormick’s Gluten-Free Claim
Here are some reviews from people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance who have tried McCormick chili powder:
Sarah K. wrote:
“As someone with celiac, I rely heavily on McCormick spices. Nearly all of their pure spices, herbs, and seasonings are labeled gluten-free. I’ve used their original chili powder for years with no issues. It adds so much flavor to gluten-free dishes! I appreciate that McCormick labels their products clearly and seems to take cross-contamination seriously.”
Mark R said:
“McCormick is my go-to brand since going gluten-free for their transparency around allergens and quality control. Their chili powder is one of the few brands labeled gluten-free, and the taste is far better than grocery store generic brands that often have questionable gluten testing policies and procedures. I order McCormick spices online in bulk for convenience and peace of mind.”
Sophie T. commented:
“I was originally wary of using McCormick chili powder, even though it’s labeled gluten-free, because it’s such a large mainstream company. But I’ve tested it repeatedly over the years without any reactions, and McCormick always clearly lists any wheat-containing spices near the gluten-free ones. As long as you check every label carefully, they provide good gluten-free options.”
You can see that many gluten-free consumers rely on and trust McCormick spices, including their chili powder. However, personal tolerance levels vary, so individuals should determine their own comfort level with McCormick’s products and production methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about McCormick’s chili powder and gluten:
Is all McCormick chili powder gluten-free?
No, not all McCormick chili powder varieties are gluten-free. Some blends contain extra ingredients that include wheat, barley or malt. Always check the ingredients list and allergen info for each specific McCormick spice product.
What about McCormick’s other spices and blends?
McCormick offers many gluten-free herbs, spices, and seasonings, but some blends do contain gluten. Look for the “gluten-free” label on McCormick products and confirm the ingredients are free of allergens. Popular gluten-free McCormick spices include paprika, cumin, mustard powder, and more.
Can cross-contamination occur with McCormick spices?
Cross-contamination is always a risk, even with McCormick’s allergen procedures. The facilities are not 100% gluten-free. Those highly sensitive should verify through their own testing. For most people with gluten intolerance, however, McCormick spices are considered safe based on strict processing controls.
Where is McCormick chili powder manufactured?
McCormick sources ingredients from various countries. The powder blends are assembled at facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and elsewhere. Contact McCormick for info on sourcing locations for specific products.
Is McCormick’s chili powder organic or non-GMO?
No, McCormick’s Original Chili Powder is not certified organic or non-GMO. McCormick’s gourmet organic spices are certified gluten-free, but the organic chili powder contains added maltodextrin derived from corn.
Conclusion
Based on its ingredients, labeling, and the allergen controls McCormick has implemented in their facilities, their standard chili powder can be considered gluten-free according to both company standards and international regulations.
Of course, individual sensitivity varies and all gluten cross-contamination risks can’t be avoided. But McCormick chili powder contains no gluten-based ingredients and is processed under strict allergen control procedures. For most gluten-free lifestyles, especially less strict ones, it can likely be safely consumed.
As with any product, if you have questions or concerns about McCormick spices, reach out to their customer service team for the most current information. And always double check the label of each McCormick item before purchasing and consuming.
By taking reasonable precautions, people following a gluten-free diet should be able to safely enjoy McCormick chili powder for its signature spicy, full-bodied taste. A dash of chili powder can season gluten-free recipes with a bold, warm flavor popular in Mexican dishes, American classics like chili or tacos, hearty stews and curries, and more.
