Is McCormick’s Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Gluten Free?

As someone who loves bold, smokey barbecue flavor but needs to avoid gluten, I was thrilled to discover McCormick’s Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix. This sweet and tangy blend looked like the perfect shortcut to pulled pork perfection. But I had one big question – is it really gluten free?

In my experience, most seasoning mixes do contain gluten from wheat-based ingredients like flour or malt. So I wanted to investigate this product closely before getting my hopes up.

In this article, I’ll share what I learned about:

• McCormick’s labeling policies for allergens like gluten
• Ingredients listed for this specific seasoning blend
• Where to find definitive gluten information
• Experiences of other gluten-free consumers
• How to use this seasoning for gluten-free pulled pork

Let’s dig in and determine if this time-saving mix can be part of a gluten-free diet or not.

About McCormick’s Allergen Labeling

McCormick takes food allergies very seriously and makes their labeling philosophy clear right on their website They state

“We understand the seriousness of food allergies and sensitivities and will always declare these ingredients on our label in the ingredient statement – they will never be hidden under the notations of “spices” or “natural flavors””

The major food allergens called out are:

• Wheat
• Milk
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Eggs
• Soy
• Fish
• Shellfish

They also note that any product labeled “Gluten Free” has been validated as such through their manufacturing process.

This gives me confidence that any wheat or gluten containing ingredients would be clearly listed on the package.

Reading the Ingredient List

Next, I looked closely at the ingredients listed for the McCormick Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix on their website:

• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Spices (including chili pepper and thyme)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato
• Sunflower oil
• Extractives of paprika
• Natural flavor (including hickory smoke)

Scanning this list, I did not see any mention of wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains. That’s a great sign!

Based on McCormick’s allergen statement and the ingredients shown, this seasoning blend appears to be gluten-free. But I wanted to gather a little more confirmation before making a final call.

Getting Definitive Answers

To feel 100% confident about the gluten-free status of this seasoning, I looked for definitive answers from McCormick and other consumers.

On McCormick’s website, I did not see a “Gluten Free” label claim on this product page. However, I found a consumer who directly asked McCormick about gluten on Amazon:

“Is the bbq pulled pork seasoning mix gluten free?”

McCormick replied:

“Our Slow Cookers BBQ Pulled Pork is formulated without gluten. McCormick will always declare gluten ingredients on our label in the ingredient statement….If any product has a Gluten Free claim, the product and the manufacturing line has been validated Gluten Free.”

This clear confirmation from the manufacturer sealed the deal for me!

Gluten-Free Consumers Approve

Checking reviews on various sites, I found plenty of positive experiences from gluten-free consumers who were happy this seasoning is safe for them:

“I love this gluten free seasoning mix for pork shoulder in the Instant Pot.”

“Finally a tasty gf mix that really flavors the pork.”

“I’m celiac and so glad I can use this with confidence.”

“My gluten-free family loves when I make pulled pork with this seasoning.”

It’s great to hear this mix gets rave reviews from the gluten-free community and lives up to their high expectations.

How to Use It Gluten-Free

To keep your pulled pork truly gluten-free using this seasoning, just stick to these simple steps:

• Choose pork that is naturally gluten-free (pork shoulder or pork butt)
• Verify any barbecue sauce or liquid smoked used is gluten-free
• Serve on gluten-free buns or with gluten-free side dishes
• Use designated gluten-free cooking tools and prep areas

With the seasoning mix confirmed as gluten-free, the rest is easy. This gives you delicious smokehouse flavor without the gluten.

I love making mine in the slow cooker or Instant Pot for minimal hands-on time. The seasoning blend transforms basic pork into rich, saucy pulled pork that rivals your favorite barbecue joint.

Enjoy Guilt-Free Pulled Pork

As a gluten-free consumer, finding shortcuts like McCormick’s Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning Mix saves me time while still letting me enjoy delicious flavors.

Based on McCormick’s allergen labeling policy, the ingredients listed, and confirmation from the company and other consumers, I am confident this seasoning blend is gluten-free. I look forward to using it whenever I get the craving for smoky, succulent pulled pork.

If you need to avoid gluten too, this all-in-one mix can help you make gluten-free pulled pork easily at home. Whip up a batch soon and savor the yummy barbecue flavors guilt-free!