Is the Corned Beef Spice Packet Gluten Free? Your Guide to Safe Seasonings

Corned beef is a staple ingredient in many dishes from Reuben sandwiches to hash. It’s especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day for making Irish classics like boiled dinner. But for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance enjoying corned beef raises an important question – is the seasoning packet it comes with gluten free?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the gluten status of corned beef spice mixes. You’ll learn

• What ingredients are typically in corned beef seasoning packets
• Which brands have confirmed gluten free status
• Tips for checking labels and contacting manufacturers
• How to make your own gluten free corned beef rub

Plus we’ll share some delicious recipes to put that corned beef and seasoning to work, gluten free style.

So grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!

A Quick Refresher: What is Corned Beef Exactly?

Before we dive into the spices, let’s start with a quick corned beef overview for those unfamiliar with this salted and cured beef product.

Corned beef begins as a fresh beef brisket. The brisket is cured in a brine solution that contains salt and often nitrates/nitrites. This curing process, which takes 4-5 days, gives corned beef its signature pink color and unique flavor.

The term “corned” comes from the large grains of rock salt historically used in the curing process, which were known as “corns” of salt.

After curing, the corned beef is ready to cook. It’s traditionally simmered or boiled, but can also be roasted or grilled.

Commercial corned beef is sold fresh or pre-cooked in canned/vacuum-sealed packages. Some types also come packaged with a packet of dry seasoning spices.

What’s Usually in Those Seasoning Packets?

The contents of a corned beef spice packet can vary by brand, but some ingredients commonly found include:

• Spices: mustard seed, coriander, cloves, allspice, black pepper, red pepper, bay leaves
• Salt: although the beef itself is brined, seasoning packs add extra salt and flavor
• Dextrose: a glucose sugar that enhances flavor
• Natural flavors & extracts: for additional flavor
• Anti-caking agents: like silicon dioxide, to prevent clumping

So you may have noticed one key ingredient missing from that list: wheat.

The Good News: Most Corned Beef Spices Are Naturally Gluten Free

Unlike many seasoning blends which contain thickening agents like wheat flour, corned beef spice packets are predominantly gluten free.

The spices and ingredients listed above pose no issues for those avoiding gluten. So you can feel confident using most corned beef seasoning packs without having to call the manufacturer or carefully inspect every item on the label.

In my research, I did not find any reports of the major corned beef brands adding gluten containing ingredients to their spice mixes. But I always recommend carefully reading the label to confirm this when you purchase a new brand or variety.

It’s also important to note that the corned beef itself is naturally gluten free in most cases. It contains just beef, water, salt, nitrates/nitrites, and occasionally sugar. Contaminated processing equipment or shared production lines are unlikely with major manufacturers.

So both the corned beef and the seasoning packet can be considered gluten free foods for most people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Which Brands Have Confirmed Gluten Free Status?

While most corned beef spice packs should be safe, a few mainstream brands have gone the extra mile to reassure gluten free consumers.

Here are some of the biggest brands that have labeled their products gluten free or provided confirmation upon consumer request:

• Armour: Their FAQ states that all corned beef products and seasoning packets are gluten free.

• Hormel: Lists “corned beef seasoning” as one of their gluten free products.

• Hereford: Confirmed the seasoning packet contains no wheat ingredients and is gluten free when contacted.

• Niman Ranch: Stated their spice packet contains no gluten and poses no cross-contamination concerns.

• Plumrose/Hatfield: Their website confirms corned beef and all seasoning ingredients are gluten free.

• Wellshire Farms: Listed as gluten free according to the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG).

• US Wellness Meats: Advertised as a gluten free product.

So as you can see, many major brands have taken steps to provide transparency around gluten free status. But again, don’t take that as a guarantee – it’s always wise to verify for yourself too.

Tips for Assessing Corned Beef Spice Packs

To play it extra safe or if you have a new brand without confirmed gluten free status, here are some tips for checking out corned beef seasoning:

• Read the label carefully: look for any wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients. Also watch for “wheat flour”, “thickeners” or “stabilizers”.

• Contact the manufacturer: have them verify no gluten containing ingredients or cross-contamination with wheat during processing.

• Research the brand: google to see if other gluten free consumers have investigated that product already.

• Buy only major brands: smaller brands may not follow strict allergen controls and have higher risk of hidden gluten.

• Trust your instinct: if anything seems questionable, from the label to the facility’s allergen processes, it’s best to avoid.

While most seasoning packets are naturally gluten free, these steps can provide that extra assurance for those who are very sensitive.

What About “No Salt Added” or “Low Sodium” Versions?

You may also come across corned beef with “no salt added” or “low sodium” seasoning varieties. Ingredients can vary more in these types.

For example, some may use wheat flour or wheat starch to replace the reduced salt content. If sodium is a concern, make sure to vet the label and ingredients carefully.

When in doubt, standard corned beef seasoning packs are the safest bet gluten-wise.

Make Your Own Gluten Free Corned Beef Rub

If you want 100% control over ingredients, making your own homemade corned beef seasoning is easy to do.

Simply mix together your desired blend of spices like:

• Coarsely ground black pepper
• Dry mustard
• Coriander
• Allspice
• Bay leaves
• Cloves
• Crushed red pepper flakes

I like to make a large batch and store it in an airtight container. That way I have my own homemade gluten free rub ready to go whenever corned beef is on the menu!

Get Creative with These Tasty Gluten Free Corned Beef Recipes

Now that you know it’s safe to use that seasoning packet, here are some delicious ways to enjoy gluten free corned beef:

Simple Slow Cooker Corned Beef Brisket

• Ingredients: 3-5 lb corned beef brisket, seasoning packet, 4 cups water
• Directions: Place brisket and seasoning in slow cooker. Add water. Cook on low 8-10 hours.

Corned Beef Hash

• Ingredients: Cooked corned beef, potatoes, onions, seasoning packet, butter
• Directions: Dice corned beef, potatoes and onions. Cook in butter until browned. Add seasoning packet.

Reuben Sandwich

• Layer corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing between gluten free bread.

Corned Beef Casserole

• Mix cooked corned beef with potatoes, cabbage and seasoning packet. Top with cheese and bake.

Corned Beef & Veggie Soup

• Simmer corned beef and vegetables like potatoes, carrots and celery in broth with seasoning packet.

Corned Beef Frittata or Quiche

• Make mini crustless quiches with corned beef, eggs, cheese, and spices baked in a muffin pan.

The Verdict on Corned Beef Seasoning Packets

While very few foods come with a 100% guarantee, standard corned beef spice mixes are considered gluten free by most mainstream brands. Sticking to major manufacturers and verifying labels provides an extra level of certainty. But in most cases, the seasoning packet can be safely used to add delicious flavor to your gluten free corned beef dishes.

So when St. Patrick’s Day or a corned beef craving strikes, don’t be afraid to break open that seasoning pouch and get cooking! Just be sure to save me a bite of that tasty gluten free meal.