Herbs & seasonings

[KristieSp5293]

Hi!  I am Kristie and my husband Ron just had a confirmed diagnosis with celiac this past Monday.  His is also type 1 diabetic, (for past 40+ years) so this is another kick in the gut (literally).  We are empty nesters so doing this lifestyle change together is not going to be as tough as if the kids were home.  Anyway, my main question is about herbs and seasonings.  I have a "Find Me Gluten Free" and "The Gluten Free Scanner" but when it comes to dried herbs I am stumped.  I have thrown out all of my Mrs. Dash and "blended" herbs but are the single herbs: basil, oregano, onion powder, etc okay?  I am apprehensive to throw everything out just yet, if I can make copycats of the Mrs Dash and Grill Mates that we have used.  We are both very new to this and just want to do what is best for hubby and his health.  

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, Kristie!

The problem with spices, even single ingredient ones, is CC (Cross Contamination) which can happen if they are ground and processed with the same equipment as gluten-containing grains.

There was an article on this forum several months ago where a study was done to determine the amount of cross contamination found in some common spices. I don't have it on the tip of my fingertips but maybe another forum participant can run it down. But the results were that certain spices had a surprising amount of CC.

Whether or not there would be enough gluten through CC to cause a reaction for your hubby, no one can tell. That would be something the two of you may have to discover by trial and error. Celiacs vary enormously in how sensitive they are to trace amounts of gluten and it is generally true that once you begin withdrawing gluten from your diet you become more sensitive to it over time.

I think tossing the Mrs. Dash is a good idea. I have not heard good things about the CC potential of that one. What I have heard is that the company who makes it is very clear that they do not claim it to be gluten free. I no longer use Mrs. Dash myself but most other spices I have continued to use unless they list a gluten containing grain as an ingredient.

I wish I could be more help.

[Scott Adams]

McCormick's makes gluten-free spices, and pure herbs are fine, but you should be able to order gluten-free herbs online via Amazon.com. 

[patty-maguire]

McCormick and Clubhouse labels can be trusted. All their single herbs and spices are gluten-free. With blends just check the labels to be sure. 
 

Re the spices you already have in your pantry, also consider if you may have contaminated them yourself while cooking or baking. I.e, dip the measuring spoon in the flour, wipe it off and dip it in the spice. You spice is contaminated.