Are Spices And Herbs Gluten-Free?

 

Spices and herbs add flavours, aromas, colour and textures to cooking. They are also used for medicinal properties. For example, oregano, turmeric and ginger all have significant health benefits.

Because of their strong preservative quality, they are also used as natural preservatives in food storage. For example, rosemary is known for its preservative properties in meat.

In addition, many spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help support our immune system.

 

turmeric spice in a bowl with a spoon

 

So what is the difference between spices and herbs? Spices are generally made from the bark, seeds or roots of plants. They are dried and then crushed into a powder.

Herbs come from leaves of a plant that lacks woody stems, with exception to some such as thyme, rosemary and bay leaf. They are dried, then crumbled or ground

The questions is, are the spices safe for a gluten-free diet?

Fresh herbs are always gluten-free. Individual spices and dried herbs do not contain gluten but depending on how and where they are packaged, and they may not be gluten-free.

If they are packaged in a factory that packages wheat or products that contain gluten, there is a possibility that they could be cross-contaminated with gluten.

A report done in 2013 by the Canadian food inspection agency found that 24% of packaged spices and dried herbs contained gluten. This report was based on domestic and imported spices and dried herb samples across Canada.

This alarming number may explain why we still can get glutened even though we follow a 100% gluten-free diet.

In addition, I found that most restaurants that offer gluten-free items do not use gluten-free spices, so there is a high possibility for the food to contain traces of gluten, even though they use gluten-free ingredients, such as pasta or bread.

Be very cautious when it comes to seasonings (a blend of spices), such as taco seasoning, allspice, or curry powder. Some seasonings may contain wheat flour, wheat starch, or hydrolyzed wheat protein for added bulk, thus reducing the cost of the seasoning.

It is very important to read labels or check with the manufacturer to see if they are gluten-free.

 

spices, gluten free

 

Buying gluten-free spices and dried herbs

Do not buy spices and dried herbs from bulk bins. They are easily cross-contaminated from other bins that may contain gluten.

Choose spices that are labelled gluten-free. I always buy certified organic, gluten-free spices.

Avoid imported spices from third-world countries. Food safety and labelling may not be as stringent. In North America, we are fortunate because wheat-based ingredients must be declared on the label.

Most spices labelled organic are usually gluten-free. But, it is best to check with the manufacturer to be sure.

storing spices

Buy spices and dried herbs in small quantities. Most spices and dried herbs stay fresh for up to 9 – 12 months when properly stored.

Store them in airtight glass containers in a cool and dark place

For best flavour, buy whole spices and grind them. You can use an electric coffee grinder to grind them or use a mortar and pestle.

dry gluten free spices in jars

 

Conclusion

Using spices and herbs in cooking enhance food flavours, add beautiful colours and textures and strengthen our immune system. Also, using a wide variety of spices and herbs allows us to cut back on salt and sweeteners.

You should always use gluten-free spices if you have celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant because even a small amount of gluten can affect your health.

Here are my three favourite gluten-free spice blends

Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning

  • 1 Tbsp. GF chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. GF ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. Himalayan salt
  • 1 tsp. GF ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. GF paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. GF dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. GF garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. GF crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp. GF onion powder

Taco seasoning is most often used in Mexican recipes

Gluten-Free Allspice

  • 1 Tbsp. GF ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp. GF ground nutmeg
  • 1 Tbsp. Gf ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. GF ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp. GF ground black pepper

Allspice is used in pancakes, muffins, cakes or bread recipes

Gluten-Free Curry Powder

  • 2 Tbsp. GF ground turmeric
  • 2 Tbsp. GF ground coriander
  • 2 Tbsp. GF ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. GF ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp. GF ground mustard seed
  • 1/2 tsp. GF ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. GF cayenne pepper

Curry powder is often used in Indian recipes

 

 

 

 

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of only gluten-free recipes or its staff.