Does Cholula seasoning contain dairy or gluten?

No, Cholula seasoning is free from dairy and gluten. It uses white corn flour as a base and contains no milk derivatives or wheat ingredients.

Is Cholula seasoning good for weight loss?

Yes, it is an excellent tool for weight loss. It adds significant flavor to bland foods like chicken or vegetables for almost zero calories, helping you stick to a calorie deficit without sacrificing taste.

Where can I buy Cholula seasoning?

Cholula seasoning is widely available at major grocery stores (like Walmart and Kroger) in the spice aisle, as well as online through Amazon and the Cholula official website.

Is Cholula seasoning safe for kids?

While the ingredients are safe, the seasoning contains chili peppers which provide heat. It also contains a small amount of sugar. It is generally safe for children who enjoy spicy foods, but introduce it slowly.

Is Cholula seasoning Gluten Free?

Yes, Cholula seasoning is gluten-free. After a thorough review of the ingredient list, we found no wheat, barley, rye, or hidden gluten derivatives. It is a safe flavoring option for those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a spice blend is safe for a gluten-free diet, the devil is in the details. Unlike pure spices, seasoning blends often contain anti-caking agents or fillers. However, Cholula keeps its ingredient list surprisingly clean and distinct from gluten-containing grains.

The primary base of this seasoning is white corn flour. This is a crucial distinction. Wheat flour is the most common culprit for gluten in seasonings, but corn is naturally gluten-free. This flour likely serves as a carrier for the spices, helping them adhere to food without clumping.

Next, we look at the flavor profile. The blend relies on a robust mix of guajillo pepper, arbol pepper, and chipotle pepper. These are dried, ground chili peppers. In their pure form, they are safe. The inclusion of garlic, onion, and spices like cumin adds depth without risk. The yeast listed here is typically baker's yeast or nutritional yeast, which is a flavor enhancer and is safe for gluten-free diets (distinct from brewer's yeast which may have cross-contact risks, though usually safe, Cholula's specific sourcing appears clean).

Finally, the natural flavor and smoke ingredients often raise eyebrows. However, in this specific product formulation, these are derived from plant sources and smoke infusion, not gluten-containing grains. There are no flags for cross-contamination in the standard manufacturing process of this specific seasoning bottle.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Cholula seasoning is designed to be a low-impact flavor booster rather than a primary caloric source. A standard serving size is very small (typically a teaspoon or less), meaning the caloric load is negligible—usually under 5 calories per serving.

The main components by weight are sea salt and brown sugar. While the salt contributes to the sodium content (which can be high if you use large amounts), the brown sugar adds a mere trace of sweetness to balance the heat of the peppers. It is not a significant source of carbohydrates or fat. For those on Keto or low-carb diets, the trace amount of corn flour and sugar is generally within acceptable limits due to the tiny serving size. It fits well into most heart-healthy and weight-management plans as a salt alternative to high-sodium table salt.