Is Texas BBQ with Chipotle Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a spice blend for gluten, we look for the usual suspects: wheat flour as a thickener, malt vinegar derived from barley, or soy sauce containing wheat. The ingredient list for Texas BBQ with Chipotle is refreshingly clean in this regard. The base consists of Cane Sugar and Sea Salt, both naturally gluten-free. The complexity comes from the spices: Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, and Garlic are all pure plant products.

The heat profile is driven by Chili Powder and Chipotle Pepper. While chili powder is a blend, it typically contains ground chili peppers and spices like oregano, rarely containing gluten. The inclusion of Mustard Powder is also safe, as it is simply ground mustard seeds. There are no modified food starches (which could be wheat-based) or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins (often derived from wheat) listed here.

Nutritional Value

While this blend is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals, it is important to consider the sugar content. The second ingredient listed is Cane Sugar. This means that while you aren't consuming gluten, you are adding a significant amount of sugar to your food. For those monitoring their glycemic index or caloric intake, this seasoning should be used in moderation. The salt content is also substantial, as is typical with dry rubs, so portion control is key to maintaining a balanced diet.