Is Montreal Steak Seasoning Gluten Free? 🥩 The Juicy Truth Revealed
Welcome to the flavorful frontier of spice basics, where we're cracking open one of life's spicy mysteries: Is Montreal steak seasoning actually gluten free? Whether you're a professional chef wielding your knife like Picasso or a weekend warrior who just wants their ribeye to sing, this article is your guide through the spice-dusted wilderness. And don't worry — we'll keep it as light and zesty as a lemon twist on a summer margarita.
Table of Contents
- What Even *Is* Montreal Steak Seasoning Anyway?
- Gluten 101: What Are We Even Avoiding?
- So... Is It Gluten Free or Not? 🤔
- Brand Showdown: Who Plays Nice with Gluten-Free Diets?
- DIY Alert! Make Your Own Gluten-Free Montreal Magic
- Spice Tips & Tricks for Flavor Rockstars
- Final Thoughts (with a Side of Sass)
What Even IS Montreal Steak Seasoning Anyway?
If you've ever grilled a steak that made your neighbor peek over the fence suspiciously — congratulations, you’ve encountered the power of Montreal steak seasoning. This iconic blend is the culinary equivalent of a leather jacket and sunglasses: bold, classic, and always in style.

Born in Canada’s French-speaking metropolis, this mix typically includes:
- Coarse black pepper
- Garlic granules
- Crushed coriander seeds
- Onion powder
- Thyme and rosemary
- Paprika (for that signature red blush)
- Salt
- Occasionally, some brands sneak in wheat-based additives or anti-caking agents...
Gluten 101: What Are We Even Avoiding?
Let’s take a quick detour into Gluten Town before we answer the burning question. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. For folks with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, even a tiny crumb can mean:
- Days spent best friends with the porcelain throne
- Foggy brain
- Mysterious body aches
- The sudden urge to scream into a baguette

So yes — if you're gluten-free, this isn’t just about dietary trends; it’s about staying upright and functional. Let’s not forget, gluten can hide in the most unexpected places — like a sneaky ingredient in your favorite steak spice!
So... Is It Gluten Free or Not? 🤔
This is where things get dramatic, like the final act of a cooking show competition. The short answer? Not necessarily. The long answer? Well, buckle up, buttercup.

Why You Can’t Just Assume “It Looks Gluten-Free”
Even though most base ingredients in Montreal steak seasoning are naturally gluten-free, there are two major pitfalls:
- Cross-contamination – If spices are processed in a facility that handles wheat, you could be getting more than just flavor.
- Hidden Additives – Some commercial blends use maltodextrin (if derived from wheat), flour as an anti-caking agent, or other grain-derived fillers.
Brand Showdown: Who Plays Nice with Gluten-Free Diets?
We did the homework so you don’t have to. Here’s a head-to-head showdown of popular Montreal steak seasoning brands and their gluten status:
Brand | Gluten-Free? | Notes |
---|---|---|
McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning | No | Contains wheat |
Dry Creek Montreal Steak Seasoning | Yes | Label says gluten-free |
Lawry's Montreal Steak Seasoning | No | Wheat listed in allergens |
Spice Hunter Montreal Steak Seasoning | Yes | Verified gluten-free |
Trader Joe's Montreal Seasoning | Yes | No gluten-containing ingredients listed |

DIY Alert! Make Your Own Gluten-Free Montreal Magic
Feeling crafty and tired of label-reading marathons? Why not whip up your own batch of Montreal steak seasoning? It’s easy, customizable, and impresses guests without saying a word. Plus, you’ll know exactly what went into it — no surprises.
Homemade Gluten-Free Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe
- 3 tbsp coarse black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp crushed coriander seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary

Mix everything in a bowl, store in an airtight container, and boom — you’re officially a kitchen wizard.
Spice Tips & Tricks for Flavor Rockstars
Now that you’re officially Montreal-savvy, here are a few extra tips to keep your spice game strong:
- Label Everything: If you DIY your seasonings, clearly mark them “GLUTEN-FREE” so nobody accidentally goes rogue.
- Shop Smart: Look for products certified gluten-free by reputable organizations like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization).
- Ask Questions: Contact manufacturers if labels aren’t clear. Most companies are happy to share info.
- Grind Your Own Spices: Whole spices ground fresh offer superior flavor and control.
- Pair It Right: Montreal seasoning pairs beautifully with flank steak, salmon, and even roasted cauliflower.

Final Thoughts (with a Side of Sass)
So, is Montreal steak seasoning gluten free? The answer is... maybe. Like dating apps and restaurant menus, you can’t assume anything without doing a little digging first.

If you're living gluten-free, your mantra should be: “Read. The. Labels.” Or better yet — make your own spice blends so you stay fully in control. Because when it comes to flavor, nobody should have to compromise.
Until next time, spice lovers — keep your grills hot, your steaks juicy, and your seasonings gluten-free (unless you really, really like bread).