Are McCormick’s Bac’n Pieces Bacon Bits Gluten-Free? Let’s Investigate

For those avoiding gluten checking labels is a way of life. McCormick’s Bac’n Pieces bacon flavored bits promise smoky salty flavor without the meat. But are these vegetarian bacon bits actually gluten-free?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the ingredients, manufacturing process, and potential cross-contamination risks to determine if McCormick’s imitation bacon bits are suitable for gluten-free diets.

Overview of McCormick Bac’n Pieces

McCormick Bac’n Pieces are textured soy flour chips seasoned to taste like crispy bacon, The company markets them as a vegetarian and vegan alternative to real bacon bits

Here are some key facts about McCormick Bac’n Pieces

• Made from soy flour, vegetable oil, and natural flavors
• Have a crispy texture and smoky bacon taste
• Are vegan and vegetarian friendly
• Contain no actual meat
• Come in a 4.4 oz resealable container

Now let’s analyze the ingredients and production process for potential gluten risks.

Ingredients in McCormick’s Imitation Bacon Bits

Here are the main ingredients listed on the McCormick Bac’n Pieces packaging:

• Textured soy flour – The gluten-free base ingredient.
• Vegetable oil – Likely a blend of canola and/or sunflower oil.
• Salt – Used for flavor. Gluten-free.
• Caramel color – Added for aesthetic purposes. No gluten.
• Yeast extract – Contains gluten only if derived from wheat.
• Natural and artificial flavors – Can contain gluten depending on sources.
• FD&C Red #40 – A gluten-free food coloring.
• Disodium inosinate & guanylate – Flavor enhancers that are gluten-free.

Are McCormick’s Bacon Bits Made in a Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility?

McCormick does not state that their Bac’n Pieces are produced in a gluten-free facility. Their factories likely also process wheat-based ingredients on shared equipment.

So while the Bac’n Pieces themselves may be gluten-free based on ingredients, cross-contamination is a potential concern.

Does McCormick Confirm Their Bacon Bits are Gluten-Free?

Unfortunately McCormick does not make any gluten-free claims about their Bac’n Pieces product. The packaging and website do not state the bacon bits are gluten-free or safe for those with celiac disease.

So there is no direct assurance from the manufacturer about gluten content.

Checking for Gluten-Free Certifications

There are no gluten-free labels or certifications on McCormick’s Bac’n Pieces packaging. No symbols from organizations like GFCO, Certified Gluten-Free, or Gluten Intolerance Group are present.

So third-party testing cannot confirm the items’ gluten status either.

Risk Analysis of Questionable Ingredients

While soy flour and most other ingredients appear gluten-free, there are a few that could potentially contain gluten:

• Yeast extract – Derived from wheat sources in some cases, which would contain gluten.

• Natural flavors – Can be made from wheat or barley unless specified as gluten-free.

So without explicit confirmation from McCormick, these components present an uncertainty.

Contacting McCormick About Gluten Content

The most definitive way to determine if McCormick Bac’n Pieces contain gluten is to contact the McCormick Consumer Affairs department directly.

Only the manufacturer can verify the potential wheat-based sources of natural flavors, yeast extract, and facilities where products are made.

Reaching out to them removes all guesswork, which is critical for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Best Practices When Contacting McCormick

When reaching out to McCormick’s consumer team regarding gluten content, be sure to:

• Ask specifically if their Bac’n Pieces are gluten-free to under 20 ppm.

• Inquire about possible wheat-based ingredients, like yeast extract and natural flavors.

• Request details on facilities and procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

• Ask if they test finished products to confirm gluten levels.

• Get an assurance in writing for your records.

Thorough, detailed information directly from McCormick will help determine if their vegetarian bacon bits are reliably gluten-free or not.

Recommended Alternatives to McCormick’s Bacon Bits

Until McCormick provides transparency about production, those who are gluten-free or have celiac disease may want to consider these safer, certified gluten-free alternatives:

• Bac’n Buds by Betty Lou’s – Verified GF oat flour-based bits.

• Fresh Tofu Shirataki Bacon Bits by Ota Tofu – Tested gluten-free and wheat-free.

• Bac-O’s Bacon Flavored Soy Chips by Ed & Son – GFCO certified gluten-free.

• Bac-O’s Bacon Style Bits by Frontier Co-Op – Lab tested for gluten.

• Bac-Os Bacon Style Bits by Hoosier Hill Farm – Clearly labeled gluten-free.

These trustworthy brands offer bacon flavored bits that are proven gluten-free.

Homemade Gluten-Free Bacon Bits Recipe

For complete control over ingredients, bacon bits can be replicated gluten-free at home by tossing chickpeas or tempeh in a smoky seasoning blend.

Follow this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 15oz can chickpeas or 8oz tempeh, drained and dried
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or avocado oil
• 1⁄2 tsp liquid smoke
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄4 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄8 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a bowl, toss dried chickpeas or crumbled tempeh with oil and seasonings until well-coated.
3. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until crispy.
4. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

With whole food ingredients, DIY bacon bits can be a tasty gluten-free way to add smoky flavor to salads, baked potatoes, pasta and more!

Verdict on McCormick Bac’n Pieces Being Gluten-Free

Based on current information available, McCormick Bac’n Pieces may be considered gluten-free, but there are uncertainties about processing and certain ingredients.

I recommend reaching out to McCormick’s consumer affairs team directly to inquire about facility protocols and potential wheat-based ingredients.

Until the company can provide transparency or pursue gluten-free certification, those with celiac disease or food sensitivities may want to opt for guaranteed gluten-free bacon bit alternatives. Or craft your own at home!

No matter what bacon bits you choose, always read labels carefully, check for certifications, and contact manufacturers when any doubt exists. Taking precautions allows those who are gluten-free to snack safely.