If you’re a fan of rich and savory sauces to accompany your meals, you might have come across McCormick Au Jus. But if you’re following a gluten-free diet, you might be wondering whether this popular sauce mix is safe for you to enjoy. In this article, we’ll delve into the details to answer the question: Is McCormick Au Jus gluten-free?
Understanding Gluten
Before we dive into the specifics of McCormick Au Jus, let’s first understand what gluten is. Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. For individuals with gluten intolerance, consuming gluten can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems and discomfort.
Gluten in Au Jus
Au Jus is a French culinary term that translates to “with juice.” It refers to a thin sauce made from the juices of cooked meat, often enhanced with broth, wine, or seasonings. Traditionally, Au Jus does not contain gluten as its primary ingredients are meat juices and flavorings.
McCormick Au Jus Ingredients
To determine whether McCormick Au Jus is gluten-free, let’s take a closer look at its ingredients. According to the product label, McCormick Au Jus contains the following:
- Salt
- Modified Corn Starch
- Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten
- Wheat Gluten
Gluten-Free Status of McCormick Au Jus
Based on the ingredients listed above, it’s evident that McCormick Au Jus contains both hydrolyzed corn gluten and wheat gluten. While the presence of corn gluten might seem concerning, it’s important to note that corn gluten is not the same as wheat gluten.
Corn gluten is a protein derived from corn, which does not contain the harmful gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. Therefore, despite containing the term “gluten,” corn gluten is safe for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
However, the inclusion of wheat gluten in McCormick Au Jus means that the product is not gluten-free. Wheat gluten is derived from wheat and contains the problematic proteins that can trigger adverse reactions in gluten-sensitive individuals.
Conclusion
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, it’s important to be aware that McCormick Au Jus is not suitable for you due to the presence of wheat gluten. While it does contain corn gluten, which is gluten-free, the inclusion of wheat gluten makes it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. As always, it’s essential to read product labels carefully and choose alternatives that align with your dietary needs and preferences.