Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for health or dietary reasons. For those following a gluten free diet, it’s important to check labels and ingredient lists carefully to ensure the foods you’re eating are 100% gluten free.
One popular potato seasoning mix that is found in many kitchens is Fresh Success. But is Fresh Success potato seasoning actually gluten free? Let’s take a look at the ingredients and labeling to find out.
What is Fresh Success Potato Seasoning?
Fresh Success is a brand of potato seasoning mix that is intended to flavor and enhance the taste of potatoes and potato dishes. It comes in a few different varieties, including Original, Garlic & Herb, and Cheddar & Bacon.
The small packets of Fresh Success potato seasoning contain a powdered mixture of salt, spices, potato flakes, and flavorings. The packaging states that it can be used to season baked, mashed, fried, or roasted potatoes.
Fresh Success potato seasoning delivers a quick and easy way to add flavor to potatoes without needing to use fresh herbs, chops, or measure out spices. It’s a shelf-stable product that is widely available in the spice aisle of grocery stores.
Gluten Free Labeling for Fresh Success
When evaluating whether a food product is gluten free or not, one of the first places to check is the packaging label. Fresh Success potato seasoning contains an explicit “gluten free” statement on its packaging.
This clear labeling helps assure gluten free consumers that Fresh Success seasoning mixes have been produced and packaged to avoid gluten cross-contamination. The “gluten free” label must meet certain standards and regulations in most countries.
In the United States, a product with a “gluten free” claim on its packaging must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This threshold is considered safe for the majority of people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
So the presence of a “gluten free” label on Fresh Success seasoning packaging is a good initial indicator that these seasonings are likely to be gluten free.
Ingredients in Fresh Success Potato Seasoning
Looking further into the specific ingredients in Fresh Success potato seasoning also confirms that it is free of gluten-containing ingredients.
The ingredients label for the Original variety lists:
- Salt
- Potato granules
- Cornstarch
- Spices
- Natural flavor
- Parsley
- Dextrose
- Garlic powder
None of these listed ingredients contain gluten. Commonly used thickeners like cornstarch and potato starches are naturally gluten free. Salt, spices, and natural flavors are also gluten free ingredients.
The other Fresh Success varieties have similar gluten free ingredient lists, with additions like cheddar cheese powder, bacon bits, onion powder, etc. So gluten free consumers can feel comfortable that these products don’t contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye or oats.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
When a food product has naturally gluten free ingredients, the next thing to evaluate is the potential for cross-contamination with gluten. This refers to the unintended presence of gluten due to shared production equipment, processing facilities or handling practices.
Fresh Success provides some reassurance about gluten cross-contamination on their website’s FAQ section. When asked “Does your product contain gluten or wheat?”, their response states:
“Fresh Success is produced in a gluten free environment to avoid any cross-contamination for our gluten-sensitive consumers. Our products are tested to ensure they meet the FDA requirements to be labeled gluten-free.”
Following careful practices to avoid cross-contamination is an important step for any company making gluten free claims about their products. The testing Fresh Success describes should catch any significant gluten present from cross-contact.
Individual Tolerance Varies
While Fresh Success potato seasoning appears to be labeled gluten free and made in a manner to avoid cross-contamination with gluten, it’s important to note that tolerance levels are individual.
Some celiac patients and those with severe gluten sensitivities may react to even tiny amounts of gluten exposure. So there is no 100% guarantee around any product claimed to be gluten free.
Those who are highly sensitive should take their own precautions based on their comfort level with labeled gluten free products and potential cross-contamination. That may mean avoiding shared cooking equipment, utensils or appliances used for gluten-containing foods.
Verdict: Fresh Success Potato Seasoning is Gluten Free
Based on its definitive “gluten free” labeling, lack of gluten ingredients, and efforts to avoid cross-contamination, Fresh Success potato seasoning mixes can be considered gluten free.
Celiac, gluten sensitive, and gluten avoiding customers can feel good purchasing and using these gluten free labeled seasonings in their cooking. They provide a quick and tasty way to flavor potato dishes without concern over gluten exposure.
As always, those with celiac disease or wheat allergies should double check for any formula changes that could affect gluten status when buying a new package. As long as no gluten-based ingredients are introduced, Fresh Success potato seasoning remains a gluten free friendly choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fresh Success seasoning contain wheat?
No, Fresh Success potato seasoning does not contain wheat. The ingredients are all naturally gluten-free, and the product is produced in a gluten-free facility to avoid cross-contamination with wheat or other gluten sources. The packaging clearly states it is gluten-free.
What ingredients make Fresh Success potato seasoning gluten free?
Fresh Success seasonings achieve their gluten free status by using ingredients that are naturally free of gluten. This includes salt, potato granules, cornstarch, spices, and natural flavors. There are no wheat, barley, rye or oat-derived ingredients.
Is Fresh Success safe for celiac disease?
Yes, Fresh Success potato seasoning is considered safe for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity when used as labeled and prepared to avoid cross-contamination. The product meets FDA standards for containing less than 20ppm of gluten to be labeled gluten free.
Does Fresh Success seasoning contain MSG?
No, Fresh Success potato seasonings do not contain added MSG. The mixes rely on spices, potato granules, and natural flavors to provide seasoning rather than MSG for flavor enhancement.
What is the shelf life of Fresh Success potato seasoning?
Unopened packets of Fresh Success potato seasoning have a shelf life of about 2 years from the packaged date. Once opened, the seasoning mixes should be used within a year for best quality.
Gluten Free Potato Recipes with Fresh Success
Baked Potatoes
For quick and easy gluten free baked potatoes, simply wash and pierce potatoes, rub skins with oil, and sprinkle Desired amount of Fresh Success seasoning. Bake at 425F until tender, about 40-60 minutes.
Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Peel and cube potatoes, then boil until tender. Drain and mash potatoes with milk, butter, and Fresh Success seasoning to taste. Blend well and serve.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with oil and Fresh Success garlic & herb seasoning. Roast at 450F for 20-30 minutes until crisped and browned, turning occasionally.
Potato Salad
Boil cubed potatoes until just tender. Toss with chopped celery, onions, parsley, mayo, mustard, Fresh Success original seasoning, salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.
Potato Skins
Brush potato skins with oil and sprinkle with Fresh Success cheddar & bacon seasoning. Bake until crispy; top with shredded cheese, bacon bits, and scallions.
Breakfast Potatoes
Dice potatoes and fry with oil over medium heat until browned. Add Fresh Success original seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir to coat. Serve with eggs.
Nutrition Information
Fresh Success potato seasoning is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. The nutrition information per 1/4 teaspoon serving is:
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Total Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0 g | 280 mg | 1 g | 0 g |
The main nutritional attributes provided by Fresh Success potato seasoning are the dried potato, salt, and spices used in the blend. It adds a boost of flavor without significant calories or fat.
Where to Buy Fresh Success Potato Seasoning
Fresh Success potato seasoning can be found in the spice aisle at most major grocery stores in the United States and Canada. Popular retailers that carry Fresh Success mixes include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Albertsons
- ShopRite
- WinCo Foods
- Harris Teeter
Fresh Success potato seasoning is also available online from retailers like Amazon and direct from the Fresh Success website. A 2.5 oz container typically costs between $2.50-$3.50 USD.
Should You Try Fresh Success?
If you follow a gluten-free diet and enjoy potatoes, Fresh Success seasoning can be a great pantry staple. The convenience of having potato seasoning on hand can make weeknight dinners easier.
Compared to making your own homemade blend, Fresh Success provides an allergen-friendly, pre-mixed seasoning that requires no chopping, measuring, or blending of spices and herbs. Just shake, stir or sprinkle to add flavor to potatoes.
While more serious gluten avoiders may wish to stick to single-ingredient fresh herbs and spices, Fresh Success potato seasoning provides an option containing no wheat, barley, or rye ingredients.
The GFCO certification and explicit labeling make this brand a trusted choice for most gluten free diets. Overall, Fresh Success can help add zest and excitement to plain potatoes safely.