Does everything but the bagel seasoning have gluten?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

The standard ingredients in everything but the bagel seasoning—sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt—are all naturally gluten-free. This means that in its purest form, the spice blend does not contain gluten. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the risk of cross-contamination is a serious concern.

Quick Summary

A guide to whether everything but the bagel seasoning is safe for gluten-free diets. The basic ingredients are safe, but potential cross-contamination during manufacturing poses a risk. This article explores labeling and brand-specific details.

Key Points

Ingredient Purity: The foundational ingredients in everything but the bagel seasoning—seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion—are inherently gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The main threat for gluten-sensitive individuals is cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities.
Labeling is Key: Look for a specific "certified gluten-free" label from a trusted organization, as this indicates a product has been tested and meets strict safety standards.
Not All Brands are Equal: Brands vary in their labeling and manufacturing practices. For example, Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel seasoning is not certified gluten-free, posing a risk for celiacs.
DIY is Safest: Creating your own everything but the bagel seasoning at home using verified gluten-free ingredients is the safest and most reliable option for total control.
Hidden Gluten: Be aware that other seasoning blends might contain hidden gluten from fillers, modified food starch, or natural flavorings.

The Core Ingredients: Inherently Gluten-Free

At its heart, everything but the bagel seasoning is a simple blend of naturally gluten-free components. The primary ingredients consist of:

Sesame Seeds (both white and black)
Poppy Seeds
Dried Minced Garlic
Dried Minced Onion
Sea Salt Flakes

These plant-based ingredients do not contain gluten, making the seasoning safe for a gluten-free diet, in theory. The real challenge lies not in the core formula but in how and where the product is manufactured.

The Critical Role of Labeling and Certification

For those with celiac disease, relying solely on the ingredient list is not enough. The FDA requires that products labeled “gluten-free” contain less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten, but not all products carry this specific certification. A certified gluten-free label from a reputable third-party organization, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), provides a greater level of assurance. These certifications often indicate stricter testing and a lower threshold for acceptable gluten levels.

Understanding the Risk of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant concern in spice manufacturing. Many spice manufacturers process both gluten-containing and gluten-free products in the same facility using shared equipment. Without stringent cleaning protocols, trace amounts of gluten can find their way into a product that should otherwise be gluten-free. A product's label may include a warning like "manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat". This is a clear red flag for anyone with a severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Everything But the Bagel Brands: A Comparison

Different brands of everything but the bagel seasoning offer varying levels of assurance regarding their gluten-free status. Some explicitly label their products, while others do not.


Brand	Gluten-Free Labeling	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Trader Joe's	Not labeled gluten-free	Moderate to High (Not certified)	The basic ingredients are gluten-free, but lack of certification poses a risk for sensitive individuals.
Oh My Spice	Labeled and certified gluten-free	Low (Certified)	This product is explicitly marketed as gluten-free and manufactured with control measures to prevent cross-contamination.
SPQR Seasonings	Labeled and certified gluten-free	Low (Certified)	Certified gluten-free, keto, and vegan.
Mingle	Labeled and certified gluten-free	Low (Certified)	Uses all-natural, preservative-free ingredients and is labeled gluten-free.

Potential Hidden Gluten in Other Seasoning Blends

While everything but the bagel seasoning is often safe, many other common seasoning blends contain hidden gluten. This can be present in various forms, including anti-caking agents, fillers, flavorings, and thickeners.

Common gluten-containing additives to watch for include:

Maltodextrin: Can be derived from wheat, though it is usually corn-based. If the source is not specified, it's safer to avoid. Some spice blends and seasoned salts contain it.
Modified Food Starch: Another potential source of wheat unless the label confirms its origin. Frequently found in seasoning blends, soups, and gravy mixes.
Yeast Extract: Some versions can be a byproduct of barley brewing, a common gluten source.
Natural Flavors: The sourcing of natural flavors is often a mystery. While most are gluten-free, some can contain hidden gluten.

The DIY Solution: A Guaranteed Gluten-Free Recipe

For anyone with severe gluten sensitivities or simply seeking full control over ingredients, making your own everything but the bagel seasoning is the safest route. The recipe is incredibly simple and requires no advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp poppy seeds
2 tbsp white sesame seeds
1 tbsp black sesame seeds
1.5 tbsp dried minced garlic
1.5 tbsp dried minced onion
1 tbsp flaky sea salt

Instructions:

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir well to ensure an even mix.
Store in an airtight container for up to six months. Use only certified gluten-free ingredients to eliminate any risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the primary ingredients in everything but the bagel seasoning are naturally gluten-free. However, the potential for cross-contamination during manufacturing means that individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity must be cautious. Reading labels carefully, looking for specific gluten-free certifications from organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation, and researching specific brand practices are crucial steps. Opting for certified brands or making your own blend at home are the safest strategies to enjoy this popular seasoning without worry.

Finding a Safe Product

Ultimately, whether a product is truly gluten-free depends on more than just its core ingredients. It depends on the manufacturer's practices and labeling. By understanding the risks and knowing what to look for, you can make an informed decision and safely enjoy the delicious flavor of everything but the bagel seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the core ingredients like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and salt are all naturally gluten-free.

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel seasoning is not labeled or certified as gluten-free. While the ingredients themselves don't contain gluten, the lack of certification means there's a risk of cross-contamination for individuals with celiac disease.

The primary risk comes from cross-contamination during the manufacturing process, especially if the product is made in a facility that also handles gluten-containing ingredients.

The safest way is to look for a third-party certification seal, such as GFCO or NSF, on the product packaging. This provides a higher level of assurance than simply reading the ingredient list.

Yes, making your own at home is the safest option. Simply combine guaranteed gluten-free poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky sea salt.

Common hidden gluten sources include maltodextrin, modified food starch, and some natural flavorings, which can all be wheat-derived.

If you have celiac disease or a high sensitivity, it is not recommended to consume products that are not specifically labeled or certified gluten-free, even if the ingredients appear safe. The risk of hidden cross-contamination is too high.