Does Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Have Nuts?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official product ingredients list from Trader Joe's, Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend does not contain nuts as a primary ingredient. Despite this, the seasoning's popularity has led to many store-brand variations, so it's crucial to check labels carefully to confirm if everything but the bagel seasoning has nuts.

Quick Summary

Ingredient analysis of popular Everything But The Bagel seasonings reveals common components like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and salt, but not nuts. Cross-contamination risk, while typically low, can be a concern for severe nut allergies, requiring careful label-reading and consideration of manufacturer disclaimers. Specific brand information and alternatives are highlighted.

Key Points

No Nuts in Standard Recipe: The classic Everything But The Bagel seasoning blend, including Trader Joe's version, does not list peanuts or tree nuts in its core ingredients.
Allergen Warning is Crucial: Always check the product label for specific allergen warnings, as manufacturers may use shared equipment or facilities that also process nuts.
Sesame is an Allergen: While not a nut, sesame is a common allergen present in EBTB seasoning that some individuals must avoid.
Homemade is the Safest: For those with severe nut allergies, making your own seasoning at home from verified nut-free ingredients is the most secure option.
Manufacturing Risks Vary: Cross-contamination protocols differ between brands; store-brand or generic versions may have different risks than major labels. Always investigate thoroughly.
Labels can Change: Ingredient lists and allergen disclaimers can be updated by manufacturers, so checking the label on every purchase is a vital safety habit.

Common Ingredients in Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

Everything But The Bagel (EBTB) seasoning is a popular condiment known for its savory flavor profile. The standard blend is inspired by the topping found on everything bagels and is generally free of tree nuts and peanuts. However, understanding the exact composition is key, especially for those with severe allergies. The core ingredients are consistent across many brands, including the popular version from Trader Joe's.

Poppy Seeds: Adds a slight crunch and distinctive earthy flavor.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (White and/or Black): Provides a nutty, toasted flavor and satisfying texture. Sesame is a significant allergen for some individuals, though it is not classified as a tree nut.
Dried Minced Garlic: Contributes a pungent, savory garlic flavor.
Dried Minced Onion: Adds a classic savory onion taste.
Flaky Sea Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and provides a salty kick.

While this list contains no nuts, the presence of sesame seeds is an important consideration for those with sesame allergies. The manufacturing process is another factor to consider when evaluating cross-contamination risks.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

Even if a product's recipe is nut-free, there is a possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing. This occurs when a product is processed on the same equipment or in the same facility as other products containing nuts. For individuals with severe nut allergies, this can be a significant concern. Most reputable manufacturers, including Trader Joe's, provide allergen information on their packaging. A label might state, 'May contain traces of peanuts and tree nuts' or 'Made in a facility that also processes tree nuts.' These warnings are critical for mitigating risk. Always check the packaging for these disclaimers, as they are the most reliable source of information regarding allergen protocols.

Everything Bagel Seasoning Brand Comparison

This table compares the ingredients and allergen warnings of popular Everything Bagel seasonings to help consumers make informed decisions.


Brand	Core Ingredients	Nut Allergens	Additional Allergen Info
Trader Joe's	Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds, Dried Onion, Dried Garlic, Sea Salt	None listed	Not specifically manufactured on nut-free lines, but no nuts are in the formula. Check label for 'May contain' warnings.
McCormick	Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds, Dehydrated Garlic, Dehydrated Onion, Salt	None listed in ingredients	Follows rigorous allergen controls; check specific product labels for 'Produced in a facility...' statements.
Private Label/Store Brands	Varies by store; generally similar to above	None listed, but caution is advised	Allergen procedures vary widely. Always check the specific package for warnings regarding shared equipment or facilities.
Homemade	Your choice of ingredients	None, if you control the source	Eliminates all cross-contamination risk, provided ingredients are sourced from nut-free suppliers.

Finding Nut-Free Alternatives and Safely Using EBTB

If you have a nut allergy and want to be absolutely certain of safety, consider these options:

Read the Label Every Time: Ingredient lists and allergen warnings can change without notice. Make it a habit to read the label of any product you buy, even if it's a familiar item.
Contact the Manufacturer: For high-risk allergies, contacting the company directly is the safest approach. They can provide the most current and specific information about their manufacturing processes.
Make Your Own Seasoning: A homemade version offers complete control over ingredients and preparation. By sourcing individual ingredients from nut-free suppliers, you can eliminate cross-contamination risk entirely. This is the safest method for severe allergies.
Use a Certified Nut-Free Alternative: Some brands specialize in allergen-free products and are explicitly certified as nut-free. A quick search online can help you find companies that cater to this market.

Conclusion

In summary, the standard, traditional recipe for everything but the bagel seasoning does not contain nuts. However, the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing is a valid concern for individuals with nut allergies. Always be diligent about reading product labels for specific allergen warnings, especially for store-brand or private-label versions. The most foolproof solution for those with severe sensitivities is to create a homemade blend, ensuring total control over the ingredients and process. Your safety is paramount, so always verify the product's allergen information before consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trader Joe's official ingredients list for their Everything But The Bagel seasoning does not include peanuts or tree nuts. However, always review the packaging for 'may contain' warnings related to shared manufacturing facilities for those with severe allergies.

Yes, there is a risk of cross-contamination if the seasoning is produced in a facility that also handles nuts. Manufacturers are required to list potential allergens, so check the label for disclaimers about shared equipment.

No, sesame is a seed and is not botanically related to tree nuts or peanuts. However, sesame is recognized as a major food allergen and requires labeling, so people with sesame allergies must avoid products containing it.

To ensure a 100% nut-free seasoning, you can easily make a homemade version. By purchasing individual nut-free certified ingredients (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and salt) from reputable sources, you control the entire process.

If a brand, particularly a lesser-known one, does not clearly state its allergen protocols, it is best to assume a risk of cross-contamination. Contacting the manufacturer directly is recommended for specific safety information.

For severe nut allergies, it is safest to assume a risk of cross-contamination unless the product is explicitly certified or labeled as manufactured in a nut-free facility. A homemade version is the safest option.

No, while the core components are similar, ingredients can vary slightly between brands. For instance, some might use different types of salt or adjust the ratios. Always check the ingredients list for the specific product you are buying.