Does everything seasoning have gluten? A crucial guide for sensitive diets

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

The core components of classic everything seasoning—sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and dried onion—are inherently gluten-free. However, for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, the more complex question, "Does everything seasoning have gluten?", requires careful consideration of manufacturing processes and label certification.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether everything seasoning contains gluten by examining its ingredients and manufacturing risks like cross-contamination. It explains how to interpret product labels, highlights specific brand safety, and offers a homemade alternative for those adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Ingredient Composition: The primary ingredients in everything seasoning—seeds, dried onion, garlic, and salt—are naturally gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The main gluten risk in commercial everything seasoning comes from processing in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, or rye.
Check Labels for Safety: Always look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" label for the highest assurance of safety, especially if you have celiac disease.
Brand Variations: Not all brands are the same; while McCormick offers a certified gluten-free version, Trader Joe's version is not labeled as such, despite having naturally gluten-free ingredients.
DIY is Safest: The most reliable way to ensure your seasoning is 100% gluten-free is to mix it yourself using uncontaminated, individual ingredients.
Versatility for Gluten-Free Diet: Everything seasoning can be a delicious and safe flavor enhancer for many gluten-free dishes, including eggs, avocado toast, and roasted vegetables, when the source is confirmed as safe.

The Gluten Question: Ingredients vs. Production

At its simplest, everything bagel seasoning is a blend of seeds and dried spices. The standard ingredients are:

White and/or black sesame seeds
Poppy seeds
Dried minced garlic
Dried minced onion
Flaky sea salt

These individual ingredients are all naturally gluten-free, as they are derived from plants and do not contain wheat, barley, or rye. In theory, a homemade version of everything seasoning is completely safe for a gluten-free diet. The complication arises with commercially produced versions, where the manufacturing environment can introduce gluten into the product through cross-contamination. This is particularly critical for people with celiac disease, where even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine.

The risk of cross-contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-containing products, like wheat flour, are processed on the same equipment or in the same facility as naturally gluten-free ingredients. This can happen at any stage, from harvesting and processing to packaging. For someone with celiac disease, relying solely on an ingredients list is not enough. The packaging must also include a warning statement about shared facilities or, ideally, be explicitly certified gluten-free.

Navigating Labels: A Celiac's Guide

Understanding food labeling is the most crucial step for anyone following a gluten-free diet. While brands may state a product is gluten-free, a third-party certification offers the highest level of assurance.

Certified Gluten-Free: This label is issued by independent organizations after a product and its manufacturing process have been rigorously tested to meet strict standards for gluten content, typically less than 20 parts per million (ppm). Examples include McCormick's Everything Bagel All Purpose Seasoning.

Gluten-Free Ingredients, Not Certified: Some products, like the original Trader Joe's Everything but The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend, list no gluten-containing ingredients but do not carry a certified label. For many, this is acceptable, but for those with celiac disease who are very sensitive, the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment remains a concern. Always check the ingredients and allergen warnings, which may state, "Manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat".

Homemade: The only 100% risk-free option is to make your own seasoning at home. This allows you to source your own ingredients and control the preparation environment, eliminating any chance of cross-contamination.

Everything Seasoning Brands: A Comparison

This table outlines the gluten-free status of several popular everything seasoning brands based on publicly available information and search results.


Brand	Gluten-Free Label/Certification	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
McCormick	Yes, Certified Gluten-Free	Very Low	Explicitly labeled and safe for celiac disease.
Trader Joe's	No, not labeled gluten-free	Possible	Ingredients are naturally GF, but the lack of certification means a risk of cross-contamination exists for sensitive individuals.
Mingle	Yes, Certified Gluten-Free	Very Low	Clearly labeled gluten-free with all-natural ingredients.
Oh My Spice	Yes, Certified Gluten-Free	Very Low	Advertised as gluten-free and processed with clean ingredients.
Badia	Yes, Labeled Gluten-Free	Low	Some products, like the large Everything Bagel Seasoning, are explicitly marked gluten-free.
Homemade	Yes, 100% Guaranteed	Zero	The safest option. Requires sourcing individual, certified gluten-free ingredients.

The DIY Solution: Making Your Own Everything Seasoning

For those who need to eliminate all risk, making a homemade version is simple and cost-effective. You can ensure every component is from a safe, uncontaminated source. You will need:

1/4 cup white sesame seeds
1/4 cup poppy seeds
2 tbsp dried minced garlic
2 tbsp dried minced onion
2 tsp flaky sea salt
Optional: 1/4 cup black sesame seeds for color and nuttiness

Instructions: Simply combine all ingredients in an airtight jar. Shake well to mix thoroughly. The seasoning can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. For extra flavor, you can toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet before mixing.

Using Your Safe Everything Seasoning

The versatility of this seasoning is what makes it so popular. Beyond bagels, it can add texture and flavor to a wide variety of dishes on a gluten-free diet:

Sprinkle on eggs: Perfect for scrambled eggs, omelets, and deviled eggs.
Enhance avocado toast: A classic combination that is naturally gluten-free when paired with gluten-free bread.
Top roasted vegetables: Sprinkle on cauliflower, broccoli, or asparagus for a savory crunch.
Flavor dips and spreads: Stir into cream cheese, hummus, or Greek yogurt for a party-ready dip.
Bread meat: Mix with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a coating on chicken or pork.
Season popcorn: A tasty alternative to plain salt and butter.

Conclusion

While the raw ingredients in everything seasoning are naturally gluten-free, the question Does everything seasoning have gluten? is only definitively answered by checking the label. For individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity, the risk of cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities makes relying on a Certified Gluten-Free label essential. Brands like McCormick and Mingle provide safe, certified options. For the most stringent control, a simple homemade recipe guarantees a completely gluten-free and delicious seasoning blend. Always read labels carefully, especially the allergen statements, to make an informed choice that supports your nutritional needs.

Beyond Celiac: Safe Spices and Seasonings

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard components like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky salt are all naturally gluten-free.

Cross-contamination is a concern because many spice companies process a variety of products, including those with gluten, on shared equipment. This can introduce trace amounts of gluten into the seasoning, which can affect individuals with celiac disease.

Trader Joe's popular Everything but The Bagel seasoning is not labeled gluten-free, even though its ingredients list does not contain gluten. For people with celiac disease, this lack of certification means the risk of cross-contamination cannot be ruled out.

Several brands, including McCormick's Everything Bagel All Purpose Seasoning and Oh My Spice, are explicitly labeled or certified as gluten-free, indicating they are safe for a celiac diet.

The most certain method is to purchase a product with a third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' label. For complete control, you can make a homemade blend from individual ingredients that you confirm are free from cross-contamination risks.

Yes, making your own is the safest method. You can mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic and onion, and flaky salt to create a completely gluten-free version tailored to your preferences.

In addition to the ingredients list, always check for an allergen statement. This may disclose if the product was manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat, rye, or barley.