Does Everything Seasoning Have Gluten in It? Your Guide to Gluten-Free Options

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), the vast majority of raw spices and herbs are naturally gluten-free; however, this doesn't mean everything seasoning has gluten in it by default. The primary risk of gluten exposure comes from manufacturing practices and potential cross-contamination with other products.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether everything bagel seasoning contains gluten. The core ingredients are gluten-free, but contamination during processing is a key concern. Guidance is provided on identifying safe, certified gluten-free products and offers a simple recipe to prepare a homemade blend.

Key Points

Ingredient Purity: The fundamental components of everything bagel seasoning, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dehydrated garlic and onion, are naturally gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The main threat of gluten exposure comes from commercial manufacturing facilities where gluten-containing products might be processed on the same equipment.
Look for Certification: For sensitive individuals, the most reliable assurance is purchasing products that are explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the allergen statement on commercial seasoning bottles for warnings about being manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat.
DIY is Safest: The most foolproof way to ensure your seasoning is 100% gluten-free is to make it yourself at home with dedicated, uncontaminated ingredients.

Is Everything Bagel Seasoning Inherently Gluten-Free?

The short answer is yes; the basic components of everything bagel seasoning are naturally gluten-free. The standard blend consists of a simple combination of ingredients, none of which contain gluten. These are typically: sesame seeds (white and black), poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. Since wheat, barley, and rye are the sources of gluten, and these are not part of the traditional recipe, a homemade blend is inherently safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Critical Risk of Cross-Contamination

The primary danger for gluten-sensitive individuals lies not in the ingredients themselves, but in how and where commercial products are manufactured. Cross-contamination can occur when products containing wheat or other gluten grains are processed on the same equipment or in the same facility as gluten-free spices.

Here’s what to look for on commercial labels:

Certified Gluten-Free Label: This is the most reliable indicator of a safe product. Certification ensures that the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten and is produced in a facility that follows strict protocols to prevent contamination.
"Manufactured in a facility with wheat" Warning: This is a red flag for individuals with celiac disease. While it may not indicate the product itself has gluten, the risk of accidental exposure is too high for many to chance.
Unlabeled Products: If a spice mix doesn't contain a gluten-free label, and you are highly sensitive to gluten, it is best to avoid it unless you can contact the manufacturer to confirm their processing procedures.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Everything Seasoning

For complete peace of mind, making your own everything seasoning at home is the safest bet. It's incredibly simple and allows for complete control over ingredients and preparation to avoid any gluten exposure.

Simple Homemade Everything Seasoning Recipe

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir well until the mixture is evenly distributed.
Transfer to an airtight container or a spice shaker for easy use.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

This method guarantees that your seasoning is made with only gluten-free ingredients and equipment, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination.

Comparison of Everything Seasoning Options


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Commercial Brand	Standard Commercial Brand	Homemade Blend
Cost	Can be higher due to certification	Generally affordable	Lowest cost per serving
Ingredient Control	Excellent; ingredients verified	Variable; depends on brand	Complete; you choose all ingredients
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Very low to negligible	High potential for sensitive individuals	Zero, with proper kitchen hygiene
Convenience	Ready-to-use	Ready-to-use	Requires a few minutes of preparation
Freshness	Good, but pre-packaged	Good, but pre-packaged	Freshest, made on demand

Best Practices for a Gluten-Free Kitchen

Beyond just the seasoning, those managing gluten intolerance must be vigilant in the kitchen to prevent cross-contamination. Here are some key practices:

Separate Utensils and Tools: Use dedicated measuring spoons and mixing bowls for gluten-free ingredients. Even a small particle of flour can trigger a reaction.
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly: Countertops and cutting boards must be meticulously cleaned and sanitized after preparing any food containing gluten.
Dedicated Storage: Keep gluten-free spices, flours, and other items in a separate cupboard or clearly marked containers to avoid mix-ups.

The Popularity of Everything Seasoning

The "everything" bagel seasoning gained massive popularity, particularly with the rise of Trader Joe's version, because it adds a versatile burst of savory, crunchy flavor to nearly any dish. Beyond bagels, it is frequently used on avocado toast, eggs, roasted vegetables, dips, and even popcorn. Its rise reflects a broader trend of consumers seeking simple, yet flavorful ways to enhance home cooking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the core ingredients of everything seasoning are naturally gluten-free, the potential for cross-contamination during commercial production is a significant risk for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. The safest route for these individuals is to either purchase a product explicitly labeled as certified gluten-free or to easily prepare a homemade version. By being mindful of manufacturing practices and maintaining a clean kitchen environment, you can enjoy the delicious, savory flavor of everything seasoning without compromising your dietary health. To ensure you are buying from a reputable source, review the American Spice Trade Association's best practices.(https://astaspice.org/advocacy/adulteration-contamination-prevention)

Frequently Asked Questions

Trader Joe's Everything But The Bagel seasoning does not contain gluten ingredients, but the brand does not label it as certified gluten-free, so cross-contamination remains a potential risk for highly sensitive individuals.

The classic everything seasoning is a blend of sesame seeds (both black and white), poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse sea salt.

The best way to be sure is to look for a product with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from a reputable organization. Alternatively, making the blend at home guarantees full control over the ingredients.

Many brands offer gluten-free versions, including McCormick's Everything Bagel All Purpose Seasoning and products from manufacturers like Mingle and Oh My Spice, which are often labeled gluten-free.

Yes, you can substitute the seeds with alternatives. For example, some recipes use hemp seeds or chia seeds for a similar texture and nutritional profile, though the flavor will differ slightly.

If you have celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, it is safest to avoid the product due to the unknown risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. For less sensitive individuals, the risk may be lower, but caution is still advised.

Certified gluten-free spice manufacturers follow strict protocols, including dedicated equipment, separate production areas, and thorough cleaning procedures, to ensure no gluten comes into contact with the spices.