What Brand of Sesame Seeds are Gluten-Free for Celiac Disease?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

While sesame seeds are naturally gluten-free, a significant risk of cross-contamination exists during processing, which can pose a severe threat for those with celiac disease. Choosing a brand that is explicitly certified gluten-free is crucial for safety, ensuring the product is free from any wheat, barley, or rye residue.

Quick Summary

Pure sesame seeds are free of gluten, but accidental cross-contamination is a major concern. Individuals with celiac disease must select products from brands with certified gluten-free practices to ensure safety. Always check for third-party certification logos on packaging to avoid gluten exposure.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free: Sesame seeds do not contain gluten on their own, but cross-contamination is a significant risk.
Seek Certification: Look for third-party certifications, such as the GFCO logo, which indicates the product has been tested and verified to be safe from gluten contamination.
Trusted Brands: Reputable brands like Anthony's, Yupik, and Terrasoul Superfoods offer certified gluten-free sesame seeds.
Avoid Bulk Bins: Bulk bins pose a high risk of cross-contamination and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease.
Check Processing Information: Always read labels to see if a product was processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains. Some brands disclose their facility practices.
Watch for Added Ingredients: Be cautious of flavored or seasoned sesame products, as additional ingredients might contain gluten.

The Importance of Certified Gluten-Free Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds, derived from the Sesamum indicum plant, are naturally free of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, this natural status does not guarantee safety for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. The primary concern is cross-contamination, which can occur at various stages, including harvesting, transportation, or processing in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains. For this reason, relying on a product simply labeled "naturally gluten-free" can be risky. To ensure safety, a dedicated gluten-free processing facility or a certified product is the gold standard.

Leading Certified Gluten-Free Sesame Seed Brands

Several brands recognize the need for stringent gluten-free standards and offer products suitable for a sensitive diet. By looking for specific labeling and certifications, consumers can confidently choose safe options.

Anthony's Goods

Anthony's is a brand known for its commitment to providing tested and verified allergen-safe products. Their hulled sesame seeds are batch-tested to confirm their gluten-free status, giving peace of mind to consumers with celiac disease. Their commitment to quality and transparency makes them a reliable choice.

Yupik

Yupik offers a variety of sesame seed products that are clearly labeled gluten-free. They often provide organic and unroasted options, appealing to a wide range of culinary needs while maintaining high-quality allergen control measures. Their labeling makes it straightforward for consumers to identify safe products.

Terrasoul Superfoods

Terrasoul Superfoods provides organic hulled sesame seeds that are marked as gluten-free. This brand focuses on raw, minimally processed superfoods, and their dedication to sourcing and processing ensures a product that is safe and high-quality. Like other certified brands, they provide clear allergen information on their packaging.

Morton & Bassett Spices

For those seeking smaller quantities for seasoning, Morton & Bassett offers gluten-free sesame seeds. This brand is well-regarded for its spice and seasoning range and is a reliable option for ensuring your spices are free from gluten cross-contamination.

Bob's Red Mill

While best known for its wide array of gluten-free flours and baking products, Bob's Red Mill also addresses cross-contamination concerns on its packaging and articles. For seeds, they strongly recommend checking the label and avoiding bulk bins, emphasizing the brand's attention to safe processing environments for their dedicated gluten-free line.

The Role of Certification Logos

Third-party certifications provide an extra layer of confidence when purchasing gluten-free products. Organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) set strict standards for gluten testing and production protocols. A product bearing the GFCO logo, which requires testing at a threshold of 10 ppm or less, indicates that the brand has undergone a rigorous process to ensure safety. Always look for these logos on the packaging of any seed products.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination Risks

Beyond selecting a trusted brand, consumers should be vigilant about potential contamination in other environments. Bulk bins at grocery stores are a prime source of cross-contamination, as scoops are often used across different products, including those containing gluten. Purchasing pre-packaged, sealed products from certified brands is the safest approach. When dining out, confirming with the restaurant's staff about their handling of sesame seeds and tahini is essential, as these can also be exposed to gluten during food preparation.

A Comparison of Certified Gluten-Free Sesame Seed Brands


Brand	Certification Status	Common Varieties	Key Feature	Best For
Anthony's Goods	Batch Tested & Verified Gluten Free	Hulled, Unhulled, Black	Comprehensive testing policy	All-around reliability
Yupik	Labeled Gluten-Free, Kosher	Natural, Organic, Raw	Clear labeling for safety	Wide variety of options
Terrasoul Superfoods	Labeled Gluten-Free, Organic	Hulled, Raw, Organic	Focus on clean, raw foods	Organic purists
Morton & Bassett	Certified Gluten-Free	Seed, Tahini	Excellent for seasonings	Spice rack staples
Bob's Red Mill	Dedicated GF Facility	Multiple products	Strict facility standards	Dedicated gluten-free baking

Conclusion

While sesame seeds themselves are naturally gluten-free, the potential for cross-contamination makes selecting a brand with certified gluten-free practices a non-negotiable for individuals with celiac disease. Brands like Anthony's, Yupik, Terrasoul, and Morton & Bassett have taken the necessary steps to provide safe products, verified through third-party testing or strict production protocols. By seeking out these certified brands, reading labels diligently, and avoiding high-risk scenarios like bulk bins, those on a gluten-free diet can confidently enjoy the nutritional benefits of sesame seeds without compromising their health. For more information on certified gluten-free products, visiting the Gluten Intolerance Group is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While the sesame seed itself is naturally gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination during processing, packaging, or handling is a major concern. Always look for brands that are certified gluten-free to ensure safety.

Cross-contamination occurs when sesame seeds are grown, transported, or processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. Shared equipment can transfer gluten particles to the seeds.

The GFCO is a third-party organization that tests products to ensure they meet stringent gluten-free standards, typically less than 10 ppm gluten. Products with the GFCO logo are considered safe for celiac patients.

No, if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, you should avoid purchasing sesame seeds from bulk bins. There is a high risk that the seeds have come into contact with gluten-containing products via shared scoops or airborne particles.

Some reliable brands include Anthony's Goods, Yupik, and Terrasoul Superfoods, which explicitly label and often test their sesame seeds for gluten to prevent cross-contamination.

The hull of a sesame seed does not affect its gluten-free status. The risk of contamination is still the same as with hulled seeds. The key is to verify the brand's production practices and look for certification.

Pure tahini, made only from sesame seeds, is naturally gluten-free. However, the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing remains. Always check the label for a certified gluten-free logo, especially if you have celiac disease.