Is Everything Bagel Seasoning Gluten Free? A Spicy Deep Dive with Practical Tips!

Is Everything Bagel Seasoning Gluten Free? 🥯

If you’ve ever stared into the spice aisle wondering, “Wait, is this everything bagel seasoning actually gluten-free?”, then congratulations—you’re not alone. This tiny jar of flavor has taken the culinary world by storm, but for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, it’s a hot-button topic.

In this article, we’ll answer the burning question: Is everything bagel seasoning gluten free? Spoiler alert: sometimes yes, sometimes no. Buckle up and let’s get spicy (but not glutinous).

Table of Contents

• What Is Everything Bagel Seasoning?
• Ingredient Breakdown: What’s Inside the Jar?
• Gluten or Not? The Great Everything Bagel Debate
• Popular Brands & Their Gluten-Free Status
• DIY Alert: Make Your Own Gluten-Free Version!
• Pro Tips for Keeping It Gluten-Free in the Kitchen
• The Final Crumb: Summary & Takeaways

What Is Everything Bagel Seasoning?

You’ve probably seen it on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and maybe even your neighbor’s latte (okay, that last one might be a stretch). But what exactly is everything bagel seasoning?

It’s a magical blend of six core ingredients:

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Garlic flakes
• Onion flakes
• Salt
• Dried crushed chili flakes (sometimes!)

These ingredients mimic the flavors found on a traditional New York-style “everything bagel,” which comes topped with all the toppings—no cream cheese required (but definitely recommended).

Ingredient Breakdown: What’s Inside the Jar?

Let’s take a closer look at each component of this seasoning to see where gluten could potentially hide. While most of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination and added anti-caking agents can be sneaky little villains.

Ingredient	Naturally Gluten-Free?	Potential Gluten Sources
Sesame Seeds	✅ Yes	Cross-contamination during processing
Poppy Seeds	✅ Yes	Shared equipment, additives
Garlic Flakes	✅ Yes	Anti-caking agents, flavor enhancers
Onion Flakes	✅ Yes	Preservatives, shared lines
Salt	✅ Yes	Some brands add wheat-based additives
Chili Flakes	✅ Yes	Mix-ins like flour in some processed blends

Gluten or Not? The Great Everything Bagel Debate

So here's the big reveal: everything bagel seasoning itself is usually gluten-free. However, whether or not it’s safe for someone avoiding gluten depends entirely on how it’s made and packaged.

Some brands may use shared equipment or include gluten-containing anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. Others proudly tout their certified gluten-free status, giving peace of mind to sensitive eaters.

Why You Can’t Just Assume It’s Gluten-Free

• Cross-contamination: Many spices are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, rye, and barley.
• Additives: Some manufacturers add starches or other binding agents derived from gluten sources.
• Lack of Regulation: In the U.S., unless labeled as “gluten-free,” there’s no guarantee under 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten.

Popular Brands & Their Gluten-Free Status

To help you navigate the aisles without breaking a sweat, here’s a handy table comparing popular everything bagel seasoning brands and their gluten status:

Brand	Gluten-Free?	Certified?	Notes
McCormick	❌ No	No	May contain wheat due to shared facility
Simply Organic	✅ Yes	Yes	Certified gluten-free & organic
Anthony’s	✅ Yes	No	No gluten-containing ingredients listed
Trader Joe’s	✅ Yes	Unclear	No wheat listed, but not officially certified
Bushwick Kitchen	✅ Yes	Yes	Small-batch & gluten-free certified

DIY Alert: Make Your Own Gluten-Free Version!

Want full control over what goes into your seasoning? Whip up your own homemade version using these simple ingredients:

Homemade Gluten-Free Everything Bagel Seasoning

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp garlic granules
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix well and store in an airtight container. Boom—you've got a batch of seasoning that’s 100% gluten-free and ready to rock your avocado toast.

Pro Tips for Keeping It Gluten-Free in the Kitchen

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some pro-level tricks to keep your kitchen—and your spice rack—safely gluten-free:

• Label reading is your best friend: Always check packaging for allergen statements like “Contains: Wheat” or “Processed in a facility that also handles wheat.”
• Stick to certified brands: If you have celiac disease, only buy seasonings labeled as “certified gluten-free.”
• Avoid bulk bins: They’re often contaminated by shared scoops and open-air exposure.
• Keep your tools separate: Use dedicated cutting boards, toasters, and utensils if preparing both gluten and gluten-free foods.
• Make your own mixes: DIY spice blends eliminate the guesswork and give you bragging rights.

The Final Crumb: Summary & Takeaways

So, after all that crunching, mixing, and label-reading—is everything bagel seasoning gluten-free? Here’s the bottom line:

• Most base ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• But many commercial blends may contain gluten due to additives or cross-contamination.
• Look for certified gluten-free labels or make your own at home.
• Your health is worth a few extra minutes in the kitchen.

Whether you're spreading it on toast, sprinkling it on popcorn, or jazzing up your eggs, everything bagel seasoning can still be part of your gluten-free lifestyle—if you know what to look for.

Stay savvy, stay safe, and keep seasoning responsibly!