Everything bagel spice is useful beyond bagels. But is everything bagel seasoning gluten-free? Read on to learn the facts and an easy 5-minute homemade recipe so you can make a safe blend at home.
When following a gluten-free diet, some unexpected products can contain gluten, so it’s important to check labels carefully. Items like frozen French fries or bouillon sometimes include wheat-derived ingredients or are processed in facilities that handle gluten. For that reason many people prefer making seasonings and condiments at home where they control the ingredients—examples include homemade gluten-free ranch or BBQ seasoning mixes.
But what about a spice mix like everything bagel seasoning? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Everything Bagel Seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is a simple spice blend usually made from dried minced garlic, dehydrated onion flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and coarse or flaky salt. The blend gained widespread popularity after several retail brands released their versions and it quickly became a pantry staple. Beyond topping bagels, it’s commonly used on avocado toast, eggs, hummus, popcorn, breakfast bowls, and more.
Is Everything Bagel Seasoning Gluten-Free?
In general, everything bagel seasoning is inherently gluten-free because its usual components—salt, dried garlic, dried onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds—do not contain gluten. Major celiac organizations note that raw spices, seasonings, and herbs made from plants are normally gluten-free. That said, you should always read the product label of any prepared seasoning to confirm no wheat, barley, or rye ingredients have been added.
Two issues to watch for:
- Added ingredients: Some blends could include maltodextrin or other additives derived from gluten-containing grains, so check the ingredient list.
- Cross-contact: Manufacturing lines or facilities that process wheat can lead to cross-contact. If this is a concern, look for a clear allergen statement or a certified gluten-free label, or avoid products that state they were made in a facility that handles wheat.
If a product doesn’t carry a gluten-free label but lists only gluten-free ingredients and has no allergen warning, each person must decide whether they are comfortable with that level of risk. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly for clarity about their processes.
Be Wary of Misleading Information
You may find claims online suggesting manufacturers collect spices that fall off freshly baked bagels and package them as everything bagel seasoning. There is no evidence this happens in commercial production. Large-scale spice blends are mixed from raw spices and seeds, and if wheat were present the product would require an allergen declaration. Treat such anecdotes with skepticism—sometimes they arise from misunderstanding the origin of the bagel versus how spice blends are produced.
Gluten-Free Brands
Many brands offer everything bagel seasoning that is either labeled gluten-free or contains no gluten ingredients. Below are examples of brands that commonly offer gluten-free products; availability and labeling can change, so always confirm current packaging before purchasing.
Labeled or Certified Gluten-Free
- Badia
- McCormick
- Newman’s Own
- Noble Made (certified gluten-free)
- Great Value (Walmart)
- Watkins
No Gluten-Containing Ingredients or Allergen Warnings
- Olde Thompson
- Private Selection (Kroger)
- Sam’s Choice
- Simple Truth Organic (Kroger)
- Stonemill (Aldi)
- Trader Joe’s
Brands to Avoid
- 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods): The label indicates it is made in a facility with wheat, so it may pose a cross-contact risk for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
Ingredients in Everything Bagel Seasoning
If you’d rather make your own everything bagel seasoning, it’s quick and requires only a few pantry items. Typical ingredients:
- Dried minced garlic (coarse dehydrated garlic, not garlic powder or garlic salt)
- Dried minced onion or flakes (not onion powder)
- White and/or black sesame seeds (use white if black are hard to source)
- Poppy seeds
- Flaky sea salt (kosher salt works in a pinch, but flakes give the best texture)
These straightforward ingredients make it easy to control quality and avoid unwanted additives.
How to Make Your Own
Homemade everything bagel seasoning is as simple as measuring and mixing your ingredients. If you like, lightly toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor.
To toast sesame seeds: Warm a small skillet over low–medium heat and toast the seeds, stirring frequently, for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and cool before mixing.
Combine the sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, poppy seeds, and flaky sea salt in a small bowl and stir to blend evenly. Transfer to an airtight jar or spice bottle. Stored at room temperature, the blend keeps well for at least six months and up to a year; it won’t spoil quickly but will slowly lose potency over time.
Everything Bagel Seasoning FAQs
Generally no. The typical mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and sea salt does not include gluten. Always read labels to check for added wheat, barley, or rye and for allergen warnings about shared facilities.
Trader Joe’s version does not list gluten-containing ingredients, though it is not labeled “gluten-free.” If you need certified gluten-free, check packaging or contact the company.
Aldi’s private label version typically does not contain gluten ingredients, but it may not be labeled gluten-free. Verify the current label for any facility allergen statements if cross-contact is a concern.
Gluten-Free Recipes Perfect for Everything Bagel Seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning adds great flavor to many gluten-free recipes. Try it on homemade gluten-free bagels, avocado toast, soft pretzel bites, burger buns, or sprinkled over popcorn and salads for a savory boost.
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Two-Ingredient Bagels: Easy and Gluten-Free
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Easy Homemade Gluten-Free Bagels
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Gluten-Free Hamburger Buns
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Easy Gluten-Free Soft Pretzel Bites
Recipe
Gluten-Free Everything Bagel Seasoning
Katie Olesen
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons white or black sesame seeds (or equal parts of both)
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced garlic (not garlic powder)
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion (not onion powder)
- 4 teaspoons flaky sea salt
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Instructions
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Toast the sesame seeds: Place sesame seeds in a small skillet over low–medium heat and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. (Skip this step if using pre-toasted sesame seeds.)
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Add the sesame seeds and remaining ingredients to a small bowl and mix to combine.
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Store the seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature.
Estimated Nutrition
Calories: 11kcal
Sodium: 146mg
Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s perspective for educational purposes and is not medical or nutritional advice. Consult a medical professional for personalized guidance. Ingredient information can change—always check product labels for the most current details.