Commonly used for decorative purposes or in Asian cuisine, sesame seeds are high in nutrients and healthy fats. But now that we’re thinking about it, are sesame seeds gluten-free?
Sesame seeds are naturally gluten-free. However, always check for the gluten-free certification as some brands process sesame seeds in a factory where cross-contamination is possible. Brands like Sushi Chef and Badia are two brands that hold certified gluten-free labeling. The best gluten-free alternatives to sesame seeds include Thrive Market Sunflower Seeds and Bob’s Red Mill Brown Flax Seeds.
Checking to make sure your products contain gluten-free labeling is the safest way to prevent trace gluten from cross-contamination in the manufacturing process. We’ve provided brands that have that label while also showing which brands do not in order to expand awareness to those with major gluten allergies and sensitivities. Let’s get started!
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Are Sesame Seeds Healthy?
Sesame seeds are great for you and have been used for thousands of years in folk medicine. Sesame seeds provide benefits such as lowering cholesterol and triglycerides which are risk factors for heart disease, lowering blood pressure, supporting healthy bones, reduce inflammation, aid blood cell formation, helping blood sugar control, support the immune system, soothes arthritic knee pain, support thyroid health, and aid hormone balance during menopause.
Sesame seeds are high in fiber, plant protein, and a great source of B vitamins. Of course, you’d need to eat this nutritious food in greater portions to receive the vast amount of benefits it provides the body. Just be cautious as they are high in calories and fat.
Nutritional Facts for Sesame Seeds
Sushi Chef, Tuxedo Sesame Seed
Sushi Chef’s Tuxedo Sesame Seeds are gluten-free and safe to consume. This product is used in premium restaurants around the world due to the carefully selected, high-quality ingredients that are presented with each bite.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- White Sesame Seeds
- Black Sesame Seeds
- Gluten-free
- Sugar-free
- Salt-free
- Lactose-free
- Wheat-free
Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp, 30g):
- Calories- 180
- Total Fat- 17g
- Total Carbs- 5g
- Protein- 6g
Bob’s Red Mill, White Hulled Sesame Seed
Though famous for its gluten-free products, Bob’s Red Mill White Hulled Sesame Seeds do not contain the “gluten-free” label. This product does not contain any gluten ingredients, so the warning would be for any trace gluten from cross-contamination.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Sesame Seeds
- Non-GMO
- Keto-friendly
- Vegan
- Paleo-friendly
- Kosher
Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp, 29g):
- Calories- 180
- Total Fat- 13g
- Total Carbs- 7g
- Protein- 7g
Badia, Sesame Seed
These Sesame Seeds by Badia are certified gluten-free, containing no sodium. Hulled sesame seeds, like these, are typically used for decoration on different types of bread and rolls.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Sesame Seeds
- Kosher
- Gluten-free
- MSG-free
- Sodium-free
Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp, 29g):
- Calories- 180
- Total Fat- 13g
- Total Carbs- 7g
- Protein- 7g
Good and Gather, Sesame Seeds
It is to note that for these Sesame Seeds by Good and Gather, though the product itself does not contain any of the 8 major allergens, which includes wheat, that the product itself is not certified gluten-free. It is up to the individual on whether they wish to consume this product, though there may be a threat of cross-contamination with this product’s ingredients.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Sesame Seeds
- Kosher
- DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE 8 MAJOR ALLERGENS
Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp, 29g):
- Calories- 180
- Total Fat- 13g
- Total Carbs- 7g
- Protein- 7g
Thrive Market, Organic Sesame Seeds
It is to note that for these Sesame Seeds by Good and Gather, though the product itself does not contain any of the 8 major allergens, which includes wheat, that the product itself is not certified gluten-free. It is up to the individual on whether they wish to consume this product, though there may be a threat of cross-contamination with this product’s ingredients.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Organic Sesame Seeds
- Kosher
- Organic
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Preservative-free
- Non-GMO
Nutrition Facts (per ¼ tsp, 0.9g):
- Calories- 5
- Total Fat- 0.5g
- Total Carbs- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Spicely, Organic Black Sesame Seeds
These Organic Black Sesame Seeds by Spicely are certified gluten-free and organic! Used in many different types of cuisines for their signature nutty flavor, these black sesame seeds have slightly more nutty flavor than it’s other counterparts, which can be enhanced when toasted.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Organic Black Sesame Seeds
- Dairy-free
- Kosher
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- USDA Organic
- Keto-friendly
- Paleo-friendly
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tbsp):
- Calories- 52
- Total Fat- 4.5g
- Total Carbs- 2.1g
- Protein- 1.596g
Spicely, Organic White Sesame Seeds
These Organic White Sesame Seeds by Spicely are certified gluten-free and organic! Rich and nutty in flavor, these Organic White Sesame Seeds can strengthen flavor or simply be used as a garnish in an array of dishes.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Organic White Sesame Seeds
- Dairy-free
- Kosher
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- USDA Organic
- Keto-friendly
- Paleo-friendly
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tbsp):
- Calories- 52
- Total Fat- 4.5g
- Total Carbs- 2.1g
- Protein- 1.596g
Healthy Gluten-Free Alternatives to Sesame Seeds
Trader Joe’s, Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
It is to note that though this Everything But The Bagel Seasoning by Trader Joe’s does not contain any gluten ingredients it does not hold the certified gluten-free label. It is up to the individual on whether they wish to consume this product, though there may be a threat of cross-contamination with this product’s ingredients.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- White Sesame Seeds
- Sea Salt Flakes
- Dried Minced Garlic
- Dried Minced Onion
- Black Sesame Seeds
- Poppy Seeds
Nutrition Facts (per ¼ tsp, 1g):
- Calories- 5
- Total Fat- 0g
- Total Carbs- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Simply Organic, Organic Everything Blend
Simply Organic’s Organic Everything Blend does not contain any gluten ingredients but it does not contain the certified gluten-free label. Simply Organic has stated on their website that though “spices and herbs are naturally gluten-free”, they “do not test for gluten in all products” which may be present in either their or their supplier’s facilities. It is up to the individual on whether they wish to consume this product, though there may be a threat of cross-contamination with this product’s ingredients.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Organic Sesame Seed
- Organic Garlic
- Sea Salt
- Organic Toasted Onion
- Organic Black Sesame Seed
- Organic Poppy Seed
- USDA Organic
Nutrition Facts (per ¼ tsp, 1g):
- Calories- 5
- Total Fat- 0g
- Total Carbs- 0g
- Protein- 0g
Bob’s Red Mill, Brown Flax Seeds
These Brown Flax Seeds by Bob’s Red Mill are certified gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. These healthy seeds contain important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lignans, fiber, and protein.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Whole Flaxseed
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Paleo-friendly
- Vegan
Nutrition Facts (per 3 tbsp, 31g):
- Calories- 170
- Total Fat- 11g
- Total Carbs- 10g
- Protein- 6g
Thrive Market, Organic Sunflower Seeds
These Organic Sunflower Seeds by Thrive Market do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients but they have been manufactured in a facility that processes wheat (gluten) products. It is up to the individual on whether they wish to consume this product, though there may be a threat of cross-contamination with this product’s ingredients.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Organic Raw Hulled Sunflower Seed Kernels
- Keto-friendly
- Organic
- Paleo-friendly
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Grain-free
- Preservative-free
Nutrition Facts (per ¼ Cup, 30g):
- Calories- 180
- Total Fat- 12g
- Total Carbs- 6g
- Protein- 6g
Sunfood, Organic Milled Flax Seeds
These Organic Milled Flax Seeds by Sunfood are gluten-free, organic, and ready to be added to your superfood smoothies. Sunfood uses specially cultivated and harvested flax seeds that are certified organic and non-GMO. The process of grinding flaxseed into powder helps release nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients for this flavor include:
- Certified Organic Brown Flaxseed
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
- Vegan
- USDA Organic
- Paleo-friendly
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tbsp, 7g):
- Calories- 37
- Total Fat- 3g
- Total Carbs- 2g
- Protein- 1g
Related Questions
What is sesame seed oil?
Sesame seed oil is, you guessed it, made from sesame seeds! Having been in use for thousands of years for its power to boost flavor and raise the health benefits of dishes. Some of the benefits of sesame seed oil include: supporting heart health, relieving inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing chronic pain, and improving skin and hair health.
What’s a delicious sesame seed chicken recipe?
In a Ziploc bag, combine ¾ cup soy sauce, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup water, 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1 minced garlic clove, and 4 bone-in chicken breast halves. Seal the bag and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, drain and discard the marinade and grill the chicken, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes at medium heat.
What are some sesame seed snacks?
If you head to Yummly, for their 10 Best Sesame Seed Snacks Recipes, you’ll find all sorts of innovating and delicious snack recipes with sesame seeds! I personally enjoy adding sesame seeds to buddha bowls, sushi, and my sushi rice, for an extra punch of flavor and health benefits.