Grocery Finds

Always beware at the Grocery Store, never assume it’s gluten free unless it’s labeled. 

We really like some of Trader Joe’s spices and it recently came to our attention that many of their spices may contain gluten. 

Of course it depends on your level of sensitivity, but for many people with celiac disease, Trader Joe's spices come with a notable cross-contamination risk.

Trader Joe's clearly lists wheat and major allergens on their packaging, but most of their individual spices and popular seasoning blends (like Everything But The Bagel) do not carry a certified Gluten-Free label. Because Trader Joe's sources from third-party manufacturers and frequently changes suppliers to keep prices low, manufacturing setups vary widely. Cross-contamination can easily occur on shared processing equipment or facilities.

 

Key Considerations for Celiacs

• No Official GF Certification: Without a "Gluten-Free" seal on the bottle, the products aren't subjected to strict gluten-free verification testing (under 20 ppm).

• Shared Equipment Risks: Single-ingredient spices and complex blends can be processed on the same lines as wheat-containing products.

• Label Disclosures: Always read the ingredient list for anti-caking agents, yeast extracts, or natural flavors that might hide gluten.

If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it's generally safest to stick to spice brands that explicitly label or certify their products as gluten-free. If you're unsure about a specific bottle, you can check Trader Joe's updated in-store gluten-free list or contact their customer support with the specific batch details.