If you love adding extra flavor to your meals, you’ve probably heard of Furikake seasoning and everything bagel seasoning. Both have become pantry stars, showing up in kitchens around the world — but which one is better for you?
Furikake, a classic Japanese blend, brings a rich mix of umami, salt, and crunch, thanks to ingredients like seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish. Everything bagel seasoning, on the other hand, is a salty, garlicky mix of sesame, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion, inspired by the beloved Everything bagel. While both are delicious, they offer different health benefits, nutritional profiles, and flavor uses.
In this blog, we’ll break down what each seasoning is, compare their health impacts, explore how they taste and work on different dishes, and answer the most common questions about them.
What is Furikake seasoning?
Furikake seasoning is a traditional Japanese spice blend used to add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to everyday dishes. It’s most commonly sprinkled over steamed white rice, but it also works well on noodles, eggs, fish, and even snacks like popcorn or French fries.
The typical ingredients in Furikake include dried seaweed (nori), sesame seeds, dried fish flakes (like bonito or anchovies), salt, sugar, and sometimes MSG or spices. These elements combine to create a unique flavor profile that’s salty, savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami, the deep, rich taste often called the “fifth flavor.”
There are many types of Furikake, ranging from classic seaweed-sesame blends to versions with wasabi, salmon, egg, or shiso leaf. This variety makes it easy to find a flavor that suits your taste.
Besides its taste, Furikake is loved for its convenience — just a quick sprinkle can instantly upgrade simple foods, turning a plain bowl of rice or a salad into something much more flavorful and exciting.
What is everything about bagel seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is a flavorful spice blend inspired by the toppings you’d find on a classic everything bagel. It usually includes a mix of toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. Some versions may also include black sesame seeds or caraway, but the basic mix stays the same.
This seasoning became popular because it brings the delicious, savory taste of an everything bagel to all kinds of foods — without needing the bagel itself! People sprinkle it on avocado toast, scrambled eggs, salads, sandwiches, roasted veggies, popcorn, and even dips or cream cheese.
The flavor profile is bold, salty, garlicky, nutty, and slightly crunchy, making it a fun way to upgrade both simple snacks and full meals. Another bonus is that it’s vegan, dairy-free, and typically gluten-free, making it easy to fit into many diets.
If you’re looking for a seasoning that adds instant crunch and savory flavor, everything bagel seasoning is a versatile and tasty choice.
Health benefits and concerns
When it comes to health benefits and concerns, Furikake and everything bagel seasoning each have their strengths and watch-outs.
Furikake is made with seaweed, sesame seeds, and sometimes dried fish, which means it can offer beneficial minerals like iodine (good for thyroid health), calcium, and healthy fats. Sesame seeds add antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, while seaweed brings fiber and micronutrients.
However, some Furikake blends include added sugar, salt, and MSG, which may not suit everyone, especially those watching sodium or sensitive to additives. Nori Komi Furikake is gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities, and it offers health benefits like iodine from seaweed and healthy fats from sesame seeds, supporting thyroid function and heart health.
Everything bagel seasoning is simpler — usually just sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. It’s generally vegan, with no MSG or fish, and provides fiber and healthy fats from the seeds. But it can also be high in sodium, depending on how much you sprinkle on, which could be a concern for people on low-salt diets.
Overall, both seasonings can be part of a balanced diet when used in moderation. The key is to check the label and match the seasoning to your personal health needs.
Nutrition comparison
|
Category |
Furikake Seasoning |
Everything Bagel Seasoning |
|
Main ingredients |
Seaweed, sesame seeds, dried fish, salt, sometimes sugar or MSG |
Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, salt |
|
Key nutrients |
Iodine (from seaweed), healthy fats (from sesame), small amounts of protein and calcium (from dried fish) |
Fiber and healthy fats (from sesame and poppy seeds) |
|
Additives |
Some blends may include MSG or added sugars |
Generally free of MSG and fish; vegan-friendly |
|
Sodium content |
Can be high; check labels if watching sodium |
Can also be high in salt; moderation is important |
|
Calorie content |
Low in calories |
Low in calories |
|
Dietary considerations |
Offers minerals but may not suit low-sodium or MSG-sensitive diets |
Vegan-friendly but also high in salt, so moderation is needed |
|
Summary |
Nutritious but requires label-checking |
Bold flavor, vegan, but watch sodium; best in moderation |
Flavor and usage comparison
When it comes to flavor and usage, Furikake seasoning and everything bagel seasoning each shine in their way.
Furikake works best on Asian-inspired dishes. It’s perfect for sprinkling over steamed rice, sushi, poke bowls, soups, noodles, or even eggs. The seaweed, sesame, and sometimes dried fish create a deep umami flavor that makes savory dishes taste richer and more satisfying. It also adds a light crunch, making it a fun topping for vegetables or even popcorn. For example, Nori Komi Furikake rice seasoning adds a delicious burst of umami and crunch to your meals, making plain rice, veggies, or snacks both flavorful and satisfying.
Everything bagel seasoning, on the other hand, brings a bold, garlicky punch with every sprinkle. It works beautifully on Western-style foods like avocado toast, salads, cream cheese spreads, sandwiches, or roasted veggies. The mix of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds gives it a sharp, salty kick that pairs well with creamy or mild dishes.
In terms of versatility, everything bagel seasoning leans more toward savory Western flavors, while Furikake adds a distinct Japanese taste. They’re not direct substitutes, but they can be complementary. For example, you might sprinkle Furikake on your rice bowl and everything bagel seasoning on your avocado toast. Both bring something unique to the table, offering fun ways to experiment with flavors across different cuisines.
FAQs ( Frequently asked Questions)
1. Can you use Furikake and everything bagel seasoning together?
Yes, you can use Furikake and everything bagel seasoning together! While they come from different food cultures, combining them can create a fun and unique flavor mix. The salty, umami taste of Furikake pairs surprisingly well with the garlicky, crunchy bite of everything bagel seasoning. You can try them together on dishes like avocado toast, salads, or even roasted veggies. Just sprinkle a little of each and adjust to your taste — it’s all about experimenting!
2. Is one better for weight loss?
Neither Furikake seasoning nor everything bagel seasoning is a magic weight-loss food, but both can fit into a healthy diet when used in small amounts. Furikake sometimes contains added sugar or MSG, while everything bagel seasoning is often higher in salt. The key is moderation — both add big flavor with just a sprinkle, which can help make simple, low-calorie meals like veggies or eggs more enjoyable without adding many extra calories or fat.
3. Which one is more kid-friendly?
When it comes to kids, everything bagel seasoning is usually the more kid-friendly choice. It has a familiar, mild flavor from garlic, onion, and sesame seeds, which many kids already enjoy on bagels or toast. Furikake, while tasty, often contains seaweed, dried fish, or wasabi, which can be too strong or unusual for some children’s tastes. If you’re introducing new flavors to kids, start with small amounts and see which one they like best!
4. Where can you buy them?
You can buy both Furikake seasoning and everything bagel seasoning at most large grocery stores, usually in the spice or international foods section. Asian grocery stores often carry a wider range of Furikake flavors. You can also find both seasonings easily online through websites like Amazon, Walmart, or specialty food shops. If you’re looking for specific blends or low-sodium versions, shopping online gives you more options to choose from and compare.
Conclusion
Both Furikake seasoning and everything bagel seasoning bring unique, delicious flavors to your meals, but which is better for you depends on your taste, dietary needs, and cooking style.
Furikake offers a savory, umami-rich experience thanks to its mix of seaweed, sesame, and sometimes dried fish, making it perfect for rice, sushi, and other Asian-inspired dishes. Everything bagel seasoning delivers a bold, garlicky crunch that pairs well with Western favorites like avocado toast, salads, and sandwiches.
Nutritionally, both are low in calories but can be high in sodium, so moderation is key. Furikake may provide extra minerals like iodine, while everything bagel seasoning is vegan and often more familiar to kids. In the end, neither is strictly “better” — they simply offer different ways to elevate your food. Try them both and discover which one (or both!) fits your kitchen best.