<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> thanks to all who replied. the good news is that although the republic of tea people use gluten glue in their tea bags according to the representative at the 800-298-4TEA number, she was incorrect about the same being true for other companies. persons replying to my email stated that: lipton's tea bags are stapled. tetley (800-7280084) makes its own bags and they are gluten-free. celestial seasonings heat seals its bags which are gluten-free. as we all know, the issue of the tea itself is a different matter....we can read and see if barley, etc. is added. so i'm off to the store to happily buy tea! mollie