Are almond crackers gluten-free? A guide for celiac and sensitive eaters

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, pure, 100% ground almond flour is naturally gluten-free. However, it's crucial to understand that not all crackers made with almond flour are automatically safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Navigating the grocery store shelves requires careful attention to labels, ingredients, and potential cross-contamination to determine if almond crackers are truly gluten-free.

Quick Summary

Pure almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making many crackers made with it safe for a gluten-free diet. However, store-bought products may contain gluten-based ingredients, or be subject to cross-contamination during manufacturing. Celiac patients and those with sensitivities must verify packaging labels, ingredient lists, and certifications to ensure the product's safety.

Key Points

Not always gluten-free: While almond flour is naturally gluten-free, not all commercial almond crackers are, due to potential added ingredients or cross-contamination.
Look for certification: For celiac disease or high sensitivity, always choose almond crackers with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, which indicates testing for gluten content.
Read ingredients carefully: Scrutinize the ingredient list on store-bought products for any wheat, barley, or rye additions, even if the primary ingredient is almond flour.
Consider cross-contamination: Non-certified products made in facilities that also process wheat-based foods pose a cross-contamination risk for sensitive individuals.
Homemade is safest: For maximum safety and control, making almond crackers at home using a simple recipe is the best option.
Diverse gluten-free alternatives: Aside from almond crackers, many other certified gluten-free crackers are available using ingredients like rice flour, seeds, or corn flour.

Understanding the Core Ingredient: Is Almond Flour Gluten-Free?

Yes, almond flour itself is naturally gluten-free. It is made from finely ground blanched or whole almonds, which do not contain the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. This makes it a popular and safe alternative for baking and cooking for those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or those simply choosing a gluten-free lifestyle. The issue arises not with the almond flour itself, but with how it is used and processed in commercial food production.

The Commercial Challenge: Why Store-Bought Crackers Aren't Always Safe

When buying almond crackers from a store, several factors can compromise their gluten-free status. A product's name is not a guarantee. The biggest risks are hidden ingredients and manufacturing processes that lead to cross-contamination. Here's what to watch for:

Ingredient Additives: Some manufacturers may add wheat flour, wheat starch, or other gluten-containing ingredients to improve texture or lower costs. Always check the full ingredient list for these additions. Common binders like tapioca starch are naturally gluten-free, but others are not.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Unless a product is specifically labeled and certified gluten-free, it may have been produced in a facility that also processes wheat products. For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten from shared equipment can trigger a reaction.

How to Safely Choose Store-Bought Almond Crackers

Look for a Certified Gluten-Free Label: This is the most reliable indicator that a product is safe. The label or certification mark from organizations like the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) means the product has undergone rigorous testing and contains less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
Read the Allergen Statement: The 'contains' statement on the packaging should be free of 'wheat' or other gluten grains. However, the absence of this statement is not definitive, as it only covers major allergens.
Scan the Ingredient List: Scrutinize the full list for any wheat-based ingredients or any ingredients derived from barley or rye, such as malt flavoring or brewer's yeast.

Making Your Own: The Safest Bet

For complete control over ingredients and preparation, making almond crackers at home is the safest option. Many simple recipes exist using just a few ingredients like almond flour, salt, and water. This eliminates any risk of hidden gluten or cross-contamination. Homemade crackers also allow you to control added preservatives, oils, and other fillers often found in commercial products.

Simple Homemade Almond Crackers Recipe

Ingredients: 1 cup finely ground almond flour, 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, ½ tsp sea salt, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp olive oil.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Add water and oil, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out thinly between two pieces of parchment paper.
5. Cut into squares or desired shapes and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Almond Crackers


Feature	Homemade Almond Crackers	Store-Bought Certified GF Almond Crackers
Gluten-Free Status	100% controllable.	Certified safe (under 10-20ppm gluten).
Ingredients	Full control over every ingredient.	Ingredients listed on the packaging. May contain other starches or fillers.
Cost	Generally more expensive per batch due to almond flour cost, but avoids fillers.	Varies by brand and size. Often more expensive than wheat crackers.
Freshness	Highest level of freshness.	Standard shelf life, may contain preservatives.
Time & Effort	Requires time for preparation and baking.	Convenient, ready-to-eat product.

Gluten-Free Alternatives to Almond Crackers

If you have a nut allergy or are looking for variety, several other gluten-free cracker options are available. These include crackers made from rice flour, corn flour, chickpea flour, or seed blends. As with any store-bought product, always check the label for a gluten-free certification to ensure safety. Some popular brands like Simple Mills offer crackers made from seed and nut flour blends, which are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion: Read Labels and Proceed with Caution

While pure almond flour is naturally gluten-free, the question "Are almond crackers gluten-free?" depends on the product's preparation. Homemade versions offer the highest assurance of safety, and many commercial brands like Simple Mills are certified gluten-free. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, vigilance is key. Always check for a certified gluten-free label, and be wary of potential cross-contamination, especially if the product is not explicitly certified. Choosing wisely ensures a safe and enjoyable snacking experience without compromise.

Optional outbound Markdown link: Celiac Disease Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only if the crackers are certified gluten-free. While almond flour is naturally gluten-free, commercially produced almond crackers can be a risk for celiac patients due to potential cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains during manufacturing.

Look for a clear 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from a reputable organization like the GFCO. Additionally, read the ingredient list to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or malt.

Almond flour is made from finely ground, blanched almonds (without their skins), making it a naturally gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

Simple Mills is a well-known brand that offers certified gluten-free almond flour crackers, often made with a blend of nut and seed flours.

They can be. Almond crackers are often higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbohydrates than traditional crackers. However, overall healthiness depends on the full ingredient list, so always check nutritional information.

Yes, making homemade almond crackers is the safest and most reliable way to ensure they are 100% gluten-free. Many simple recipes exist using just almond flour, oil, and salt.

Besides wheat, barley, or rye, look out for other ingredients that might be derived from gluten sources if the product is not certified. For example, some oats or yeast extract could potentially contain gluten.