Are Maltesers Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know Before Snacking

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of people worldwide enjoy the light, crunchy honeycombed center of a Malteser, but for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, a crucial question looms: Are Maltesers gluten-free? The simple and definitive answer, based on the official ingredients, is no.

Quick Summary

Maltesers are not suitable for a gluten-free diet, as they contain barley malt extract, wheat flour, and wheat gluten. Safe, crunchy alternatives are available from specialist brands.

Key Points

Maltesers are NOT gluten-free: The product's official recipe contains multiple gluten-containing ingredients, including barley malt extract and wheat flour.
Malt is derived from barley: The signature "malty" flavor of Maltesers comes from barley, a grain that is not gluten-free and is unsafe for celiacs.
Wheat is also present: Both wheat flour and wheat gluten are listed ingredients, contributing to the honeycomb's texture and overall gluten content.
Look for certified alternatives: For a safe alternative, seek products from brands like Creative Nature, Moo Free, or Marks & Spencer that are clearly labeled as gluten-free.
Always check the label: Ingredient lists can vary by region and product type. Always read the allergen information on the packaging to ensure the product is safe for your dietary needs.
Be cautious with other products: The presence of "malt" in any ingredient list is a red flag for those on a gluten-free diet, unless specified as being from a gluten-free source.

The Definitive Answer: No, Maltesers are Not Gluten-Free

For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, confirming the ingredients of a packaged food is a critical step. When it comes to Maltesers, the product is not gluten-free. The inclusion of several key gluten-containing ingredients in the recipe makes them unsuitable for anyone following a strict gluten-free diet. This information is clearly listed on the product packaging, and the brand is transparent about the presence of these allergens.

Gluten-Containing Ingredients in Maltesers

To understand why Maltesers are off-limits for those avoiding gluten, a closer look at the ingredients is necessary. The official ingredient list explicitly points to the culprits behind the product's delicious yet gluten-laden crunch.

Barley Malt Extract

The most obvious source of gluten in Maltesers is the barley malt extract. Malt is traditionally made from barley, which is one of the three primary grains that naturally contain gluten (along with wheat and rye). This extract is a key flavor component that gives Maltesers their signature "malty" taste. It is not processed in a way that removes the gluten proteins, making it unsafe for consumption by those with celiac disease.

Wheat Flour and Wheat Gluten

In addition to the barley malt, standard Maltesers also contain both wheat flour and wheat gluten. These are straightforward sources of gluten and reinforce the fact that the product is not intended to be gluten-free. For the honeycomb center, these ingredients provide the necessary structure and crunch that define the snack.

The Importance of Reading Labels

Ingredient lists and allergen information can vary by country or even product size, so it is always essential to check the label for the most accurate information. While the core Malteser recipe is not gluten-free worldwide, some other brands within the same confectionery family might have different ingredient profiles. However, when it comes to the standard Malteser, the presence of barley and wheat is consistent. Looking for allergen warnings, often highlighted in bold on the packaging, is the best way to be certain. The National Celiac Association provides an excellent resource on how to spot tricky ingredients like malt, which is often a hidden source of gluten.

Comparison: Maltesers vs. Gluten-Free Alternatives

To highlight the difference, here is a quick comparison table between a standard Malteser and a common gluten-free alternative like Creative Nature Gnawbles.


Feature	Standard Maltesers	Creative Nature Gnawbles
Gluten Status	Not Gluten-Free	Certified Gluten-Free
Key Gluten Source	Barley Malt Extract, Wheat Flour	None (made with pea protein)
Primary Crunch Source	Honeycombed center with gluten	Puffed pea protein center
Typical Ingredients	Sugar, Skimmed Milk Powder, Barley Malt Extract, Cocoa Butter, Wheat Flour, etc.	Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Puffed Pea Protein, Rice Flour, etc.
Suitable For Celiacs?	No	Yes

Delicious Gluten-Free 'Malteser' Alternatives

Fortunately, for those who miss the unique crunch of a Malteser, several brands have developed high-quality gluten-free alternatives that offer a similar experience without the gluten. When searching for these, it is crucial to look for products clearly labeled as "gluten-free" and from reputable brands known for their allergen-safe products.

Here are some of the best alternatives mentioned in the search results:

Creative Nature Gnawbles: These are promoted as the UK's first gluten-free Malteser alternative, featuring a crunchy puffed pea protein center and being free from the top 14 allergens.
Moo Free Moofreesas: Another dairy-free and gluten-free alternative, offering a satisfying honeycomb-like texture.
Marks & Spencer Made Without Dairy Rocky Road Pieces: Contains gluten-free honeycomb pieces that mimic the Malteser crunch.
Schar Delishios: While their availability may vary, these were previously marketed as gluten-free 'Malteasers' with a crunchy cereal ball center.

The Bottom Line: How to Safely Enjoy a Crunch

If you have celiac disease, a serious gluten intolerance, or a wheat allergy, the safest and only path is to avoid regular Maltesers completely. The explicit presence of barley and wheat in the ingredients makes them a definite no-go. With a growing market for allergen-friendly products, there is no need to compromise on taste or texture. Several excellent gluten-free alternatives are readily available in supermarkets and online, ready to satisfy your craving for a light and crunchy chocolate treat. Always double-check the labels on any new product you try, as recipes can sometimes change.

Conclusion

While Maltesers are a beloved snack, they are unequivocally not gluten-free due to the inclusion of barley malt extract and wheat. For anyone on a gluten-free diet, it is essential to read labels carefully and seek out the many safe and delicious alternatives now available on the market. By choosing products specifically designed for a gluten-free lifestyle, you can still enjoy that delightful chocolatey crunch without any health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Mars products are gluten-free. While some are (like Snickers and Bounty in some regions), many, including Maltesers and Mars Bars, contain gluten ingredients like barley.

No, barley malt extract is not gluten-free. It is derived from barley, which is a gluten-containing grain, making any product with this ingredient unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.

Malt is typically derived from gluten-containing barley, while maltodextrin is a starch derivative that is generally considered gluten-free, even when made from wheat, as the gluten proteins are removed during processing.

Even with a mild intolerance, it is not recommended. Maltesers contain explicit sources of gluten (barley and wheat), which could trigger adverse reactions. It is best to stick to certified gluten-free products.

The standard Malteser recipe includes gluten ingredients globally. However, specific regional brands or limited editions might differ, so always check the local packaging. Some brands offer dedicated gluten-free alternatives.

This is a common misconception, often arising because people assume chocolate is always gluten-free or are unaware that "malt" is a gluten-containing ingredient. Misinformation online can also contribute to this confusion.

Accidental ingestion can cause a range of symptoms from digestive issues to long-term intestinal damage, depending on the individual's sensitivity. It is always safest to avoid the product entirely.