Are Stroopwafels Gluten-Free? A Guide for Gluten-Sensitive Snackers

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Originally invented in Gouda in the late 18th century, the classic Dutch stroopwafel is made with wheat flour and is not gluten-free. This makes the question 'Are stroopwafels gluten-free?' a crucial one for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, who can now find many certified gluten-free options from specialty manufacturers.

Quick Summary

Traditional stroopwafels contain wheat flour and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet. Fortunately, many companies now produce delicious, certified gluten-free versions using alternative flour blends, ensuring safety for those with sensitivities.

Key Points

Standard stroopwafels contain gluten: Traditional recipes use wheat flour and are not safe for those on a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-free options exist: Many brands now offer certified gluten-free versions, substituting wheat with other flours like rice and potato starch.
Look for certifications: Always seek a certified gluten-free label to ensure the product is safe from cross-contamination.
Dedicated equipment is crucial: For severe sensitivities like celiac disease, choosing a brand that uses dedicated equipment is the safest option.
Read ingredient labels: Check the full ingredient list for other potential allergens, as some gluten-free stroopwafels may still contain dairy or eggs.
Homemade options are available: You can bake your own gluten-free stroopwafels at home using alternative flour blends.
Warm it over a mug: The traditional method of enjoying a stroopwafel involves placing it over a hot drink to soften the caramel filling.

The Truth About Traditional Stroopwafels

Traditional stroopwafels are a classic Dutch treat consisting of two thin, crispy waffle-like layers with a sweet caramel-like syrup filling. A key component of the authentic recipe is wheat flour, which is a source of gluten. For this reason, anyone with celiac disease, a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy cannot consume traditional stroopwafels without experiencing adverse health effects. The dough is made from flour, butter, sugar, yeast, milk, and eggs, and the caramel filling uses ingredients such as molasses, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It is this inclusion of wheat flour that renders the standard version unsafe for those on a gluten-free diet.

How to Find a Safe Gluten-Free Stroopwafel

With the increasing demand for allergy-friendly and gluten-free products, many manufacturers have stepped up to the challenge of creating a delicious stroopwafel that everyone can enjoy. These brands have found ways to replicate the traditional texture and flavor using alternative flours and carefully managed production processes. When searching for a safe gluten-free version, there are several key factors to consider to ensure both safety and taste.

Look for Certification and Dedicated Facilities

For those with celiac disease, avoiding cross-contamination is paramount. Many reliable gluten-free brands ensure safety by producing their products in dedicated gluten-free facilities or on separate, sterilized equipment. Always look for a certified gluten-free label on the packaging from a trusted organization. This certification indicates that the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the standard for safety. Some brands, like Colorado Stroopwafels, proudly advertise their use of dedicated equipment and ingredients.

Read the Ingredients List Carefully

Gluten-free stroopwafels replace wheat flour with alternative blends, typically including rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Some recipes may also use ingredients like sorghum flour. It's crucial to check the full ingredients list, not only to confirm the absence of wheat but also to check for other potential allergens. Some gluten-free versions may still contain dairy, eggs, or soy, so reading the label is essential for anyone with multiple sensitivities.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Gluten-Free Stroopwafels


Feature	Traditional Stroopwafels	Gluten-Free Stroopwafels
Key Ingredient	Wheat flour	Gluten-free flour blend (rice, tapioca, potato starch)
Gluten Content	Contains gluten	Certified gluten-free (<20 ppm)
Production	May be produced in facilities with gluten products	Often made in dedicated gluten-free facilities or on separate equipment
Allergen Risk	High risk for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity	Safe for gluten-free diets; some may contain dairy or eggs
Flavor & Texture	Authentic, crispy wafer with chewy caramel	Manufacturers work to replicate authentic taste and texture
Accessibility	Widely available in supermarkets	Found in specialty sections or online from niche brands

Popular Gluten-Free Stroopwafel Brands

For those seeking a ready-made option, several brands have developed high-quality gluten-free stroopwafels. Some popular choices include:

Daelmans: This well-known Dutch manufacturer offers a gluten-free line, available on their website and through various retailers.
Stroop Club: Specializes in gluten-free caramel stroopwafels, often made with organic ingredients and produced on separate equipment.
Swoffle: Known for its certified organic and gluten-free stroopwafels, with options that are also soy- and nut-free.
Rip Van Wafels: Offers a gluten-free stroopwafel option with lower sugar content.
Colorado Stroopwafels: Bakes their gluten-free stroopwafels in a dedicated, separate process to prevent cross-contamination.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Stroopwafels

For an extra-fresh taste and full control over ingredients, you can also bake gluten-free stroopwafels at home. Many recipes substitute regular wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The process involves making a dough, pressing it in a specialized waffle iron (like a pizzelle or mini stroopwafel maker), and filling it with a homemade caramel syrup. This method allows you to use your preferred flour blend and ensures a completely safe treat free from any cross-contamination risk.

Here are some tips for DIY gluten-free stroopwafels:

Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Allow the dough to rest as instructed, as this is vital for texture development.
Keep the caramel filling warm during assembly to make it easier to spread.
Consider homemade caramel to avoid hidden gluten in pre-made syrups.

Conclusion: A Deliciously Accessible Treat

While the original stroopwafel is not gluten-free, the market has evolved to provide safe and delicious alternatives for everyone. With many reputable brands producing certified gluten-free products, and the option to bake them at home, individuals with gluten sensitivities no longer need to miss out on this classic Dutch delight. By checking for certification and reading labels carefully, you can confidently enjoy the irresistible combination of a crispy waffle and gooey caramel, traditionally warmed over a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Enjoying a treat like this while adhering to your dietary needs is part of a balanced and inclusive approach to nutrition.

To see one option for gluten-free stroopwafels from a well-known brand, visit the Daelmans Gluten Free website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traditional stroopwafels are not naturally gluten-free as they are made using wheat flour in the waffle portion.

Yes, a person with celiac disease can eat a certified gluten-free stroopwafel. For maximum safety, it is best to choose a brand that specifies production in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Gluten-free stroopwafels typically replace wheat flour with a blend of alternative flours such as rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. The caramel filling ingredients usually remain similar to traditional recipes.

To identify a gluten-free stroopwafel, look for a certified gluten-free label on the packaging. Reputable brands will clearly state this and provide information on their ingredients and production methods.

Some brands, such as Stroop Club, offer options that are both gluten-free and vegan, using alternative ingredients for the butter and eggs found in traditional recipes. Check the labels for specific allergen information.

If you have a serious gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it is generally safest to avoid street vendors unless they can guarantee no cross-contamination. Factory-made and certified products are usually a more reliable choice.

Yes, you can make your own gluten-free stroopwafels at home by following specialized recipes that use a gluten-free flour blend. This allows for full control over the ingredients and process.

You will need a special waffle iron designed for thin waffles, such as a pizzelle iron or a specific stroopwafel maker, to achieve the authentic shape and texture.