Do Australian Cheezels contain gluten?
As of 2017, Cheezels manufactured in Australia by Snack Brands Australia are officially gluten-free. This was a major recipe change that pleased many consumers with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. The base ingredients for the Australian product consist of corn and rice, which are naturally free of gluten. Before this update, older versions of the product might have contained gluten, causing some confusion among loyal snackers. Modern Australian packaging now clearly states the "gluten free" status, and allergen statements confirm the absence of detectable gluten.
Are Cheezels gluten-free in New Zealand?
No, Cheezels sold in New Zealand are not gluten-free. In New Zealand, the Bluebird brand manufactures Cheezels with a different recipe that includes gluten. The ingredient list for Bluebird Cheezels explicitly states it "Contains Gluten". This crucial distinction means that a product with the same name can be safe for gluten-sensitive individuals in one country but unsafe in another. Always double-check the manufacturer and local packaging when purchasing Cheezels or other imported snacks.
Understanding the ingredients
The ingredient list is the most definitive way to know if a product contains gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Ingredients like wheat flour or barley, sometimes used in flavourings, will indicate the presence of gluten.
Australian Cheezels ingredients (gluten-free version)
- Corn
- Rice
- Vegetable oil
- Milk solids
- Cheese powder
- Salt
- Natural colours
- Flavour enhancers (typically gluten-free options like 621, 635)
New Zealand Cheezels ingredients (contains gluten)
- Corn
- Canola oil
- Whey powder (milk)
- Tapioca starch
- Salt
- Cheese powder (milk)
- Flavour enhancer (621)
- Mineral salt
- Rice bran
- Hydrolysed vegetable protein (soy)
- Sugar
- Emulsifier
- Yeast extract
- Colour
- Food acids
- Flavours
Comparison: Australian vs. New Zealand Cheezels
| Feature | Australian Cheezels | New Zealand (Bluebird) Cheezels |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | Gluten-free | Contains gluten |
| Primary Cereal Base | Corn and Rice | Corn |
| Key Allergen | Contains milk. May contain soy. | Contains gluten, milk, and soy. |
| Manufacturer | Snack Brands Australia | Bluebird |
| Flavor Profile | Classic cheesy flavour using milk solids. | Cheesy flavour, but potentially different due to yeast extract and flavouring ingredients. |
What to do if you have coeliac disease
Individuals with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance must exercise caution. Simply buying "Cheezels" without checking the label is not sufficient. Here are some steps to ensure safety:
- Read the packaging thoroughly. Look for a "gluten free" certification logo or an allergen statement that clearly indicates the product is free of gluten.
- Verify the manufacturer. In Australia, look for the Snack Brands Australia logo. In New Zealand, be aware that Bluebird Cheezels contain gluten.
- Avoid ambiguity. If you are unsure about the product's origin or if the packaging is unclear, it is safest to avoid it. The differences in formulation make a visual check unreliable.
- Be cautious with Cheezels crackers. Some cracker versions of Cheezels exist and explicitly contain wheat flour, and therefore gluten. This is another reason why checking the specific product is critical.
The shift to gluten-free in Australia
In March 2017, Cheezels announced via social media that all Australian-made Cheezels would be transitioning to a gluten-free recipe. This was a deliberate move to cater to a growing number of consumers seeking gluten-free options and to offer a safe product for those with coeliac disease. The company acknowledged the transitional period would cause some confusion, as old stock containing gluten-based ingredients could still be on shelves while the new packaging rolled out. For this reason, checking the most recent packaging for a "gluten free" claim is the best practice.
Conclusion
To answer the question definitively, do Cheezels contain gluten? It depends on the country of manufacture. Australian Cheezels are gluten-free and have been since 2017. However, the New Zealand Bluebird version explicitly contains gluten. The different recipes for the same-named product across regions highlight the importance of always checking the ingredient list and manufacturer details on food packaging. For those with gluten sensitivities, opting for Australian-made Cheezels and carefully inspecting cracker variations is the best way to enjoy this cheesy treat safely.
Additional considerations
- Cross-contamination: While a product may be certified gluten-free, some production facilities handle both gluten and gluten-free products. For individuals with severe coeliac disease, checking for information regarding shared facilities is prudent, although Australian standards are quite strict.
- Flavoured varieties: Some new or limited edition Cheezels flavours might have different ingredients. The standard original flavour is the most reliable, but vigilance with new versions is always wise.
- Online purchases: If buying Cheezels from an online retailer, particularly an international one, confirm the product's country of origin before purchasing. An Australian product sold overseas might have a different formula than the one expected.
