Do cornflakes contain barley?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

Most popular brands of cornflakes, including Kellogg's, are not gluten-free because they contain malt flavoring derived from barley. This ingredient gives the cereal its characteristic sweet taste and crisp texture. So, do cornflakes contain barley? For many, the answer is yes.

Quick Summary

Standard cornflake brands often include barley malt extract for flavoring, making them unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities. Certified gluten-free versions are available but require careful label inspection.

Key Points

Malt Flavoring is the Culprit: Most major cornflake brands, including Kellogg's, use malt flavoring derived from barley, which is not gluten-free.
Read the Label: Always check the ingredients for terms like 'malt flavor' or 'barley malt extract' to determine if the cereal contains barley.
Seek Certification: The most reliable way to find truly safe cornflakes is to look for a 'certified gluten-free' label on the packaging.
Know the Safe Brands: Some brands, like Nature's Path, offer certified gluten-free cornflakes that use alternative sweeteners instead of barley malt.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Even plain cornflakes without malt may pose a risk if processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains.
Look for Alternatives: If you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, other naturally gluten-free cereals like Corn Chex offer a safe option.

The Role of Barley in Classic Cornflakes

While the primary ingredient in cornflakes is corn, which is naturally gluten-free, many traditional and mainstream brands include an additive called malt flavoring. This flavoring is derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. The malting process involves germinating the grain in water and then drying it with heat. This process helps create a sweet, caramel-like flavor that food manufacturers use to enhance the taste of their cereals. The presence of barley malt means that these cereals contain gluten, making them unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

How Malt Flavoring is Used in Cereal Production

Barley malt extract or syrup is added during the cooking phase of cornflake production. Corn grits are cooked with water, sugar, and salt, along with the barley malt. This mixture is then dried, flattened into flakes by large rollers, and toasted to achieve the desired crisp texture. The malting process is what gives classic cornflakes their distinctive, slightly sweet taste profile. Without the malt, the flavor would be less complex, relying solely on the corn and added sugar.

Identifying Barley on the Ingredient List

For someone on a gluten-free diet, it is crucial to recognize the various terms used for barley on an ingredient list. A product is not gluten-free if it lists any of the following ingredients, unless explicitly stated as certified gluten-free on the packaging: 'malt flavor', 'malt extract', 'barley malt extract', or 'barley malt syrup'. For instance, a quick check of the ingredient list for standard Kellogg's Corn Flakes in the US reveals 'malt flavor'. In other regions like Australia and Canada, the ingredient may be more clearly listed as 'barley malt extract'. These variations highlight the importance of always checking the label specific to your location and product.

Comparison: Conventional vs. Certified Gluten-Free Cornflakes

To clarify the differences, consider this comparison between two types of cornflakes:


Feature	Conventional Cornflakes (with barley)	Certified Gluten-Free Cornflakes
Primary Ingredients	Milled corn, sugar, salt, barley malt extract/flavor	Milled corn, sugar, salt (no barley malt)
Flavoring Source	Malted barley, which contains gluten	Naturally gluten-free sources like organic fruit juice or cane sugar
Gluten Content	Contains gluten from the barley malt	Guaranteed to contain less than 20 ppm gluten
Celiac Safe?	No, due to gluten content	Yes, if certified and labeled as such
Labeling	May list 'malt flavor' or 'barley malt extract'	Must display a certified 'Gluten-Free' symbol

Finding Truly Gluten-Free Cornflakes

For those who must avoid gluten, it is essential to purchase cornflakes that are explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free. These products are made without barley malt and are processed in facilities designed to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Several brands offer safe alternatives:

Nature's Path Organic Fruit Juice Corn Flakes: These are certified gluten-free and sweetened with pear juice concentrate instead of malt.
EnviroKidz Amazon Flakes: Another certified gluten-free option from Nature's Path.
Real Cereal Corn Flakes: This brand uses only corn grits and sea salt, with no added sugars or malt.
Some Kellogg's varieties (by region): In certain countries like Australia, Kellogg's offers a separate 'Gluten-Free' version of their cornflakes, but this should be confirmed by checking the specific label.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Even if an ingredient list appears free of barley, there can still be a risk of cross-contamination for highly sensitive individuals. Some products may be manufactured in facilities that also process wheat, barley, and rye. In these cases, the product may not carry a gluten-free label. For example, some brands may list only corn and sugar but do not have a certified label, indicating a potential risk. Always look for a 'certified gluten-free' logo from a reputable organization to ensure the highest safety standards for those with celiac disease.

Conclusion

While the simple answer to 'Do cornflakes contain barley?' for many popular brands is yes, it is not a universal truth. The key is to be a diligent label-reader, especially for those with gluten sensitivities. Standard versions of cornflakes use barley-derived malt for flavor, but a growing number of certified gluten-free alternatives exist for a safe and delicious breakfast. Never assume that a corn-based product is automatically gluten-free; always check for the specific ingredient list and look for a certified gluten-free mark for reassurance. For further guidance on identifying confusing ingredients, the Celiac Disease Foundation provides helpful resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Popular brands like Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Great Value (Walmart brand), and Happy Belly (Amazon brand) all list forms of barley malt in their ingredients, making them unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

Yes, in the context of most cereals, 'malt flavoring' and 'malt extract' are almost always derived from barley. Unless the product is explicitly certified gluten-free, it should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Yes, several brands offer certified gluten-free cornflakes. Examples include Nature's Path Organic Fruit Juice Corn Flakes, EnviroKidz Amazon Flakes, and Real Cereal Corn Flakes.

Barley is typically used in the form of barley malt extract, which serves as a natural sweetener and flavoring agent. It gives the cereal its distinct, slightly sweet and caramelized flavor profile.

No. The presence of barley malt makes conventional cornflakes a source of gluten. People with celiac disease must avoid these cereals to prevent an adverse immune reaction.

Do not assume any product with 'malt' is safe unless it also has a certified gluten-free label. If the product is explicitly labeled as certified gluten-free, the malt would be derived from a gluten-free grain like corn and is safe. When in doubt, it is best to avoid it.

Even if a cornflake brand does not list malt, it might still carry a risk of gluten cross-contamination. If the product is made in a facility that also processes wheat, barley, or rye, trace amounts of gluten could be present. To be safe, always choose a product with a certified gluten-free label.