Do Gluten-Free Oreos Have Corn in Them?

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Oreo website and ingredient lists, Nabisco's certified gluten-free Oreos do, in fact, contain corn starch. This key piece of information is crucial for anyone managing a corn allergy or avoiding corn for other dietary reasons.

Quick Summary

An analysis of the ingredients reveals that certified gluten-free Oreos contain corn starch as part of their flour blend. While safe for celiac disease, this makes them unsuitable for individuals with a corn allergy. Alternative brands and homemade recipes are available for those seeking a truly corn-free cookie.

Key Points

Corn Starch is an Ingredient: Yes, certified gluten-free Oreos contain corn starch as part of their flour blend.
'Gluten-Free' is not 'Corn-Free': The GFCO certification ensures the cookies are free of gluten, but it does not mean they are safe for those with a corn allergy.
Used for Texture: The corn starch in the recipe helps create a desirable, tender texture in the cookie wafer, mimicking the traditional version.
Soy is Also Present: Gluten-free Oreos also contain soy lecithin, a common allergen to be aware of.
Alternatives Exist: Several other brands and homemade recipes are available for those who need to avoid both corn and gluten.
Check Labels: Always read the full ingredient list, as certifications can be misleading for individuals with multiple dietary restrictions.

Understanding the Ingredients in Gluten-Free Oreos

When Nabisco introduced its certified gluten-free Oreos, it was a celebratory moment for many with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. The cookies are certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) through their Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) program, ensuring they contain less than 10-20 parts per million of gluten. However, the absence of wheat flour does not mean they are free from all common allergens or ingredients.

The Role of Corn Starch

One of the primary ingredients in the flour blend is corn starch. Corn starch is a fine, white powder used as a thickening agent and filler in many food products. In the case of gluten-free baked goods like Oreos, it is used to help achieve a desirable texture and crumb structure that rice flour and oat flour alone cannot provide. Corn starch provides a tenderizing effect, preventing the cookie from becoming overly dense or crumbly, which are common issues with gluten-free products.

For those with a corn allergy, an intolerance, or who are avoiding corn for dietary reasons, the presence of corn starch means that these cookies are not a safe option. It is a vital reminder that 'gluten-free' and 'corn-free' are not interchangeable terms.

The Complete Gluten-Free Oreo Ingredient List

The ingredient list for Nabisco's gluten-free Oreos is publicly available and transparent. Besides corn starch, the full list provides a comprehensive look at the cookie's composition:

Sweeteners: Sugar, Invert Sugar
Flour Blend: White Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, Whole Oat Flour, Cornstarch
Fats: Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Soybean and/or Canola Oil
Flavoring: Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Chocolate, Artificial Flavor
Leavening: Baking Soda
Thickening Agent: Xanthan Gum
Emulsifier: Soy Lecithin
Other: Salt

The presence of soy lecithin also means the cookies contain soy, which is another common allergen to be aware of. Additionally, while the whole oat flour used is certified gluten-free, some individuals with celiac disease have a sensitivity to avenin, a protein found in oats. This is why reviewing the complete ingredient list is always the safest practice for those with specific dietary needs.

Alternatives for Corn-Sensitive Cookie Lovers

For those who need a corn-free and gluten-free cookie, it is necessary to look beyond Nabisco's offering. Fortunately, several other brands and homemade options exist.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies


Feature	Nabisco Gluten-Free Oreo	Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme	Goodie Girl Gluten Free	Homemade Corn-Free GF Cookie Recipe
Contains Corn?	Yes, Cornstarch	Yes, Corn Flour & Corn Starch	Yes, Corn Starch	No, if recipe is formulated without it
Gluten-Free Certified	Yes (GFCO)	Yes (Check labels)	Yes (Purity Protocol Oats)	N/A
Contains Soy?	Yes	Yes (May also contain milk/egg)	Yes	Varies
Texture	Very similar to original Oreo	Described as thicker/crunchier	Well-regarded, good crunch	Varies by recipe
Availability	Wide (most major grocers)	Wide (some specialty stores)	Walmart and online	DIY

It is vital to check the labels of any store-bought product, as ingredients can change. Brands like Glutino often use a blend containing both corn flour and corn starch, but some smaller brands or specific recipes might omit corn entirely.

Making Your Own Corn-Free, Gluten-Free Cookies

For those with severe corn sensitivity, the most reliable option is often to bake at home. By controlling every ingredient, you can ensure the cookies are entirely free of corn and other problematic allergens. Recipes for homemade gluten-free Oreos are widely available and typically substitute cornstarch with other thickeners like arrowroot powder or additional tapioca starch. This approach provides complete control and peace of mind.

Conclusion: Read Labels Carefully

In conclusion, the answer to the question, "Do gluten-free Oreos have corn in them?" is a definitive yes, due to the inclusion of corn starch in the recipe. While this makes them a suitable choice for those with celiac disease, it disqualifies them for individuals with a corn allergy or intolerance. Always scrutinize ingredient labels to ensure a product aligns with your specific dietary restrictions. For those with complex allergies, seeking alternatives or exploring homemade options is the safest and most reliable path to enjoying a delicious cookie.

Authoritative Link

For more information on the Gluten Intolerance Group and their certification standards, visit the official GIG website. https://www.gluten.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, gluten-free Oreos are not safe for people with a corn allergy because they contain corn starch as a primary ingredient in their flour blend.

The ingredient that comes from corn in gluten-free Oreos is corn starch. It is a key component of the special gluten-free flour blend used to make the cookies.

No, 'certified gluten-free' only guarantees that a product meets the FDA standard of containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten. It does not indicate the absence of other allergens, such as corn or soy.

Corn starch is used in the gluten-free Oreo recipe to improve the texture of the cookie. It acts as a tenderizing agent and filler, which helps achieve a taste and feel similar to the original wheat-based Oreo.

Yes, some brands or homemade recipes for gluten-free sandwich cookies are also corn-free. You must carefully read the ingredient labels of commercial products or make your own from scratch using alternatives like arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

Based on ingredient listings for the certified gluten-free Original, Double Stuf, and Mint Oreos, corn starch is a consistent ingredient across these varieties. However, it's always best to check the specific product label.

Corn starch and high fructose corn syrup are both derived from corn, but they are different substances. People with a corn allergy may react to corn starch, but not necessarily to corn syrup or vice versa. The corn protein that triggers allergic reactions is present in corn starch.