The Core Ingredients: Why Biscoff Butter Contains Wheat
The fundamental reason that Biscoff butter contains wheat is its main ingredient: Biscoff cookies. The spread is essentially a pulverized and emulsified version of the beloved caramelized biscuit. The ingredient list for the Biscoff spread clearly states that caramelized biscuits make up the majority of the product, and those biscuits are made with wheat flour. Therefore, any product containing the original Biscoff cookies will also contain wheat.
A Closer Look at the Biscoff Spread Ingredient List
To understand exactly what is in a jar of Biscoff spread, it is helpful to look at the ingredients list printed on the packaging or available on the manufacturer's website. A typical ingredients list includes:
- Caramelized Biscuits (58%) (WHEAT flour, sugar, vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed), candy sugar syrup, raising agent (sodium hydrogen carbonate), SOYA flour, salt, cinnamon)
- Rapeseed oil
- Sugar
- Emulsifier (SOYA lecithin)
- Acid (citric acid)
As you can see, 'WHEAT flour' is explicitly listed as a component of the caramelized biscuits, confirming the presence of wheat and making the product unsuitable for those on a strict gluten-free diet or with a wheat allergy. The ingredients also highlight that the product contains soy, another common allergen. While it does not contain nuts, the clear listing of wheat and soy is critical for consumers with allergies.
Allergen Information and Who Should Avoid Biscoff
For individuals with a wheat allergy or celiac disease, consuming Biscoff butter is not safe. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—damages the small intestine. A wheat allergy is an immune system response to wheat proteins. In both cases, the presence of wheat flour in Biscoff makes it a product to be avoided entirely.
Can people with celiac disease have Biscoff?
No, people with celiac disease cannot safely consume Biscoff spread. Even small amounts of gluten can cause a reaction. The spread is not manufactured in a gluten-free facility and is made with wheat-based cookies, so there is no scenario where it would be considered safe for someone with celiac disease. Cross-contamination risks are also a factor, as even if a recipe calls for a small amount, the ingredient itself is problematic.
Biscoff Butter vs. Other Common Spreads: A Comparison
| Feature | Lotus Biscoff Butter | Peanut Butter | Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contains Wheat? | Yes | No | No |
| Contains Gluten? | Yes | No | No (check label for certification) |
| Contains Nuts? | No | Yes (Peanuts) | Yes (Hazelnuts) |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes (varies by brand) | No (contains milk) |
| Main Ingredient | Wheat-based cookies | Peanuts | Sugar, Palm Oil, Hazelnuts |
This table illustrates that Biscoff is distinct from other common spreads, particularly in its inclusion of wheat. While it may be a suitable nut-free option, it is not an alternative for those with gluten or wheat sensitivities. Nutella, for example, is gluten-free but contains nuts and dairy, while pure peanut butter is naturally gluten-free and can be vegan.
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Biscoff Butter
For those who love the spiced, caramelized flavor of Biscoff but must avoid wheat, there are several viable alternatives.
- Store-bought speculoos alternatives: Some brands, such as Schär, offer gluten-free speculoos-style biscuits. These can sometimes be found in the gluten-free section of grocery stores and can be used to create a homemade spread. They capture a very similar taste profile without the wheat. Always check labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- DIY Homemade Spread: Recreating the Biscoff spread at home using a gluten-free biscuit alternative is a popular option. This allows for full control over the ingredients and ensures no wheat is included. A simple recipe involves blending gluten-free speculoos or digestive-style biscuits with oil, sugar, and spices until a smooth, spreadable consistency is achieved.
How to Make Homemade Gluten-Free "Biscoff" Spread
- Gather Ingredients: Find a brand of gluten-free speculoos-style biscuits. You will also need a neutral-tasting vegetable oil (like rapeseed or canola), brown sugar, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
- Crush the Biscuits: Use a food processor to crush the gluten-free biscuits into a fine crumb. For a smoother spread, process for a longer duration until it reaches a flour-like consistency.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the vegetable oil and a little water or milk (dairy or non-dairy) while continuing to blend. The liquid will help achieve the desired creamy texture.
- Sweeten and Spice: Add brown sugar to taste, along with extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the classic speculoos flavor.
- Blend to Perfection: Keep blending until the mixture is completely smooth. This may take several minutes. Store the final product in an airtight container.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Biscoff and Wheat
To be clear, Biscoff butter does contain wheat. The product is derived from the original Biscoff cookies, which are explicitly made with wheat flour. This means Biscoff is not a safe product for individuals with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or a gluten intolerance. However, the unique, spiced caramel flavor can be recreated at home using certified gluten-free speculoos biscuits. By carefully reading ingredient labels and considering homemade alternatives, those with wheat restrictions can still enjoy a similar taste experience without compromising their health.
For more information on the official product ingredients, you can visit the Lotus Biscoff website.
