Does Meringue Powder Have Gluten in It? What Celiacs Need to Know

December 23, 2025 •

5 min read

Over 3 million people in the United States have celiac disease, making ingredient safety a top priority. For bakers with gluten sensitivities, navigating the world of processed ingredients can be challenging, which is why it's so important to ask, does meringue powder have gluten in it?

Quick Summary

This guide explains that while meringue powder is typically made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, some brands may contain gluten-based stabilizers like wheat starch or face cross-contamination risks during manufacturing. It details what to look for when choosing a meringue powder to ensure it is safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

Key Points

Not Inherently Gluten-Free: While the primary ingredient is dried egg whites, other additives and potential cross-contamination mean not all brands are safe for celiacs.
Look for Certification: The most reliable way to ensure a product is safe is to choose a brand that is explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free.
Check for Allergen Warnings: Read the label for warnings about shared manufacturing facilities, as this indicates a high risk of cross-contamination.
Wheat Starch is a Red Flag: Some meringue powders have contained wheat starch; always check the ingredients for this or other gluten-based additives.
Royal Icing is Not Automatically Safe: If making royal icing with meringue powder, both the powder and the powdered sugar must be confirmed gluten-free.
Consider Making Your Own: A safe alternative is to make your own meringue powder from certified gluten-free ingredients, like pure egg white powder.
Risk of Shared Equipment: Products processed on equipment that also handles wheat should be avoided by those with celiac disease, even if the ingredients themselves are not gluten-containing.

Understanding the Composition of Meringue Powder

At its core, meringue powder is a convenient, shelf-stable substitute for fresh egg whites. It’s made from dehydrated, pasteurized egg whites, which are naturally free of gluten. The powder's primary purpose is to provide stability and structure for baked goods and confections, like royal icing and meringue cookies. However, to achieve its desired properties, manufacturers often add other ingredients during processing.

Common Ingredients in Meringue Powder

Dried Egg Whites: The main component, made from pasteurized chicken eggs.
Sugar: A common addition for flavor and stability.
Stabilizers: Ingredients like cream of tartar or citric acid help create and hold stiff peaks.
Thickeners: Ingredients like cornstarch or gum arabic are added to prevent lumps and improve consistency.
Flavoring: Vanilla is a common addition for flavor.

Where Gluten Can Enter the Picture

While the core ingredients are often gluten-free, two main factors can introduce gluten into meringue powder:

Wheat-based Stabilizers: Some manufacturers may use wheat starch as a stabilizer or anti-caking agent, though cornstarch is far more common. It is crucial to read the ingredients list carefully. Pastry1 is one example of a brand that has used wheat starch in the past.
Cross-Contamination: This is the most significant risk. Even if a product's ingredients are gluten-free, it can be contaminated if it is produced in a facility that also processes wheat, barley, or rye. For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts can cause a severe reaction. Always look for labels that explicitly state 'processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility' or are certified gluten-free.

How to Choose a Safe, Gluten-Free Meringue Powder

Choosing a safe meringue powder requires more than just a quick glance at the label. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to take to ensure your baking is celiac-safe.

Prioritize Certified Products

When a product is certified gluten-free by an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Celiac Support Association (CSA), it means the product and its manufacturing process have been verified to meet strict gluten-free standards. Brands like Judee's Gluten Free are known for producing their meringue powder in a dedicated gluten and nut-free facility, providing a high level of safety.

Always Check the Ingredient List

Even if the product isn't certified, a careful reading of the ingredient list can help you avoid obvious sources of gluten, such as wheat starch. Pay close attention to any ingredients that might be ambiguously named or if the list mentions potential allergens.

Consider the Allergen Statement

Look for statements on the packaging like 'May contain wheat' or 'Made in a facility that processes wheat'. If you have celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, these warnings mean the product is not safe for you. Wilton's meringue powder, for example, carries such a warning despite not listing wheat in the ingredients.

Comparison of Meringue Powder Choices

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table of different meringue powder types based on their gluten status.


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Meringue Powder	Standard Meringue Powder	Homemade Meringue Powder
Gluten Status	Guaranteed gluten-free and safe from cross-contamination risks during production.	May contain gluten-based stabilizers or have a high risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment.	Gluten-free, as long as all homemade ingredients are sourced from gluten-free sources.
Safety for Celiacs	The safest option, as certified products must meet strict testing standards.	High risk, as cross-contamination is a significant concern for sensitive individuals.	Safe, provided you control all ingredients and avoid cross-contamination in your own kitchen.
Primary Ingredients	Typically dehydrated egg whites, sugar, cornstarch, and stabilizers. Certified ingredients are used.	Dehydrated egg whites, sugar, and stabilizers. May include wheat starch or other non-gluten-free ingredients.	Pasteurized egg white powder (or fresh egg whites), sugar, and cream of tartar.
Availability	Widely available online and in specialty health food stores.	Available in most grocery store baking aisles.	Requires gathering individual ingredients, but a recipe can be found online.

The Verdict: Check the Label, Don't Assume

In summary, while the core ingredient of meringue powder, dried egg white, is gluten-free, the product is not automatically safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The risk lies in added ingredients, such as wheat starch, and the high potential for cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities. Therefore, the most critical rule for gluten-sensitive individuals is to never assume a standard meringue powder is safe.

To ensure your creations are truly gluten-free, you must seek out a certified gluten-free meringue powder or make your own from certified egg white powder. This cautious approach protects your health and gives you peace of mind, so you can enjoy baking without worry.

Baking with Gluten-Free Meringue Powder

Once you have sourced a certified gluten-free meringue powder, you can use it to create a variety of delicious treats, such as royal icing for cookies or stable meringue toppings for pies. The most common application is royal icing, a staple for decorating cookies and gingerbread houses. You can easily find gluten-free royal icing recipes online that specifically call for a certified gluten-free meringue powder. When following recipes, always ensure that all other ingredients, like powdered sugar, are also certified gluten-free, as they can also be subject to cross-contamination.

It is also important to maintain a gluten-free kitchen to prevent accidental contamination. Ensure your bowls, mixers, and utensils are thoroughly cleaned and don't come into contact with gluten-containing items. With proper precautions, you can confidently create beautiful and safe baked goods for everyone to enjoy.

What About Alternatives?

For those who are unable to find a certified gluten-free meringue powder or prefer a more natural approach, a homemade version can be made using pure egg white powder, sugar, and cream of tartar. Another option is using aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, as a vegan and naturally gluten-free substitute for egg whites in some applications. However, meringue powder substitutes may not perform identically to the real thing, so it's best to experiment with small batches to test the results.

Conclusion: A Cautious Approach is Key

In conclusion, the question of whether meringue powder has gluten in it is not a simple 'yes' or 'no.' The answer depends entirely on the specific brand and how it was manufactured. The potential for wheat-based additives and the high risk of cross-contamination mean that individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must exercise caution. Opting for a certified gluten-free product is the only way to guarantee a safe experience. By carefully reading labels, understanding the manufacturing process, and seeking out reliable brands, you can ensure your baked goods are both delicious and safe for everyone to enjoy.

Remember These Key Takeaways

Base Ingredient is Safe: The primary ingredient, dried egg white, is naturally gluten-free.
Additives Can Pose a Risk: Some brands may use wheat starch or other non-gluten-free additives.
Cross-Contamination is a Major Threat: Shared manufacturing facilities can introduce gluten into an otherwise safe product.
Certification is Key: The safest option is to buy a product that is explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free.
Consider Alternatives: Homemade meringue powder or aquafaba can be used as alternatives.
Read All Labels: Always check the ingredient and allergen statements, even on products that seem safe.

By following these guidelines, you can bake with confidence and ensure your creations are free from hidden gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Wilton's meringue powder does not list wheat as an ingredient, the packaging states that it is made in a facility that also processes wheat. This means there is a significant risk of cross-contamination, and it is not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.

You can use meringue powder, but it must be a certified gluten-free brand to be considered safe. Given the high risk of cross-contamination in facilities that process wheat, you should never assume a standard product is safe.

The most common gluten-containing ingredient to watch out for is wheat starch, which some brands may use as a stabilizer or anti-caking agent. However, even products with naturally gluten-free ingredients are at risk due to cross-contamination during manufacturing.

For a safe, gluten-free alternative, you can make your own meringue powder by combining certified pure egg white powder with gluten-free powdered sugar and cream of tartar. Aquafaba (chickpea brine) is also a popular vegan and gluten-free alternative to egg whites.

Look for a clear certification mark on the packaging from a recognized organization, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Celiac Support Association (CSA). These certifications indicate the product has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict standards.

Yes, cross-contamination is a major concern with meringue powder. If the product is made in a facility that also handles wheat, trace amounts of gluten can contaminate the powder, making it unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.

No, royal icing is not automatically gluten-free, even if it uses meringue powder. You must ensure both the meringue powder and the powdered sugar used are certified gluten-free to avoid contamination.