Is there a gluten-free alternative to Maltesers? An exploration of satisfying alternatives

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, even a small amount of gluten can cause serious health issues. So, is there a gluten-free alternative to Maltesers? The good news is that a growing number of free-from brands offer satisfying substitutes, using ingredients like rice cereal or honeycomb to replicate the unique texture and flavor.

Quick Summary

Maltesers are not gluten-free due to ingredients like barley malt and wheat. Several brands offer alternatives using rice cereal or honeycomb to replicate the texture. Options vary in flavor and allergen-friendliness, so careful label-reading is essential for those with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Malt is the problem: Maltesers contain barley malt extract, a source of gluten, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease.
Commercial options exist: Brands like Moo Free and Creative Nature offer certified gluten-free alternatives using ingredients like rice cereal or rice bites.
Texture over exact flavor: Due to the absence of barley malt, gluten-free alternatives often use different ingredients and have a unique flavor profile, prioritizing safety and crunchiness.
Labels are crucial: Always check for 'certified gluten-free' logos and read ingredient lists to avoid cross-contamination, especially for those with severe sensitivities.
Homemade is an option: You can create your own gluten-free version using a simple honeycomb recipe or chocolate-covered puffed rice for a customizable treat.
Nutritional variation: Be aware that gluten-free alternatives may differ nutritionally, with some containing higher sugar or fat content to compensate for the gluten's functional properties.

Understanding the Gluten in Maltesers

Maltesers are a well-loved chocolate treat known for their honeycomb-like, malty center. The key ingredient that makes them unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities is 'malt.' Specifically, the presence of barley malt extract means they contain gluten. The word 'malt' itself often indicates the presence of barley, a gluten-containing grain. For those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, consuming products containing barley can trigger an adverse reaction, making Maltesers and many other popular chocolate bars off-limits.

Why the Classic 'Malty' Flavor is Hard to Replicate

The unique, sweet, and slightly savory taste of malt is central to a Malteser's flavor profile. This makes finding a perfect replica difficult, as the malty flavor itself is derived from gluten-containing barley. Alternatives must substitute this flavor, often relying on alternative grains or flavorings to achieve a similar profile. This explains why some gluten-free 'malt' balls have a slightly different taste and texture, prioritizing safety and flavor innovation over an exact match.

Commercial Gluten-Free Alternatives

Fortunately, the free-from market has expanded significantly, and several companies now offer excellent alternatives to Maltesers. These products use gluten-free ingredients to mimic the crunchy, chocolate-covered experience.

Moo Free Moofreesas

This is one of the most widely recommended alternatives for those seeking a gluten-free and dairy-free treat. Instead of a honeycomb center, they use a crispy, gluten-free rice cereal ball coated in 'milk' chocolate made from rice powder. The resulting product is satisfyingly crunchy and sweet, appealing to a wide range of dietary needs. Moo Free manufactures their products in dedicated facilities, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Marks & Spencer 'Made Without Dairy' Rocky Road Pieces

While not an exact substitute, these treats contain cocoa-covered honeycomb and rice biscuit balls, providing a similar texture profile. They are free from gluten, wheat, and dairy, making them a suitable option for many. The added extras like raisins and vegan marshmallows give them a rocky road character, but the presence of the honeycomb crunch can satisfy a Malteser craving.

Creative Nature Salted Caramel Magibles

Creative Nature's Magibles are another great option, using rice bites covered in a sweet and salty chocolate. A major benefit is that they are free from the top 14 allergens, making them an extremely safe choice. They are vegan and use a dark chocolate coating, offering a slightly different flavor experience compared to the classic Malteser, but the satisfying crunch remains.

Schär Delishios

At one point, Schär produced a product called 'Delishios' which was positioned as a gluten-free equivalent to Maltesers. Reviews indicated that these used a crunchy cereal ball to replace the malted center. Availability of this product can vary, and it's always best to check current listings. Schär is a well-regarded gluten-free brand, so their products are generally considered safe for those with celiac disease.

Comparison of Popular Alternatives


Brand	Alternative Name	Base Ingredient	Key Allergens	Texture Notes
Moo Free	Moofreesas	Rice Cereal Ball	Free from Dairy, Gluten, Soya	Crunchy, with a creamy chocolate coating
M&S 'Made Without'	Rocky Road Pieces	Honeycomb, Rice Balls	Free from Dairy, Gluten, Wheat	Mixed textures; includes crunchy honeycomb and chewy fruit
Creative Nature	Salted Caramel Magibles	Rice Bites	Free from Top 14 Allergens	Light and crunchy, with a richer dark chocolate flavour
DIY Homemade	Chocolate Honeycomb	Homemade Honeycomb	Varies based on recipe	Customizable, can create a specific texture and sweetness

DIY and Homemade Options

For those who enjoy baking, creating a homemade version of a gluten-free chocolate honeycomb can be a fun and rewarding project. Using a simple recipe for cinder toffee or honeycomb, made with sugar, glucose syrup, and baking soda, can provide the characteristic crunchy texture. Once cooled, break the honeycomb into chunks and coat them in your preferred gluten-free chocolate.

Another approach involves using gluten-free puffed rice cereal or even roasted chickpeas as the base. These can be mixed with melted chocolate and then shaped into balls before chilling. This allows for total control over ingredients and can be adapted to be free from other allergens like dairy or nuts.

Reading Labels and Avoiding Cross-Contamination

When navigating the world of gluten-free treats, it is crucial to read labels carefully. The term 'gluten-free' may not always be sufficient for those with celiac disease, who need to be vigilant about cross-contamination.

Dedicated Facilities: Products like Moo Free's Moofreesas are made in dedicated factories, which virtually eliminates the risk of cross-contamination from gluten.
'May Contain' Warnings: Always look for 'may contain' warnings. A product can be made without gluten-containing ingredients but in a factory that also handles wheat or barley, posing a risk.
Certification Logos: Look for certified gluten-free logos from trusted organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation. This provides an extra layer of assurance.

Conclusion: Your Guide to a Safe and Satisfying Treat

While there is no identical gluten-free copy of a Malteser, plenty of delicious and safe alternatives are available. Commercial brands like Moo Free and Creative Nature offer innovative takes on the crunchy chocolate ball, often with the added benefit of being free from other major allergens like dairy. For those who prefer a more personalized touch, homemade honeycomb or chocolate-coated rice cereal balls are a customizable option. By understanding why Maltesers are not suitable and diligently checking labels for certification and cross-contamination risks, individuals on a gluten-free diet can continue to enjoy crunchy, chocolatey treats safely.

For more information on living with celiac disease, consult reliable sources such as the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, unless otherwise specified, the term 'malt' almost always refers to barley malt extract, which contains gluten. You should avoid any food item that lists 'malt' or 'barley malt extract' as an ingredient.

No, even a mild sensitivity can be aggravated by consuming gluten. It is always safest to avoid Maltesers entirely and opt for a certified gluten-free alternative to prevent adverse reactions.

Gluten-free alternatives can be found in the free-from aisle of major supermarkets, specialized health food stores, and online retailers that cater to allergen-friendly diets.

Because the unique malty flavor comes from barley, gluten-free versions cannot replicate the exact taste. However, products like Moo Free Moofreesas offer a satisfyingly crunchy, chocolatey flavor profile using different base ingredients.

Yes. Brands like Moo Free and Creative Nature specialize in treats that are free from multiple allergens, including both gluten and dairy, making them suitable for vegans and those with multiple dietary restrictions.

The main difference is the crunchy center. Maltesers use malted barley, while gluten-free alternatives typically use a rice-based cereal ball or honeycomb to achieve a similar light and crispy texture.

Yes, it is relatively simple. You can melt chocolate and mix it with gluten-free puffed rice cereal or crumbled homemade honeycomb before chilling. This allows you to control all the ingredients and customize the flavor.