Which Cornflakes Are Gluten-Free? A Comprehensive Guide

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, corn is a naturally gluten-free grain. However, the vast majority of traditional cornflake brands are not gluten-free, often due to the addition of malt flavoring derived from barley. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is crucial to know which cornflakes are gluten-free before making a purchase.

Quick Summary

This guide explains why most cornflakes contain gluten and helps readers identify safe, certified gluten-free options. It outlines specific brands available, what to look for on packaging, and common pitfalls like cross-contamination. Information is also provided on brands to avoid and alternatives to cornflakes.

Key Points

Malt is the problem: Most standard cornflakes are not gluten-free because they contain malt flavoring, which is derived from barley and contains gluten.
Check for certification: The safest option for those with celiac disease is to choose cornflakes with a certified gluten-free label from a recognized organization.
Know the safe brands: Brands like Nature's Path (including EnviroKidz), Nestlé Go Free, and Schar offer certified gluten-free cornflake options.
Kellogg's varies by region: Regular Kellogg's Corn Flakes in the US are not gluten-free, but dedicated gluten-free versions are sold in other countries.
Be cautious of cross-contamination: Products made with naturally gluten-free ingredients can still be unsafe if manufactured in facilities that process wheat.
Read the ingredient list: Always check the ingredients for hidden sources of gluten like malt flavoring and be aware of voluntary 'may contain' warnings.
Explore other alternatives: Other cereals like Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and certified gluten-free oats are also great options for a gluten-free breakfast.

Why Most Cornflakes Contain Gluten

The primary ingredient in cornflakes is, as the name suggests, corn. Since corn is a naturally gluten-free grain, it is a common misconception that all cornflakes are safe for a gluten-free diet. However, the reality is that many mainstream manufacturers add malt flavoring, which is typically derived from barley, to their cornflake recipes. Barley contains gluten, rendering the final product unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Even if malt is not listed, some products may still be manufactured in facilities that process wheat, leading to cross-contamination.

The Importance of Certification

For those with celiac disease, certified gluten-free products are the safest option. A certified gluten-free label, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or an equivalent body, indicates that the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This low level is considered safe for most people with celiac disease and provides assurance against hidden gluten sources or cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment.

Brands of Gluten-Free Cornflakes

Fortunately, several brands have recognized the need for genuinely gluten-free cornflake options. These products either use a different type of sweetener or are manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility to prevent cross-contamination.

List of reliable gluten-free cornflakes:

Kellogg's Gluten Free Corn Flakes: While the original Kellogg's Corn Flakes contain barley malt, the company offers a specific version labeled 'Gluten Free' in certain regions, such as Australia and the Middle East, that is formulated without gluten-containing ingredients. Consumers should always check the label carefully, as availability varies globally.
Nature's Path Corn Flakes: As a certified gluten-free product, Nature's Path offers several variations, including Organic Fruit Juice Corn Flakes and Honey'd Corn Flakes, that are explicitly safe for a gluten-free diet. The EnviroKidz line, also by Nature's Path, offers Amazon Flakes which are certified gluten-free as well.
Nestlé Go Free Cornflakes: Available in many international markets, Nestlé Go Free Cornflakes are certified gluten-free and a popular choice for those avoiding gluten.
Schar Gluten-Free Corn Flakes: Dr. Schar is a well-known brand specializing in gluten-free products, and their cornflakes are certified organic and guaranteed to be free from wheat and gluten.
Real Cereal Corn Flakes: For those looking for a simple, unsweetened option, Real Cereal manufactures certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free corn flakes with only two ingredients: corn grits and sea salt.

Comparison of Cornflake Brands


Feature	Original Kellogg's Corn Flakes	Kellogg's Gluten Free Corn Flakes	Nature's Path Organic Fruit Juice Corn Flakes	EnviroKidz Amazon Flakes
Gluten Status	NOT gluten-free	Certified gluten-free	Certified gluten-free	Certified gluten-free
Sweetener	Malt Flavoring	Sugar/Glucose Syrup	Organic Pear Juice Concentrate	Cane Sugar
Availability	Wide (Global)	Regional (e.g., Australia, Middle East)	Good (Global)	Good (Global)
Cross-Contamination Risk	High	Low (Dedicated Facility)	Low (Dedicated Facility)	Low (Dedicated Facility)
Best For	No gluten dietary concerns	Celiac/Gluten intolerant (if available)	Organic, non-refined sugar diets	Celiac/Gluten intolerant (child-friendly)

How to Read Cereal Labels Effectively

To ensure you are selecting a safe product, always follow these label-reading tips:

Search for the Certification Mark: Look for a trusted third-party certification logo, such as the GFCO mark, indicating the product has been tested and meets strict gluten-free standards.
Inspect the Allergen Statement: Many products will have an allergen box that clearly states if it 'Contains' or 'May Contain' wheat or other gluten sources. While not all statements are required, a 'May Contain' warning is a red flag for those with celiac disease.
Check the Ingredients List: Scan the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources. Be vigilant for barley, wheat, rye, and malt flavoring or malt extract. Remember that some items that sound safe might be derived from gluten-containing grains. A specific item to watch for is 'malt extract'.
Confirm Regional Differences: Be aware that product formulations can differ by country. For example, while Kellogg's regular US cornflakes contain gluten, a separate certified gluten-free version is sold in other parts of the world. Always verify the specific product you are buying.

The Risks of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a serious concern for individuals with celiac disease. This occurs when a gluten-free product comes into contact with gluten-containing products, either during manufacturing or preparation. Some brands, like Barbara's Bakery, produce cornflakes with naturally gluten-free ingredients but in facilities that also handle wheat, posing a cross-contamination risk. Without a certified gluten-free label, it's impossible to guarantee a product's safety.

Conclusion

While corn is naturally gluten-free, the majority of conventional cornflakes are not suitable for a gluten-free diet due to added malt flavoring. However, a growing number of brands, such as Nature's Path, Nestlé Go Free, and Schar, offer certified gluten-free options that are safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. By carefully reading labels, looking for a certification mark, and being aware of the risks of cross-contamination, you can confidently find a delicious gluten-free cornflake cereal for your breakfast. For further information and resources, consult the Celiac Disease Foundation (https://celiac.org/).

Alternative Gluten-Free Breakfast Cereals

For those who don't mind exploring beyond cornflakes, there is a wide range of other gluten-free cereals available. Many popular brands offer gluten-free alternatives, and many whole grains are naturally gluten-free.

Chex Cereals: Several varieties, including Rice and Corn Chex, are labeled and considered gluten-free.
Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles: These popular cereals are made with rice and are considered gluten-free.
Certified Gluten-Free Oats: While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often cross-contaminated during processing. Always choose brands explicitly labeled 'Certified Gluten-Free' to ensure safety.
Granolas: Many brands offer certified gluten-free granolas made with safe grains like oats, quinoa, and millet.

By being a conscious consumer and checking labels thoroughly, navigating the cereal aisle on a gluten-free diet becomes much simpler.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the original Kellogg's Corn Flakes are not gluten-free because they contain malt flavoring derived from barley, which is a gluten-containing grain. However, some international markets, like Australia and the Middle East, sell a separate certified gluten-free version.

Malt flavoring is typically made from malted barley, a grain that naturally contains gluten. It is often added to cornflakes for sweetness and flavor, making the final product unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.

Look for a third-party certification label on the packaging, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark. This confirms the product has been tested to meet specific gluten-free standards.

Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free products come into contact with gluten during processing or manufacturing. Some brands use naturally gluten-free ingredients but process them in facilities with wheat, posing a risk for those with celiac disease.

No, not all corn-based cereals are gluten-free. It is essential to read the ingredient list for additives like malt flavoring and to check for a gluten-free certification mark to ensure the product is safe.

Yes, many alternatives exist. For a similar taste and crunch, you can try Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or certified gluten-free rice crisp cereals.

No, a corn allergy is a separate condition from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Corn is naturally gluten-free, so an allergy to corn is not related to a gluten issue.