Which Tyrrells are gluten free?

December 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reports, nearly all Tyrrells hand-cooked potato crisps are naturally gluten-free, a big plus for snack lovers with dietary restrictions. However, it is crucial to know which Tyrrells are gluten free for certain, as some historical flavour controversies and potential ingredient changes mean label-checking is non-negotiable.

Quick Summary

Most Tyrrells crisps are gluten-free and suitable for coeliacs, but some flavours require careful label inspection. Historical issues with malt vinegar highlight the importance of always checking current ingredients and packaging for safety.

Key Points

Check Packaging: Always verify the ingredients list and any allergen markings on Tyrrells products, as recipes can change over time.
Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar Caution: Historically, this flavour contained barley malt vinegar, making it unsuitable for coeliacs. Strict label-checking is required for this specific flavour.
Majority are GF: The vast majority of Tyrrells hand-cooked potato crisps are made with gluten-free ingredients and are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Look for Certified Products: For highest assurance, look for products with a specific 'gluten-free' certification symbol, such as the crossed grain mark, to rule out cross-contamination risk.
Alternative GF Brands: If uncertain, other brands like Seabrook and Pipers offer clearly labelled gluten-free crisp options.
Natural Ingredients: Tyrrells is known for avoiding artificial ingredients like flavours, colours, and MSG, which contributes to their naturally gluten-free status on many flavours.

The General Rule: Most Tyrrells Flavours are Gluten-Free

For many, a gluten-free diet means leaving behind the simple pleasure of a crunchy potato crisp. Fortunately, Tyrrells offers a wide array of options, with the majority of their hand-cooked potato crisps being gluten-free. The brand prides itself on using quality, natural ingredients and avoids artificial flavours, colours, or MSG. For the most up-to-date and specific allergen information, you should always check the physical product packaging.

List of Common Gluten-Free Tyrrells Flavours

While recipes can change, the following Tyrrells potato crisp flavours are generally considered gluten-free and have been marketed as such:

Lightly Sea Salted
Mature Cheddar & Chive
Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper
Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper
Posh Prawn Cocktail
English Smokey Barbecue
Root Vegetable Crisps (check specific blend)

It is important to remember that this list is based on general product information and older listings. Always check the ingredients list and any 'free-from' labelling on the back of the packet before consumption, especially if you have coeliac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity.

The Crucial Exception: The Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar Warning

One flavour has historically caused significant concern within the gluten-free community: Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar. In the past, this flavour has used dried barley malt vinegar, an ingredient derived from barley which contains gluten. This led to confusion, as some packaging was incorrectly labelled as 'gluten-free' while also listing barley as an ingredient. This prompted alerts from coeliac organisations and consumers. While Tyrrells stated they would address the packaging issue years ago, relying on old information is dangerous. The presence of 'barley malt vinegar' or 'malt extract' in any ingredient list means the product is not suitable for those with coeliac disease. Always scrutinise the allergen information and ingredients list on the packaging for this specific flavour.

The Importance of Strict Label Verification for Coeliacs

For individuals with coeliac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can be harmful. The risk of cross-contamination during processing is also a valid concern for some. While Tyrrells manufactures most of its crisps without gluten-containing ingredients, facilities may process other products with gluten, which can be an issue. Always check for a 'gluten-free' certification mark, like the crossed grain symbol, as this offers the highest level of assurance.

Comparison of Tyrrells Crisps: Gluten-Free vs. Historical Anomaly


Flavour	Gluten-Free Status (Typically)	Key Ingredients	Important Note for Coeliacs
Lightly Sea Salted	Gluten-Free	Potatoes, sunflower oil, sea salt	Considered safe. Always check for any updates.
Mature Cheddar & Chive	Gluten-Free	Potatoes, sunflower oil, cheese powder, chives	Uses rice flour, considered safe. Always check.
Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar	Not Guaranteed	Potatoes, sunflower oil, dried cider vinegar, dried barley malt vinegar (historically)	High Caution. Historically contains barley malt vinegar. Must check current packaging ingredients rigorously.

Tyrrells Compared to Other Gluten-Free Crisp Brands

Tyrrells is not alone in offering gluten-free options. Several other brands have dedicated gluten-free product lines or are entirely gluten-free. For instance, Seabrook has a range of Coeliac UK accredited gluten-free crisps, while some varieties of Kettle Chips are also marked as gluten-free. Pipers Crisps have also made changes to ensure all their crisps are gluten-free. While Tyrrells is a strong contender, comparing options can help you find your new favourite snack.

To see the official details for a specific flavour, you can visit the Tyrrells website directly, for example, the Tyrrells Lightly Sea Salted Official Product Page. This page, and others like it on the site, provide ingredient and allergen information you can use for verification.

Conclusion

Most Tyrrells crisps are indeed gluten-free and can be enjoyed by individuals following a gluten-free diet. However, diligence is key, especially for those with coeliac disease. The historical issues surrounding the Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar flavour are a significant reminder that on-package verification is essential. By sticking to flavours clearly marked 'gluten-free' and double-checking ingredients, you can safely enjoy the premium taste and satisfying crunch of Tyrrells crisps.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Tyrrells crisps are guaranteed to be gluten-free. While most of their flavours are made without gluten-containing ingredients, exceptions exist, most notably the historical formulation of the Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar flavour.

The Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar flavour has historically been made with barley malt vinegar, an ingredient containing gluten. It is critical to check the current ingredients list for this specific flavour, especially if you have coeliac disease.

The most reliable method is to check the packaging every time you buy. Look for the ingredient list to ensure no gluten-containing items like barley malt vinegar are present, and check for official gluten-free certifications.

Yes, Tyrrells root vegetable crisps are generally listed as gluten-free. However, as with all flavours, it is best practice to verify the current packaging and ingredient list before eating.

The risk of cross-contamination can exist in any food production facility. For those with severe gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease, checking for explicit 'gluten-free' labelling or certifications offers greater peace of mind beyond just checking the ingredient list.

The most accurate information is found on the individual product packaging. You can also visit the official Tyrrells website for product-specific details and refer to gluten-free consumer advocacy websites for community updates.

Some other brands, like Seabrook, are specifically accredited by Coeliac UK, providing a high level of confidence for coeliacs. Kettle Chips and Pipers also have many gluten-free varieties. Your choice depends on your preference and the level of gluten assurance you require.