Are Maltesers gluten free? – Quick answer is no as they contain barley.
If you love chocolate with a light and crunchy texture, chances are Maltesers are already one of your favourites. These malted milk balls covered in smooth milk chocolate have been a go-to treat in the UK for decades. But with more people needing to avoid gluten for medical or lifestyle reasons, one common question arises: Are Maltesers gluten free?
The short answer is no, Maltesers are not gluten free.
Why Maltesers Contain Gluten
If we take a look at the ingredients list for Maltesers, we can see exactly why they are unsuitable for anyone with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. The full list includes:
- Sugar
- Skimmed Milk Powder
- Cocoa Butter
- Glucose Syrup
- Barley Malt Extract
- Cocoa Mass
- Palm Fat
- Whey Permeate (Milk)
- Milk Fat
- Palm Kernel Fat
- Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin, E492)
- Wheat Flour
- Raising Agents (E341, E500, E501)
- Wheat Gluten
- Sweet Whey Powder (Milk)
- Salt
- Glazing Agent (Pectins)
The two major ingredients that make Maltesers unsuitable for a gluten free diet are:
- Barley Malt Extract – this is derived from barley, which naturally contains gluten.
- Wheat Flour and Wheat Gluten – both of these are clear sources of gluten and cannot be consumed by those avoiding it.
Because of these ingredients, Maltesers are not safe for coeliacs or anyone following a strict gluten free lifestyle.
Are There Gluten Free Alternatives to Maltesers?
Although Maltesers themselves contain wheat and barley, there are alternatives on the market that are made without gluten. Some specialist chocolate brands offer “malted-style” balls or crispy chocolate bites that use gluten free ingredients. These may not taste identical to Maltesers, but they can offer a similar light crunch and chocolatey flavour.
If you’re looking for a gluten free chocolate treat, it’s always best to check the packaging carefully. Many mainstream chocolate products do contain gluten, either as a direct ingredient or due to cross-contamination risks.
Final Answer: Are Maltesers Gluten Free?
Unfortunately, Maltesers are not gluten free. The inclusion of barley malt extract, wheat flour and wheat gluten means that they are not suitable for coeliacs or anyone who needs to avoid gluten. If you’re craving something similar, look out for gluten free chocolate-coated crunchy balls from free-from brands available in supermarkets and online.
So, if you’re following a gluten free diet, it’s best to skip Maltesers and choose an alternative that’s certified gluten free.