The humble Freddo is one of the UK’s most beloved chocolate bars. Whether you remember buying one after school for 10p or you still reach for one when you fancy a quick sweet fix, this frog-shaped treat has earned its place in British snack culture. But as more people follow gluten free diets due to coeliac disease, wheat intolerance or lifestyle choices, questions about ingredients are more important than ever. So, are Freddos gluten free? In this article, we unwrap the facts behind the famous frog to find out if it is safe for those avoiding gluten.

What Is a Freddo
Freddo is a small milk chocolate bar shaped like a cartoon frog, made by Cadbury. It weighs just 18 grams and is made with Cadbury’s classic Dairy Milk chocolate. Known for its creamy texture and rich, sweet taste, Freddo is a firm favourite among children and adults alike. There are two main versions available in the UK the original milk chocolate Freddo and the Caramel Freddo, which has a gooey caramel filling. Both are individually wrapped and often included in multipacks, lunchbox snacks or seasonal selections.

Does Freddo Contain Gluten Ingredients
The good news is that neither the standard milk chocolate Freddo nor the Caramel Freddo contains any ingredients that are derived from gluten. There is no wheat, barley, rye or oats listed on the packaging of either version. The chocolate is made from sugar, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, milk solids and emulsifiers, while the caramel filling is made with sugar, glucose syrup and condensed milk. On an ingredient level, both bars are free from gluten-containing substances.

What About Cross-Contamination
While Freddos do not include gluten in their recipe, they are not currently labelled as gluten free in the UK. This is because Cadbury produces a wide range of products, including some that do contain wheat, in shared manufacturing facilities. There is a small chance of cross-contamination during production. Some packaging includes a “may contain wheat” warning depending on the factory in which it was made. For people with coeliac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, this warning means that even trace amounts could pose a risk.

Are Freddos Suitable for Coeliacs
Because they are not officially certified as gluten free, Freddos may not be suitable for individuals with coeliac disease unless their specific packaging confirms no risk of cross-contamination. Coeliac UK and other gluten free authorities generally recommend that products be certified or labelled clearly to ensure safety. Those with milder gluten sensitivity or intolerance may choose to enjoy Freddos based on their own experience and tolerance, especially when the label does not include a cross-contamination warning.

Are Caramel Freddos Gluten Free Too
The Caramel Freddo, which features the same chocolate shell with a runny caramel centre, also does not contain any gluten-based ingredients. However, like the original version, it may be produced in a facility that handles wheat, meaning that the same cross-contamination risk applies. Always read the packaging carefully to determine whether your specific product carries any allergen warnings before eating.

Freddos in Multi-Packs and Other Formats
Freddos are also sold in multi-packs, Easter selections and advent calendars. These versions might be produced in different facilities from the individually wrapped bars, and the ingredients list or allergen statement can differ slightly. It is important to treat each variation as a separate product and check the packaging each time, even if you have bought the same chocolate before.

Conclusion
So, are Freddos gluten free? While they do not contain any gluten ingredients, they are not officially certified as gluten free and may be produced in facilities that handle wheat. For those with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance, caution is advised and checking each label is essential. For others who follow a gluten free lifestyle without medical restrictions, Freddos may be a perfectly suitable treat. With their delicious Dairy Milk flavour and small size, they continue to be a chocolate classic for many just be sure to read the wrapper before you take a bite.

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