Are Maltesers Gluten Free

Maltesers are one of the UK’s most iconic chocolate treats. Instantly recognisable by their red packaging and satisfying crunch, they are loved by children and adults alike. Whether you are pouring them into popcorn at the cinema, adding them to baked goods or enjoying them straight from the bag, their light texture and malt flavour make them hard to resist. But if you are gluten intolerant or following a gluten free diet, that crunchy centre raises questions. Are Maltesers gluten free?

What Exactly Are Maltesers Made Of

Maltesers consist of a light, aerated malt honeycomb centre covered in smooth milk chocolate. It is that crisp centre that gives them their name and character. The ingredients that make up the honeycomb include barley malt extract and wheat-based components which are not suitable for those who need to avoid gluten. Although the chocolate coating is gluten free in itself, it is the centre that poses the problem. Wheat and barley are both common sources of gluten, and they are present in Maltesers in small but significant amounts.

Why Barley and Wheat Matter

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. For people with coeliac disease, eating even a trace of gluten can cause serious health problems. Others may have gluten intolerance or sensitivity, which can lead to symptoms such as bloating, headaches or digestive discomfort. Because barley malt extract is a derivative of barley, it contains gluten and cannot be safely consumed by those on a gluten free diet. It may be present in very small quantities, but it still makes Maltesers unsuitable for anyone with gluten-related health concerns.

What Does the Packaging Say

Maltesers packaging does not display a gluten free label. In fact, the ingredients list includes both wheat and barley malt extract, confirming that the product contains gluten. Additionally, there is often a may contain warning relating to other allergens due to manufacturing processes, which further underlines the importance of checking labels. Although many UK chocolate products now proudly state when they are gluten free, Maltesers are not among them.

Are There Gluten Free Alternatives to Maltesers

While traditional Maltesers are not gluten free, several alternative brands have emerged offering similar chocolate-coated crunchy bites without the gluten. Some of these use puffed rice or corn to mimic the honeycomb texture. Health food shops, specialist free-from brands and online retailers often stock these gluten free versions, which are clearly labelled for those with dietary requirements. Although they may not taste exactly the same, many do a very good job of capturing the light crunch and chocolate melt of the original.

Why Maltesers Have Not Gone Gluten Free

The main reason Maltesers have not been reformulated is likely due to the role malt extract plays in their unique flavour and texture. Barley malt gives them their characteristic taste, and replicating that with a gluten free alternative would require a complete overhaul of the recipe. It would also mean changes to production facilities and labelling, which may not be feasible for a large brand that produces millions of packets for a global market. Until there is a strong push from consumers, the original Maltesers are likely to remain unchanged.

Final Thoughts

So, are Maltesers gluten free? Unfortunately, no. The presence of barley malt extract and wheat-based ingredients means that they are not suitable for coeliacs or anyone avoiding gluten. While the chocolate is safe on its own, the core of what makes Maltesers special also makes them off-limits for gluten free diets. Thankfully, a growing number of gluten free alternatives are now available, offering the chance to enjoy a similar chocolatey crunch without the worry. Always read the label, look for the gluten free mark and savour your treats with confidence.