Mars bars have long been a favourite in the UK. With their combination of soft nougat, sweet caramel and thick milk chocolate, they offer comfort and indulgence in one neat little package. Whether they are tucked into a lunchbox, enjoyed on a quiet evening or picked up during the afternoon lull, there is something instantly satisfying about a Mars bar. But if you are following a gluten free diet, you may be wondering if Mars bars are safe to enjoy. The answer is not as straightforward as you might hope, so let us unwrap the facts.

Understanding Gluten and Cross-Contamination

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is what gives bread its structure and texture, but it can also turn up in surprising places, including chocolate bars. Even if a product does not include gluten as a deliberate ingredient, it might still come into contact with it during manufacturing. This cross-contamination can be a problem for people with coeliac disease or those who are highly sensitive to gluten.

Do Mars Bars Contain Gluten Ingredients?

In terms of their actual ingredients, UK Mars bars do not list wheat, barley or rye as components. The recipe includes sugar, glucose syrup, skimmed milk powder, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, sunflower oil, lactose, whey powder, milk fat, barley malt extract, egg whites, salt and natural flavourings. It is that last one, barley malt extract, which is worth paying attention to. Barley is a gluten-containing grain, and even though it might be present in small quantities, it means Mars bars cannot officially be considered gluten free.

Barley Malt Extract and Labelling

The presence of barley malt extract means Mars bars are unsuitable for anyone who must avoid gluten completely. Barley malt extract is a flavouring that adds a certain richness to the nougat and caramel, but it contains trace amounts of gluten. Because of this, Mars bars are not labelled as gluten free in the UK. For someone with coeliac disease or strong gluten intolerance, even a tiny amount of barley-derived ingredient can trigger symptoms, so caution is always advised.

What About Other Versions of Mars Bars?

Mars has produced several spin-offs of its classic bar, such as Mars Duo, Mars Protein and Mars Ice Cream. Unfortunately, these variations often contain the same base ingredients, including barley malt extract. Unless clearly labelled otherwise, these products are not considered gluten free either. Occasionally, different versions made for international markets may have slightly different recipes, but the standard UK Mars bar and its offshoots are not gluten free certified.

Is There a Gluten Free Alternative?

If you are craving a Mars-style chocolate fix without the gluten, there are a few options. Several gluten free confectionery brands offer similar combinations of nougat, caramel and chocolate. These are specifically made in gluten free facilities and are clearly marked to reassure those with allergies or intolerances. Some mainstream supermarket free-from sections also stock chocolate bars designed to replicate the taste and texture of favourites like Mars while being safe for coeliac diets.

Final Thoughts

So, are Mars bars gluten free? In short, no. While they do not contain obvious sources of wheat, the inclusion of barley malt extract means they are not suitable for people with coeliac disease or those avoiding gluten for medical reasons. If you are following a strict gluten free diet, it is best to steer clear of Mars bars and opt for certified alternatives that offer peace of mind as well as a sweet fix. Always check the label and when in doubt, choose products with a clear gluten free statement.

0 comments