Are Corn Flakes Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Corn Flakes: Not Gluten Free

Not Gluten Free Corn Flakes

Standard corn flakes contain barley malt and are not gluten free.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

Rated against the stricter of the two standards. Compare AU and US rules

Corn is gluten free, but mainstream corn flakes (such as Kellogg's) add barley malt extract for flavour, which contains gluten.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid standard corn flakes. Choose a corn flake specifically labelled gluten free.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Do Corn Flakes Contain Gluten?

Barley malt extract is barley-derived and contains gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires barley to be declared. Kellogg's Corn Flakes in Australia contain barley malt extract and are not gluten free.

United States (FDA)

The FDA permits a gluten free label below 20 ppm. Standard US corn flakes also use barley malt and are not gluten free.

What to Watch For

Barley malt extract in the ingredient list. It is in most mainstream corn flakes.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Certified gluten free corn flakes, gluten free porridge, plain corn or rice cereal labelled gluten free.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information about gluten content, not medical advice. If you have coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, always consult your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before making dietary changes. Product formulations change. Always read the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Corn Flakes gluten free?

Corn is gluten free, but mainstream corn flakes (such as Kellogg's) add barley malt extract for flavour, which contains gluten.

Can coeliacs eat corn flakes?

Avoid standard corn flakes. Choose a corn flake specifically labelled gluten free.

Related Foods in Processed Foods

Check the label Soup (canned)Not GF, not gluten free Soup (packet or instant)Check the label Baked beans Not GF, not gluten free Canned spaghetti Not GF, not gluten free Frozen pizza Check the label Frozen dinners or meals Check the label Veggie burgers (commercial)Check the label Meat substitutes

More from RefDat

Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of food processors for coeliac-friendly options. Explore more reference data at refdat.com.

How We Verify This

Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.

Sources

Coeliac Australia, FSANZ, manufacturer allergen statement

Last reviewed: July 2026