Are Horlicks Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Horlicks: Not Gluten Free

Not Gluten Free Horlicks

Horlicks contains malted barley and wheat and is not gluten free.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

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

Horlicks is a malted milk drink made from malted barley and wheat flour, so it contains gluten.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid Horlicks. It is made from malted barley and wheat.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Do Horlicks Contain Gluten?

Malted barley and wheat flour both contain gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires barley and wheat to be declared. Horlicks is not gluten free.

United States (FDA)

US and UK Horlicks also contain malted barley and wheat.

What to Watch For

Malted barley and wheat in the ingredient list.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Plain cocoa labelled gluten free, a gluten free malt-style drink.

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 Horlicks gluten free?

Horlicks is a malted milk drink made from malted barley and wheat flour, so it contains gluten.

Can coeliacs eat horlicks?

Avoid Horlicks. It is made from malted barley and wheat.

Related Foods in Drinks

GF, gluten free Water GF, gluten free Coffee (plain)GF, gluten free Tea (plain)Check the label Herbal tea GF, gluten free Soft drinks or soda GF, gluten free Fruit juice GF, gluten free Coconut water Check the label Energy drinks

More from RefDat

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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