Are M&M's Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for M&M's: Check the Label

Check the Label M&M's

Plain M&M's have no gluten ingredients, but Crispy and Pretzel are not gluten free.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

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

Plain and peanut M&M's have no gluten grains in the recipe but carry a may contain warning. Crispy M&M's contain barley malt and Pretzel M&M's contain wheat.

Coeliac Disease

Plain and peanut M&M's usually have no gluten ingredients but check for warnings. Avoid Crispy and Pretzel M&M's.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Do M&M's Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Plain types risk cross-contamination; Crispy and Pretzel contain gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires barley and wheat to be declared. Check the variety and the packet.

United States (FDA)

The FDA permits a gluten free label below 20 ppm. Crispy and Pretzel M&M's contain gluten.

What to Watch For

Crispy (barley malt) and Pretzel (wheat) varieties, and may contain warnings on plain types.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Plain chocolate with no warning, certified gluten free chocolate sweets.

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 M&M's gluten free?

Plain and peanut M&M's have no gluten grains in the recipe but carry a may contain warning. Crispy M&M's contain barley malt and Pretzel M&M's contain wheat.

Can coeliacs eat m&m's?

Plain and peanut M&M's usually have no gluten ingredients but check for warnings. Avoid Crispy and Pretzel M&M's.

Related Foods in Snacks and Sweets

GF, gluten free Potato chips (plain)Check the label Potato chips (flavoured)GF, gluten free Corn chips GF, gluten free Popcorn Not GF, not gluten free Pretzels Not GF, not gluten free Crackers (regular)Check the label Rice crackers GF, gluten free Nuts (plain or raw)

More from RefDat

Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of air fryers 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