Are Macarons Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Macarons: Check the Label

Check the Label Macarons

French macarons are made from almond meal, but bakery cross-contamination is a real risk.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

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

A French macaron (almond meal, egg white, sugar) has no gluten ingredients, but they are usually made in bakeries full of wheat flour, so cross-contamination is the issue. Do not confuse them with macaroons.

Coeliac Disease

Macarons are gluten free by recipe, but ask the bakery about cross-contamination, or buy from a dedicated gluten free maker.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Do Macarons Sometimes Contain Gluten?

The recipe is gluten free; the risk is the shared bakery.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ allows may contain labelling. Ask the bakery about shared equipment.

United States (FDA)

The FDA permits a gluten free label below 20 ppm. Ask the bakery.

What to Watch For

Cross-contamination in shared bakeries, and fillings with cookie or biscuit pieces.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Certified gluten free macarons, flourless almond biscuits made in a gluten free kitchen.

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 Macarons gluten free?

A French macaron (almond meal, egg white, sugar) has no gluten ingredients, but they are usually made in bakeries full of wheat flour, so cross-contamination is the issue. Do not confuse them with macaroons.

Can coeliacs eat macarons?

Macarons are gluten free by recipe, but ask the bakery about cross-contamination, or buy from a dedicated gluten free maker.

Related Foods in Snacks and Sweets

GF, gluten free Potato chips (plain)Check the label Potato chips (flavoured)GF, gluten free Corn chipsGF, gluten free PopcornNot GF, not gluten free PretzelsNot GF, not gluten free Crackers (regular)Check the label Rice crackersGF, 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

Last reviewed: July 2026