Is Ovaltine Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Ovaltine: Not Gluten Free

Not Gluten Free Ovaltine

Ovaltine contains barley malt and is not gluten free.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

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

Ovaltine is a malted drink powder made with barley malt extract, so it contains gluten.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid Ovaltine. It is a malted barley drink.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Ovaltine Contain Gluten?

Barley malt extract is barley-derived and contains gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires barley to be declared. Ovaltine is not gluten free.

United States (FDA)

US Ovaltine also contains barley malt and is not gluten free.

What to Watch For

Barley malt extract in the ingredient list.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Plain cocoa or drinking chocolate labelled gluten free, gluten free malt-style drinks.

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

Is Ovaltine gluten free?

Ovaltine is a malted drink powder made with barley malt extract, so it contains gluten.

Can coeliacs eat ovaltine?

Avoid Ovaltine. It is a malted barley drink.

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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