Is Special K Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Special K: Not Gluten Free

Not Gluten Free Special K

Standard Special K contains wheat and 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

Special K is rice and wheat based with barley malt flavouring, so it contains gluten.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid Special K. It contains wheat and barley malt.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Special K Contain Gluten?

Wheat and barley malt both contain gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

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

United States (FDA)

The FDA permits a gluten free label below 20 ppm. Standard US Special K contains wheat and is not gluten free.

What to Watch For

Wheat and barley malt in the ingredient list.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Certified gluten free flake cereal, gluten free porridge.

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 Special K gluten free?

Special K is rice and wheat based with barley malt flavouring, so it contains gluten.

Can coeliacs eat special k?

Avoid Special K. It contains wheat and barley malt.

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