Most malts are made from gluten grains, but there are exceptions
Malt is not gluten-free.
These malts can be used to produce a variety of gluten-free products, including gluten-free beer.
This article provides a rundown of why most malts are not gluten-free.
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It also explains when it’s safe for someone with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity to consume malt.
Why Isn’t Malt Gluten-Free?
Therefore, any malt made from barley, wheat, or rye cannot be used in gluten-free products.
This process is what makes malt so sweet.
For example,samanuis a traditional Persian recipe made with malted wheat.
What Products Are Malt-Based?
Malt-based products include:
How Can You Tell If a Product Contains Malt?
To peek if a product contains malt, read its label.
Unlike wheat, barley isn’t considered a major allergen.
As such, manufacturers do not need to specify on their labels that an ingredient is made with barley.
Barley can therefore be disguised as “malt” on a food label.
Gluten-free foods cannot contain barley.
When Is Malt Safe for People With Celiac Disease?
Gluten-free grains and pseudo-grains include:
More and more companies are answering the need for gluten-free malt products.
Summary
Malt is traditionally derived from barley, a grain that contains gluten.
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