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Are corn flakes gluten free?

Corn is naturally free from gluten so it would be fair to assume corn flakes are gluten free. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not that simple. Conventional corn flakes contain a lot more ingredients than simply corn, with additional flavours and sweeteners the usual suspects when it comes to hidden gluten.

But let's back up a bit first. As we know, sources of gluten include wheat, rye and barley along with a long list of their derivatives. For anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity this means many hours spent inspecting ingredients lists each year in search of hidden gluten-containing derivatives.

Malt is one such ingredient and is a popular sweetener used in cereal. Malt can be made from just about any grain but is most commonly made from barley. Barley malt extract is often used as a sweetener in corn flakes, included to enhance the cereal’s flavour while giving the corn flakes a distinctive sweet-caramel taste.

For this reason, corn flakes are not suitable for anyone following a gluten-free diet. The good news is, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy corn flakes. There are plenty of gluten-free varieties on the market to choose from. Our top picks for buying gluten free cornflakes in Australia include:

orgran corn flakes plant based

Orgran Corn Flakes Plant Based Cereal

These are not your ordinary bowl of flakes. Extra crunchy with a hint of golden syrup for sweetness, they’re a delicious and healthy cereal to wake up to. When it comes to healthy eating less is more; Organ make their Corn Flakes from just three simple ingredients, all grown right here in Australia.

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gf corn flakes by kelloggs

Kellogg's Corn Flakes Gluten Free

Did you start every day with a bowl of Kellogg’s original Corn Flakes before gluten declared war on your insides? This gluten free version of their original cereal contains the same golden flakes and all of the crunch minus the gluten - with all the added vitamins and minerals too!

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honey corn flakes by natures path

Nature's Path Organic Honey’d Corn Flakes

Crisp golden flakes of corn mingle with real honey in this tasty take on Corn Flakes from Nature’s Path. Their ingredients are all organic and free from GMOs for a wholesome start to each day. And with the perfect amount of natural sweetness, you’ll savour each spoonful of crunchy goodness.

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