Malt extract and barley malt extract

What is malt extract?

Malt extract is most commonly prepared from barley although it can be produced from other grains. It is widely used in small amounts in the food industry as a flavour enhancer. For example, it is used as an ingredient in most brands of breakfast cereals and many other branded manufactured products.

In line with EU allergenSomething which causes an allergic reaction. labelling legislation barley malt extractIs widely used in a food as a flavour enhancer. It depends on the quantity used as to whether or not people with coeliac disease can eat food that contains it. must be declared in a product ingredients list regardless of the amount used.

Can patients with coeliac disease eat barley malt extract?

The quantity of barley malt extract used in products can vary. Products containing barley malt extract in low levels that meet the Codex standardThe standard by which gluten-free foods are measured. All gluten-free products need to get to below a certain limit to be considered either gluten-free or very low gluten. can be tolerated by most people with coeliac disease.

Food products listed in our Food and Drink DirectoryOur annual Directory of gluten-free food and drink which manufacturers voluntarily submit to. are guaranteed by the manufacturer to comply with the current Codex standard for glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. and can be tolerated by most people with coeliac disease.

Food products high in barley malt, such as malted drinks, are not suitable for people with coeliac disease.