Is Macaroni and Cheese Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Macaroni and Cheese: Not Gluten Free

Not Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese

Standard mac and cheese uses wheat pasta and a flour sauce, so it is not gluten free.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

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

Macaroni and cheese is made from wheat pasta and a roux (butter and wheat flour) cheese sauce, so it contains gluten twice over.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid standard mac and cheese. Make it with gluten free pasta and a maize-thickened sauce.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Macaroni and Cheese Contain Gluten?

Wheat pasta and a wheat-flour roux contain gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires wheat to be declared. Standard mac and cheese is not gluten free.

United States (FDA)

The FDA permits a gluten free label below 20 ppm. Standard mac and cheese uses wheat.

What to Watch For

Wheat pasta and a wheat-flour sauce.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Mac and cheese made with gluten free pasta and a cornflour (maize) or gluten free flour sauce.

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 Macaroni and Cheese gluten free?

Macaroni and cheese is made from wheat pasta and a roux (butter and wheat flour) cheese sauce, so it contains gluten twice over.

Can coeliacs eat macaroni and cheese?

Avoid standard mac and cheese. Make it with gluten free pasta and a maize-thickened sauce.

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

Last reviewed: July 2026