Is Mars Bar Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Mars Bar: Not Gluten Free

Not Gluten Free Mars Bar

A Mars Bar contains 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

Mars Bars contain barley malt extract in the recipe, so they are not gluten free, and they carry a may contain warning.

Coeliac Disease

Avoid Mars Bars. They contain barley malt.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Does Mars Bar Contain Gluten?

Barley malt extract is barley-derived and contains gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires barley to be declared. Mars Bars sold in Australia contain barley malt extract.

United States (FDA)

US Mars/Milky Way bars also contain barley malt and are not gluten free.

What to Watch For

Barley malt extract and may contain gluten warnings.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Plain chocolate with no cross-contamination warning, gluten free chocolate bars.

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 Mars Bar gluten free?

Mars Bars contain barley malt extract in the recipe, so they are not gluten free, and they carry a may contain warning.

Can coeliacs eat mars bar?

Avoid Mars Bars. They contain barley malt.

Related Foods in Snacks and Sweets

GF, gluten free Potato chips (plain)Check the label Potato chips (flavoured)GF, gluten free Corn chips GF, gluten free Popcorn Not GF, not gluten free Pretzels Not GF, not gluten free Crackers (regular)Check the label Rice crackers GF, gluten free Nuts (plain or raw)

More from RefDat

Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of air fryers 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