Barley malt/ malt extract

Malt extract is most commonly prepared from barley, although can be produced from other grains.

It is widely used in small amounts in the food industry as flavour enhancers.  For example, it is used as an ingredient in most brands of breakfast cereals and many other branded manufactured products.

In line with EU allergen labelling legislation, barley malt extract must be declared in a product ingredients list, regardless of the amount used.
 
The quantity of barley malt extract used in these products may vary. Products that contain barley malt extract in smaller amounts can be tolerated by most people with coeliac disease.

• Can patients with coeliac disease eat barley malt extract?
  
  Products containing barley malt extract in low levels that meet the Codex standard can be tolerated by most people with coeliac disease.
  
  Foods products listed in our Gluten-free Food and Drink Directory are guaranteed by the manufacturer to comply with the current Codex standard for gluten, so can be tolerated by most people with coeliac disease.
  
  When we are given the information by the manufacturer, we highlight products containing barley malt extract in the Gluten-free Food and Drink directory with a black diamond.
  
  Food products high in barley malt e.g. malted drinks, are not suitable for people with coeliac disease.