Is Marmite Gluten Free?

It’s the food that has divided a nation – but whether you’re a lover or a hater, you may be wondering is Marmite gluten free? Here’s everything you need to know about Marmite, its gluten free status, and all the gluten free yeast extracts out there.

For those unfamiliar with this popular condiment, Marmite is yeast extract, a brown-coloured and very salty spread often enjoyed on toast or with cheese.

Marmite itself is a branded version of yeast extract, but you can find similar yeast extracts from other brands and supermarket own brand ranges.

Is Marmite Gluten Free?

Marmite is not gluten free. In its ingredients list it clearly states it contains barley, wheat, oats and rye, all of which are not suitable for people with coeliac disease.

Coeliac UK also states the levels of gluten in Marmite are above 20 parts per million (ppm), which is the legal level for something to be considered gluten free.

Marmite confirms this on its website and says: “Marmite’s major ingredient is an extract from brewer’s yeast arising from beer-making.

“Malted barley, wheat, and rye are typically used to make many beers and they contain gluten.

“Despite thorough washing, the collected yeast may still contain low levels of gluten which may carry through to the final product.”

Wait – didn’t Marmite used to be gluten free?

Those who have had coeliac disease for a long time may remember there was a day when Marmite was considered suitable for people with coeliac disease.

Since 2016, Coeliac UK have no longer listed Marmite in its Food and Drink Directory and it is not considered suitable for people with coeliac disease.

However, if you used to eat Marmite don’t panic – Coeliac UK states on its own website: “If in the past you have included Marmite in your gluten free diet, it is highly unlikely that it will have been harmful as it is usually only consumed in small amounts.”

It’s important to add this is not a green light to continue eating Marmite, more a message not to panic if you have done previously and didn’t realise. But please stop now!

The good news for Marmite fans is that there are plenty of gluten free alternatives! In fact, Marmite is about the only yeast extract I’ve found which is not gluten free.

The following yeast extracts are gluten free at the time of writing (June 2025) – but as always please double check before buying as ingredients can change.

Is Vegemite Gluten Free?

Vegemite is a popular alternative to Marmite, but sadly Vegemite is not gluten free.

It states on the ingredients it contains yeast grown from barley and wheat. It also contains malt extract.

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