Ovaltine chocolate is a popular chocolate malt drink mix that has been around for over 100 years. Many people enjoy Ovaltine for its rich chocolate flavor and nutritional benefits. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining if Ovaltine contains gluten is an important consideration. In this article, we will explore the ingredients in Ovaltine chocolate, manufacturer statements about gluten, and how Ovaltine chocolate is processed to provide a thorough answer to the question “Is Ovaltine chocolate gluten-free?”.
What is Ovaltine?
Ovaltine is a brand name for a chocolate malt drink mix manufactured by Abbott Nutrition. It was developed in Switzerland in 1904 and came to the United States in 1912. Ovaltine gets its name from the Latin word “ovum” meaning egg, due to it originally being made with eggs and malt extract. Today’s version of Ovaltine uses milk, whey, and malt extract in addition to cocoa and other natural flavors. It is marketed as a nutrient-rich beverage that provides vitamins, minerals, protein and more per serving. The primary ingredients in Ovaltine chocolate malt powder are:
- Malt extract
- Whey powder
- Cocoa powder
- Calcium carbonate
- Salt
- Vitamins and minerals
- Natural and artificial flavors
Ovaltine comes in chocolate, chocolate malt, and original malt varieties. The chocolate version features extra cocoa powder for a more pronounced chocolate taste. All versions can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water. Ovaltine is frequently used as a bedtime drink due to its warm, comforting flavor profile. It is also added to recipes as a chocolate flavoring.
Gluten Information From Ovaltine
According to Ovaltine’s website, their chocolate malt drink mix is labeled gluten-free. They state:
“Ovaltine is gluten free. Ovaltine Chocolate flavor is processed in a dedicated gluten free production facility.”
Additionally, the Ovaltine FAQ states:
“All Ovaltine canisters state ‘Gluten Free’ on the front label. Ovaltine is gluten free to at least 20ppm.”
20ppm refers to 20 parts per million, which is the recognized gluten threshold for foods to be considered gluten-free. Foods with less than 20ppm of gluten are generally safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
This information directly from the manufacturer strongly indicates that Ovaltine chocolate malt powder is free of gluten and suitable for a gluten-free diet. However, a deeper look at the ingredients and manufacturing process will provide more details.
Assessing the Ingredients
When evaluating whether a food product is gluten-free, examining the ingredients list is key. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Any ingredients derived from these grains could potentially contain gluten.
The primary ingredients in Ovaltine chocolate malt powder are:
- Malt extract – derived from barley, may contain gluten
- Whey powder – dairy, gluten-free
- Cocoa powder – gluten-free
- Calcium carbonate – gluten-free
- Salt – gluten-free
- Vitamins and minerals – typically gluten-free
- Natural and artificial flavors – typically gluten-free
Malt extract is the main ingredient that stands out here, as it is derived from barley. Barley contains gluten, so malt extract has the potential to contain gluten as well. However, the malt extract used in Ovaltine goes through extensive processing to remove all traces of gluten.
How Malt Extract is Made Gluten-Free
Although malt extract originates from gluten-containing barley, the manufacturing process renders it gluten-free. Here are the key steps:
- Barley grains are soaked in water to initiate germination.
- The barley grains sprout, activating enzymes that convert starches to sugars.
- The germinated barley is dried with hot air to stop the sprouting and convert the starches and proteins to soluble substances.
- The dried malt goes through an extraction process with hot water to extract the water-soluble substances, leaving behind the insoluble proteins, fibers and starches – including gluten.
- The liquid malt extract is separated, purified and concentrated.
During this extensive process, the gluten protein is removed from the barley, resulting in a gluten-free malt extract.
Manufacturers take care to use equipment that is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between processing gluten-containing and gluten-free ingredients. Ovaltine also notes their chocolate malt powder is produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility, with protocols in place to avoid any cross-contamination.
Third-Party Testing Confirms Gluten-Free Status
In addition to the manufacturer’s assurances and gluten-free processing methods, Ovaltine chocolate malt powder is subjected to rigorous third-party testing to validate its gluten-free status.
The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), an internationally recognized authority on gluten-related disorders, has tested Ovaltine and confirmed it to be gluten-free to at least 10 parts per million.
Ovaltine also clearly labels its chocolate malt powder as “Gluten-Free” on the packaging. For a product to bear a gluten-free label in the United States, it must contain less than 20ppm of gluten.
So between the manufacturer’s strict production procedures, third-party testing, and conformance to gluten-free labeling regulations, Ovaltine chocolate can be considered reliably gluten-free.
What About Cross-Contamination?
For those highly sensitive to gluten, cross-contamination is always a consideration with packaged foods. Cross-contamination refers to gluten from other products getting inadvertently introduced during production or packaging.
As noted previously, Ovaltine states their chocolate powder is produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility. No gluten-containing ingredients are handled on the same equipment. This strongly minimizes the chance of cross-contamination.
However, it’s impossible to completely guarantee a complex product like Ovaltine will have zero traces of cross-contamination. People with celiac disease orwheat allergies may want to exercise additional caution and check with their healthcare provider before consuming.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
When purchasing Ovaltine chocolate malt powder, it’s important to check the ingredients list and nutritional labels carefully each time. Manufacturers occasionally change product formulations, so it is possible for gluten-containing ingredients to be introduced.
Watch out for potential sources of gluten like:
- Barley malt – can sometimes be used in place of malt extract
- Wheat flour
- Oats – some people with celiac cannot tolerate oats due to cross-contamination with wheat
- Maltodextrin – may be derived from wheat or barley
- Natural flavors – if derived from gluten sources, may contain traces of gluten. Ovaltine’s natural flavors are likely from dairy, cocoa or other gluten-free sources.
Contacting the manufacturer directly is the best option if any questionable ingredients appear.
Verdict: Ovaltine Chocolate Malt Powder is Gluten-Free
Based on thorough research into the ingredients and manufacturing processes, Ovaltine chocolate malt powder can be considered gluten-free and appropriate for celiac disease and gluten intolerance when consumed according to package directions.
Key points supporting the gluten-free status of Ovaltine chocolate include:
- Clearly labeled as “Gluten-Free” on packaging
- Produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility
- Malt extract is processed to remove gluten proteins
- No gluten-containing grain ingredients are used
- Rigorously third-party tested to verify gluten levels below 10ppm
Individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergies should always closely inspect package labels and call manufacturers with any questions when introducing new products into their diet. But Ovaltine chocolate malt powder has taken the necessary steps to eliminate gluten and can be considered a gluten-free friendly food.
So for those who need to follow a gluten-free diet, you can continue to enjoy Ovaltine for its nostalgic chocolate flavor and nutritional content. Ovaltine makes a tasty, gluten-free nighttime treat.
Other Ovaltine Flavors and Products
This article has specifically focused on the gluten-free status of Ovaltine’s classic chocolate malt powder. However, Ovaltine produces other flavor varieties and product forms:
Ovaltine Malted Milk Powder
The original Ovaltine malt powder, without added cocoa powder, is also labeled gluten-free and made with gluten-free malt extract.
Ovaltine Cans and Bottles
Pre-made cans and bottles of drinkable Ovaltine are considered gluten-free as well. These ready-to-drink Ovaltine beverages are made in separate facilities from the powdered mixes but under similar gluten-free protocols.
Ovaltine Crunch Bars
Ovaltine makes crunchy malt bars dipped in chocolate. At this time Ovaltine does not label their Ovaltine crunch bars as gluten-free. The bars likely contain gluten-based ingredients.
Ovaltine Eggnog Flavor
Ovaltine produces a limited edition eggnog flavor during the holiday season. There is no specific gluten-free labeling on the eggnog Ovaltine. Consumers would need to contact the manufacturer to determine if it is safe for a gluten-free diet.
How to Enjoy Ovaltine Chocolate
Here are some tips for incorporating gluten-free Ovaltine chocolate malt into your snacks and meals:
- Mix with hot or cold dairy or non-dairy milk for a comforting bedtime drink
- Blend into smoothies for extra protein and nutrients
- Use in place of cocoa powder in gluten-free baked goods recipes
- Make chocolate pudding or chocolate milk with Ovaltine as the chocolate flavoring
- Add a spoonful on top of ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal
- Flavor gluten-free pancakes or waffles by mixing Ovaltine powder into the batter
- Stir into hot cereals like gluten-free oats or cream of rice
- Substitute for cocoa powder in chocolate frosting, truffles, fudge and more
The uses for gluten-free Ovaltine chocolate powder are endless. It makes a nourishing, kid-friendly food that can be incorporated into many meals and snacks. Those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease need not miss out on the distinctive, malty taste of Ovaltine.
Finding Gluten-Free Ovaltine
Gluten-free Ovaltine chocolate malt powder is widely available at major grocery stores, discount retailers, drug stores, natural food markets and online:
- Walmart
- Target
- Amazon
- Costco
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Whole Foods
- Walgreens
- Vitamin Shoppe
Ovaltine makes single-serving sticks, on-the-go cans and multi-serving plastic jars in various sizes. Look for the distinct Ovaltine branding and “gluten-free” label when selecting packaging.
Many online stores allow you to search or filter specifically for gluten-free items. Purchasing online can be a convenient way to find trusted gluten-free brands.
Comparison shop across stores to find the best prices and availability. Subscribe to retailer emails or apps to receive notifications about gluten-free Ovaltine promotions and coupons. Stock up when Ovaltine chocolate malt powder goes on sale.
Precautions
While Ovaltine chocolate malt powder is safely gluten-free for most people when prepared according to package directions, certain precautions apply:
- Check labels and ingredients carefully every time you purchase products, as formulations can change over time.
- Look for assurance that the specific Ovaltine product you are consuming is certified gluten-free, not just the Ovaltine brand in general.
- Individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergies should consult their doctor before consuming, especially if highly sensitive to cross-contamination.
- Avoid products listing ambiguous ingredients like “natural flavors” or “maltodextrin” without clarifying the source.
- Only make Ovaltine with designated gluten-free ingredients and cooking equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
- Do not consume Ovaltine products listing wheat, barley, rye or oats among the ingredients.
- Contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns about gluten content or processing procedures.
Following these simple precautions will help ensure the Ovaltine you enjoy is always gluten-free and safe for your diet.
The Bottom Line
Ovaltine chocolate malt powder, containing signature ingredients like malt extract and cocoa, offers a tasty gluten-free option for chocolate lovers who need to avoid gluten. Extensive processing removes gluten proteins from the ingredients, and dedicated production facilities prevent cross-contamination. Rigorous testing seals Ovaltine’s gluten-free status. People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can confidently incorporate gluten-free Ovaltine chocolate powder into their meals and snacks for its comforting chocolate flavor and nutritional quality. Just remember to diligently check labels and purchase products marked “gluten-free” to enjoy the benefits of Ovaltine while adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.
