Are macarons gluten free? Find out how to tell if a macaron is gluten free and whether it’s safe for you to eat if you’re gluten free.
Macarons… but are they gluten free? Image by Pexels on Pixabay.
Are Macarons Gluten Free?
The ingredients in a traditional macaron cookie are naturally gluten free: almond flour, powdered sugar, egg whites, granulated sugar. The food coloring used to color macarons is typically gluten free as well. The filling, which is often some type of cream, ganache, or jam, is usually gluten free also.
So why wouldn’t a macaron be gluten free? There are two reasons why a macaron would not be gluten free.
The first reason is because bakers may update, innovate, or otherwise change the traditional macaron recipe. For example, I’ve seen macarons that would have been GF but for the addition of Oreo cookie crumbs as a garnish. Or the macaron filling in a “birthday cake” flavored macaron includes actual pieces of birthday cake.
The second reason a macaron would not be gluten free is the classic problem with a large number of “gluten free” baked goods: cross-contamination. Yes, the ingredients for the macaron are gluten free… but they’re baked in the same kitchen as pastries that use regular flour, packed by the same hands that handle those pastries, and stored in, under, or near those pastries for shipping, storage, and display. Yikes!
Does that mean that all macarons are not safe? Nope. It just means that you need to read the package carefully, and/or have a chat with the chef or manager. Even gluten free pastries that are prepared in shared kitchens can be safe if proper precautions are used. That’s why it’s important to ask questions and never, ever assume anything.
As someone who is required to be gluten free, and who is very sensitive to even the smallest amount of gluten, I have enjoyed macarons from Laduree, Le Macaron, and Epcot’s Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie without any issues. Even still, I always double-check before I place my order to make sure that the procedures and ingredients haven’t changed.
And now you know that macarons can definitely be gluten free. Just make sure to verify it before you take a bite of a deliciously perfect macaron cookie.
By the way, if you like cookies, be sure to try my gluten free shortbread cookies!
Amber Myers
Mmm, I love macarons. I’m glad people can get them gluten-free. They are so delicious that no one should ever miss out!
Heather
Thank heavens I do not have an issue with gluten. I looove macaroons and don’t have them often but only as a special occasional treat.
Terri Steffes
This is good information and great insight as to what to look for in a gluten-free food. I read varying things and it is good to have one concise thought about it.
Sarah Bailey
I have to admit I love Macarons! They are such a delicious treat and it is fantastic that people who are gluten free are able to tuck into them as well.
Jeanette
This will make my friend SO happy! She has to be be gluten free and she LOVES these! I can’t wait to tell her!
Tasheena
Macaroons are one of my favorite sweet treats. I have to make sure to ask my bakery the next time I have some.
Kathy
I’ve never even tried a macaron before. I’ve seen them, but never got around to trying them out. I hear they’re so good. I’m going to have to try them real soon!
Melanie
I have never had a macaroon. They are so pretty, but I have never been anywhere to have one!
Ricci
This is good info if you are following a Gluten Free diet! Thanks!
Gervin Khan
I have never tried to make a macaroon cookie but it looks like an easy recipe to follow so I will definitely try this on this weekend for my kids snacks.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
I love macarons and have them at least once per week. I think all the different pastel colors are just sooo darn cute!!
Shoshana Sue
I am okay with gluten but I can imagine how hard it must be for people like you who cant it. Almost everything has gluten these days. So glad you enjoyed the macarons without any issues
Beth
It is so important to be sure when you have a food allergy! My friend has a nut allergy and had a reaction when he ate some cookies at a wedding. Luckily, his allergy isn’t a life-threatening allergy.
Nikka Shae
I’ve always thought macarons were GF! You made some good tips to think about.
Ruth I
Sometimes I am not really keen if it’s gluten free or not as long as the food is good. This is one of my most favorites. My mouth is starting to water already.
Heather
This is great! I never knew that traditional macaroons are gluten-free. This just made my day!
Diana @ Nanny to Mommy
This was interesting to learn about. I didn’t even know that traditional macaroons would be considered gluten free.
Lola Osinkolu
Thanks for this helpful info!