Standard Ritz crackers are not gluten-free — they contain wheat flour and often barley malt flavoring.
No for standard Ritz. The classic Ritz cracker is made with unbleached enriched wheat flour, and some variants also include barley malt flavoring — two gluten sources. Allergen declaration: “Contains: Wheat, Soy.” Mondelez sells a separate “Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers” product line made with rice flour, tapioca starch, and cornstarch — that one IS gluten-free.
Ritz crackers are unambiguously wheat-based — there’s no cross-contact debate to have here. Standard Ritz are built on wheat flour, and many variants add barley malt flavoring on top of that. The good news is that Mondelez introduced a separate Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers product line that’s actually gluten-free, sold in mainstream grocery alongside standard Ritz.
What’s in Standard Ritz
Per Mondelez’s published ingredient list: “Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), soybean and/or canola oil, palm oil, sugar, salt, leavening, high fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin, natural flavor.” Some variants include MALT FLAVORING derived from barley — adding a second gluten source.
Per FDA labeling rules, both wheat and barley are on the gluten-containing grain list. Ritz allergen declaration: “Contains: Wheat, Soy.”
The Ritz Gluten-Free Product Line
Cross-Contamination Risk (For Other People in the Household)
Manufacturing
N/A — Contains Wheat by Formulation
- Wheat flour is the primary structural ingredient.
- Some variants include barley malt flavoring — second gluten source.
- “Contains: Wheat, Soy” is Mondelez’s official allergen declaration.
Party / Cheese Board
High
- Ritz is one of the most common party-tray crackers.
- Shared cheese knives and dip spoons transfer crumbs.
- Bring your own gluten-free crackers (Ritz Gluten-Free or alternative) for celiac household members.
Home
Medium
- Store separately from gluten-free crackers in a sealed container.
- Crumbs settle on shared surfaces — wipe between uses.
What to Look For — Or Avoid
- “Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers” box with prominent GF claim on the front — gluten-free
- Ingredient list reads “rice flour, tapioca starch, cornstarch” — that’s the GF SKU
- Standard Ritz packaging (Original, Cheese, Ritz Bits, Crisps & Thins, Toasted Chips, Whole Wheat, Hint of Salt) — all contain wheat
- “Contains: Wheat, Soy” allergen callout (standard Ritz)
- “Malt flavoring” in some variants — barley-derived second gluten source
Gluten-Free Cracker Alternatives
- Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers — Mondelez’s own GF line, closest match to standard Ritz
- Schar Table Crackers — GFCO-certified, similar buttery profile
- Glutino Original Crackers — established GF brand
- Crunchmaster Original — rice-based, widely available
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers — almond-flour-based, allergen-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ritz Crackers gluten-free?
No. Standard Ritz Crackers are made with unbleached enriched wheat flour as the primary ingredient. Some variants also include barley malt flavoring — a second gluten source. Allergen declaration: “Contains: Wheat, Soy.” Not gluten-free and not safe for celiac. Mondelez does sell a separate “Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers” SKU that IS gluten-free.
Are Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers actually gluten-free?
Yes. Mondelez’s “Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers” is a separate SKU made with rice flour, tapioca starch, and cornstarch — no wheat. The box prominently displays “Gluten Free” on the front. It’s available in mainstream grocery (Walmart, Kroger, Target) and online.
Are flavored Ritz variants gluten-free?
No standard Ritz variant is gluten-free. Ritz Original, Cheese, Ritz Bits, Crisps & Thins, Toasted Chips, Whole Wheat, and Hint of Salt are all wheat-based. Some variants (notably the cheese-flavored versions) also include malt flavoring — barley-derived second gluten source.
Are Ritz Bits sandwich crackers gluten-free?
No. Ritz Bits use the same wheat-based Ritz cracker as the standard Ritz, with various fillings (peanut butter, cheese). The cracker itself is wheat-based and not gluten-free. Mondelez has not released a GF version of Ritz Bits.
Where can I buy Ritz Gluten-Free?
Mainstream grocery: Walmart, Kroger, Target, Safeway, Publix, and most major supermarkets. Online: Amazon, Mondelez’s website, and grocery delivery services. Stocked in the gluten-free section or sometimes alongside standard Ritz on the regular cracker aisle. Look for “Gluten Free” prominently on the front of the box.
What’s the best gluten-free alternative to Ritz?
Ritz Gluten-Free Crackers (Mondelez’s own GF line) is the closest match to standard Ritz. Other strong options: Schar Table Crackers (GFCO-certified, similar buttery profile), Glutino Original Crackers, Crunchmaster Original, and Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers.