M&Ms have announced changes to their recipe, and it is not good news for those with coeliac disease.
M&Ms purchased in New Zealand now contain an ingredient linked to gluten, so people with coeliac disease should not eat them. Mars New Zealand announced the change this week and said it was caused by updates to the recipe and ingredient sourcing. The company explained that the new recipe includes malt extract from barley. It also warned about possible cross-contamination with wheat.
Mars said the same wheat allergen advice would also be added to M&M’S milk chocolate and mini products, apart from mini tubes, from 20 April 2026. This means shoppers who need to avoid gluten should read labels very carefully. Clear allergen labels can help people make safe choices when buying food. For families managing allergies, even a small recipe change can matter a lot.
Sarah Neilson, who is on the board of the Coeliac Society of New Zealand, said she was disappointed there was now one less sweet choice for coeliacs. Even so, she praised the company for being open about the change. She said better labelling, clearer communication and stronger awareness are very important for people with allergies and coeliac disease. Neilson, who was diagnosed eight years ago, said she still checks labels on sweets because recipes and factories can change.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune illness triggered by gluten, which is found in grains such as wheat and rye. It is estimated that up to 100,000 people in New Zealand could have the disease. It can cause problems such as diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, tiredness and anaemia. The only treatment is to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
