Ingredient

Malt Flavor

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add malt flavor to provide a sweet, slightly roasted, and malty taste to …

What it is

Malt flavor is a flavoring agent that mimics the taste of malt, which comes from germinated cereal grains, most commonly barley. It is produced by combining various natural and/or artificial flavoring substances to create a specific malt-like taste profile. This process allows for a consistent flavor without the variability of natural malt extracts.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add malt flavor to provide a sweet, slightly roasted, and malty taste to foods. It is commonly found in breakfast cereals, cereal bars, cookies, baked goods, and beverages. It enhances the overall flavor profile, making products more appealing to consumers.

Health notes

Malt flavor is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a flavoring agent. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated flavoring substances, but specific evaluations for 'malt flavor' as a composite ingredient may vary. At typical consumption levels found in food, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Evidence does not suggest significant health concerns for the general population.

Allergen info

Malt flavor itself is not one of the 9 major allergens. However, if derived from barley, it would contain gluten, which is a concern for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Products containing Malt Flavor

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Kellogg Company US Kellogg Special K Cereal Vanilla Almond 16.3Oz Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) —kcal 7.9Protein 4.3Fat 82.6Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Special K Protein Bars Cranberry Walnut 1.59Oz Cereal/Muesli Bars —kcal 22.5Protein 11Fat 53Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg All Bran Cereal Original 44.1Lb 1Ct Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) High in sodium — 23% DV per serving —kcal 13.4Protein 4.8Fat 73.5Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Rice Krispies 22Lb 1Ct Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) High in sodium — 29% DV per serving —kcal 6.5Protein 0.6Fat 88.2Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Corn Flakes 22Lb 1Ct Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) High in sodium — 28% DV per serving —kcal 7.5Protein 0.4Fat 84.4Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Cereal Multi Grain 2oz Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) 360kcal 7.7Protein 1.3Fat 86.6Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Cereal Multi Grain Cinnamon 2oz Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) 358kcal 7.9Protein 1.4Fat 86.3Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Frosted Flakes Energy Clusters 12.1Oz Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) 376kcal 10.2Protein 1.9Fat 82Carbs Kellogg's Muslix Cereal 15.3oz Kellogg Company US Kellogg's Muslix Cereal 15.3oz Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) 353kcal 8.6Protein 5Fat 75.2Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Raisin Bran 23.5Oz Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) 318kcal 7.7Protein 1.9Fat 78.3Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg Rkt Crackle Snap Fudge 1.75Oz Biscuits/Cookies (Shelf Stable) High in saturated fat — 31% DV per serving 474kcal 5Protein 18.4Fat 72.4Carbs Kellogg Company US Kellogg's Low Fat Granola Cereal Crunchy 2oz Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) 388kcal 8.2Protein 4.6Fat 83.2Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.