Are Macarons Gluten-Free? (Find Out Now!)


Are Macarons Gluten-Free

French Macarons line the glass casing of many fine Parisian bakeries. The pillowy cookies are a decadent and adorable sweet treat that can also double as a great gift for a loved one. Hues of pink raspberry, purple lavender vanilla, moody earl grey, milky green pistachio, among many other colors and flavors, make the hearts of those with a sweet-tooth sing. The hard part is deciding on which macarons to select. Those with a gluten intolerance might wonder if these delectable delicacies are gluten-free. And the answer is…

Macarons are gluten-free as they do not contain wheat. The core ingredients of a French Macaron are almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and food coloring. However, store-bought macarons often contain wheat, so always be sure to review the label. The best healthier and gluten-free alternatives to macarons include Go Raw Super Cookies Chocolate and Siete Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies.

In this article, we will discuss the nutritional value and history of macarons, as well as healthier gluten-free alternatives. Let’s dig in!

History of Macarons

The macaron is believed to be introduced in France by an Italian chef during the Renaissance. This sandwich cookie is both smooth and rough, lightly dry yet moist from the filling. The creation of macarons were heavily influenced by Arab troops who stationed in Sicily in 827, bringing goods like lemons, rice, and pistachios, as well as nut-based sweets. The baked goods with sweet almond cream inside were then handed down by Sassanid Shahs in Persia, as almond cake was made as a token of appreciation for the year to come–the Zoroastrian New Year (Nouruz).

Overtime, European countries like Italy, Spain, and other places that were a contact point for Muslim and Christian Culture to merge, created almond-paste tartes. According to the culinary encyclopedia Larousse Gastronomique, origins of macarons trace back to a French monastery in Comery in 791, the 8th century. Macarons made their way to production in monasteries and became popularized during the Renaissance.

Two Carmelite nuns seeking asylum during the French Revolution made macaron cookies a hot commodity in 1791 when they monetized off baked macarons they made from scratch as a way to pay for their housing. Back then flavor variations and fillings weren’t what distinguished macarons, because most macarons didn’t have them yet. Later in the 1900’s macarons began to possess a wide variety of fillings and flavors to compliment the simple yet seductive almond meringue cookie.

Macarons vs Macaroons

To clear up any confusion, it should be known that the English word macaroon is derived from the French Macaron, which is actually a translation of the Italian word maccarone. Both are descendants of the original macaroon, which is essentially an Italian cookie consisting of chopped almonds, egg whites, sugar, and other ingredients for flavoring.

So what is the differentiator? Macarons main ingredient is almond meal, whereas macaroons main ingredient is shredded coconut. Parisian macarons are equated to light and airy almond meringues in the form of a miniature cookie with a filling in between. The filling can vary, sometimes it is ganache or a fruity jam, and other times it is a buttercream and almond paste. The fluffy puffy nature of French macarons is in part due to confectioner’s sugar.

Coconut macaroons have unique flavoring and strong hints of coconut, as shredded coconut is the way the macaroons are held together, paired with egg whites and granulated sugar. These ingredients combine for a chewy texture. You’ll likely see these dipped in chocolate for a more dramatic aesthetic.

Are Macarons Healthy?

While macarons are considered a dessert and contain sugar, in small doses they are mildly beneficial as they contain egg whites and almond flour. The protein from the egg whites and almond flour boosts our energy levels, sustaining us for longer periods of time. Macarons also have little cholesterol and sodium. Macaroons–on the other hand–can be much heavier in calories and high in fat. As always, read your labels and get to know your brands!

Macaron Pairings

If you’d like to try dipping macarons in something other than chocolate, try macarons with Nutella. As a gluten-free spread with a chocolatey hazelnut taste, it would pair nicely with vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, or berry macarons–really any macaron honestly.

Coconut milk is a lovely silky smooth way to wash down macarons. The subtle coconut flavors of the milk could go well with coconut macaroons, if you’re looking for a chewier cookie to dip into milk.

Nutritional Facts for  Macarons

Favorite Day

Melt in your mouth sweet treats in a variety of flavors, including salted caramel and lemon. This assortment is great to bring to a potluck, gift to a friend, or have as a secret stash in your freezer for whenever you feel a sweet tooth coming on. Unfortunately, Favorite Day Macarons contain wheat per the disclaimer on the box, so these won’t be a good option for gluten-intolerant folks.

Ingredients:

  • Sugar
  • Ground Almonds
  • Egg Whites
  • Cream
  • Cornstarch
  • Butter
  • Raspberries
  • Hazelnut Chocolate (Sugar, Hazelnut Paste, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin)
  • Salted Caramel (Sugar, Cream, Carrageenan, Glucose Syrup [Wheat], Butter, Water, Salt)
  • White Chocolate
  • Natural Flavors
  • Rapeseed Oil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Reduced Fat Milk
  • Eggs
  • Apple Puree
  • Praline (Sugar, Hazelnuts, Almonds, Natural Vanilla Powder)
  • Almond Puree
  • Skim Milk Powder
  • Water
  • Pistachio Puree
  • Lemon
  • Ground Hazelnuts
  • Vegetable Juice (Color)
  • Barley Malt Extract
  • Turmeric Concentrate (Color)
  • Pectin
  • Caramelized Sugar
  • Spirulina Extract (Color)

Nutritional Facts (Per 2 macarons/26g):

  • Calories 100
  • Total Fat: 4g, 5% DV
    • Saturated Fat: 1g, 5% DV
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg, 2% DV
  • Sodium: 10mg, 0% DV
  • Total Carb.: 13g 5%
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g 4%
    • Sugars: 12g
    • Includes 12g added sugars, 24% DV
  • Protein: 2g

Great Value

These frozen confections are made in France, including flavors like coffee, pistachio, and raspberry.  Great value is almost identical to Favorite Day’s assorted macarons in nutritional content and ingredients. With that being said, this option has wheat so if you are gluten-intolerant you should avoid it.

Ingredients:

  • Sugar
  • Almond Powder
  • Egg Whites
  • Cream
  • Cornstarch
  • Butter (cultured cream)
  • Raspberries
  • White chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, dry whole milk, soy lecithin, natural flavor)
  • Glucose syrup (Wheat)
  • Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, soy lecithin)
  • Chocolate (cocoa mass, sugar, soy lecithin)
  • Almond Puree
  • Eggs
  • Lemon
  • Rapeseed Oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Nonfat dry milk
  • Pistachios
  • Natural flavors
  • Water
  • Dehydrated beet (color)
  • Malted Barley Extract
  • Pectin
  • Cocoa butter
  • Caramelized Sugar
  • Spirulina Extract (color)
  • Coffee
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Agar-Agar
  • Turmeric Oleoresin (color)
  • Invert Sugar
  • Exhausted Vanilla Seeds
  • Citric Acid
  • Carrageenan
  • Ascorbic Acid

Nutritional Facts (Per 2 macarons/26g):

  • Calories 100
  • Total Fat: 4g, 5% DV
    • Saturated Fat: 1g, 5% DV
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg, 2% DV
  • Sodium: 10mg, 0% DV
  • Total Carb.: 13g 5%
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g 4%
    • Sugars: 12g
    • Includes 11g added sugars, 22% DV
  • Protein: 2g

Macaron Centrale – Vanilla

Once you open the box you will be amazed by the vibrant assortment of little almond cookie sandwiches. If you like variety, this macaron box is for you. Flavors include Tiramisu, Cinnamon Role, Banana, Orange Cream, Taro, Mango, Cherry, and more. Perfect for any occasion (or for snacking while binge watching your favorite tv show on Netflix). Great news for gluten-free gals and gents, this product contains no gluten. If you go to their website they have a ton of different options of flavors, such as cookies and cream, Thai Latte, The Black Coffee, Pina Colada, Ginger, Berry Blend and Smore.

Ingredients:

  • Heavy Cream
  • Vanilla Paste
  • Cream of Tartar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Egg White
  • Sugar Powder
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Almond Flour
  • White Chocolate

Nutritional Facts (Per 1 macarons/13g):

  • Calories 52
  • Total Fat: 2.1g, 3% DV
    • Saturated Fat: 0.6g, 3% DV
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 2mg, 1% DV
  • Sodium: 5mg, 0% DV
  • Total Carb: 7.7g 3%
    • Dietary Fiber: 0.3g 1%
    • Sugars: 7g
    • Includes 11g added sugars, 22% DV
  • Protein: 1g 

Gluten-Free Alternatives

Go Raw Super Cookies Chocolate

Go Raw Snacks, Sprouted Superfood Cookie Crisps, Gluten Free, Vegan, Natural, Organic, Choco Crunch, 18 Oz, Pack of 6 A gluten-free, guilt-free, flavorful and chewy cookie option that has a resemblance to the cookie part of macarons, without the filling. This cookie flavor is rich in chocolate and very high in protein. There are only a few ingredients, meaning you don’t have to worry about preservatives or artificial flavors. Go Raw also comes in flavors like Lemon Pie, Sweet Crunch and Ginger Snap.

Ingredients:

  • Dates
  • Sprouted Sesame Seeds
  • Coconut (Unsulphured)
  • Cacao
  • Salt

Nutritional Facts (Per 18 Cookies/28g):

  • Calories 140
  • Total Fat: 10g, 13% DV
    • Saturated Fat: 4.5g, 23% DV
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
  • Sodium: 10mg, 0% DV
  • Total Carb: 14g 5%
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g 14%
    • Sugars: 10g
    • Includes 11g added sugars, 22% DV
  • Protein: 13g

Siete Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies

Siete Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies Delicious little cookies are perfect alone or when coupled with tea or coffee. These cookies are grain-free and gluten-free.

Ingredients:

  • Grain Free Flour Blend (Almond Flour, Tapioca Flour, Arrowroot Flour, Cassava Flour, Chickpea Flour)
  • Coconut Oil
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Powdered Sugar (Sugar, Tapioca Flour)
  • Pecan Pieces
  • Avocado Oil
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Sea Salt
  • Baking Soda
  • Cinnamon
  • Orange Peel Powder
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Jasmine Tea Extract

Nutritional Facts (Per 5 Cookies/30g):

  • Calories 150
  • Total Fat: 9g, 12% DV
    • Saturated Fat: 4.5g, 23% DV
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
  • Sodium: 105mg, 5% DV
  • Total Carb: 17g 6%
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g 4%
    • Sugars: 8g
    • Includes 11g added sugars, 16% DV
  • Protein: 1g

Related Questions

Do Macarons have dairy?

Yes, Macarons contain dairy in the form of butter and milk. Traditional macarons are made with buttercream, making this sweet treat not friendly for vegans.

Where do Macarons come from?

Italy, though they were made popular in France in the 1500’s.

Why do Macarons need almond flour?

Macarons need almond flour to create finer texture, giving it that airy quality. It also gives it a velvety yet chewy texture.

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Courtney P

Courtney Pester is a San Diego-based, San Francisco bred millennial with a passion for health and wellness, music, and design. With the goal of designing a more well-balanced lifestyle, Courtney set out to receive her Health Coaching certification from Institute for Integrative Nutrition and her yoga certification from Corepower Yoga. One of her deepest passions is cooking nutrient-dense and delicious meals after guiding a grounding yoga session. When she's not pumping out articles you can catch her meal prepping, playing tennis, designing mobile and web applications, and enjoying the diversity of restaurants San Diego has to offer.

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