Ritz Finally Goes Gluten-Free: Original Crackers Debut After 90+ Years at Walmart and Albertsons…
For more than nine decades, the buttery, golden, scallop-edged Ritz cracker has been a fixture on cheese boards and in lunchboxes. Anyone avoiding gluten has had to watch from the sidelines. That changes now. Mondelēz International announced on October 19, 2026 that gluten-free Ritz crackers are launching in the Original flavor, in a certified gluten-free version.
The company says fans have been asking for this for years, and the crackers keep the same round, flaky look as the classic. They are made without artificial colors or flavors. If you manage celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, or you cook for someone who does, this is a notable shift for a brand that dates back to 1934.
Where to Buy Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers
The launch is staged. From October 2026, the crackers arrive first at two retailers: Walmart and Albertsons. Mondelēz plans to expand to retailers nationwide in February 2027. Shoppers outside those two chains will need to wait a few months, or ask their local store whether it plans to stock the product.
Stock can vary by location during a rollout, so it pays to check your store’s app or website before making a trip. The crackers may also sit in the gluten-free aisle instead of the main cracker aisle, so look in both.
Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers at a Glance
| Detail | What’s Been Announced |
|---|---|
| Product | Ritz Gluten Free Crackers, Original Flavor |
| Announced by | Mondelēz International, October 19, 2026 |
| Gluten-free status | Certified gluten free |
| Initial retailers | Walmart and Albertsons |
| Initial availability | Starting October 2026 |
| Nationwide expansion | February 2027 |
| Reported package and price | 8 oz box, about $4.49 suggested retail |
| Added ingredients to avoid | No artificial colors or flavors |
Pricing is a suggested retail figure, so the shelf price at your store may differ slightly.
Why This Launch Matters for Gluten-Free Shoppers
Gluten-free snacking has long meant compromise, and the “original cracker” experience is one that has been hard to find. Many alternatives exist, but they tend to taste and feel different from the classic. A buttery, flaky cracker from a household name gives gluten-free households something familiar.
The word certified matters here. Certification means the product has met a recognized standard for gluten-free labeling, which is more reassuring than a casual “made without gluten ingredients” claim. People with celiac disease have good reason to look for that distinction, because even trace cross-contact can be a concern for them.
Smart Tips Before You Buy
A new product is exciting, but a few habits will help you shop with confidence:
- Read the package yourself. Look for the certified gluten-free mark on the box, not just the front-of-pack branding.
- Don’t assume other Ritz products are safe. The new product is the Original flavor only. Regular Ritz crackers and their sandwich or flavored varieties still contain gluten.
- Watch for cross-contact at home. Use clean knives, boards and serving dishes if you’re pairing the crackers with spreads or cheese that others have already used.
- Check with your doctor or dietitian if you have celiac disease and want guidance on any new product.
- Try simple pairings first. Cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoked salmon, apple slices or a nut butter let the cracker’s buttery flavor stand out.
With the holidays approaching, these crackers could also make party platters easier to share between guests who eat gluten and those who don’t.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gluten-free Ritz crackers really available now?
Yes, they are rolling out starting October 2026 at Walmart and Albertsons. Availability may vary by store at first.
When will gluten-free Ritz crackers be sold nationwide?
Mondelēz has announced that expansion to retailers nationwide is planned for February 2027.
How much do gluten-free Ritz crackers cost?
The reported suggested retail price is around $4.49 for an 8-ounce box. Actual prices can differ by retailer and region.
Are regular Ritz crackers gluten-free?
No. Traditional Ritz crackers are made with wheat flour and are not gluten-free. Only the new, certified gluten-free Original product is designed for gluten-free diets.
