Ritz Brand Launches Gluten Free Original Crackers Nationwide For The First Time

For nearly a century, one of America's most recognizable snack brands has been off-limits to consumers with gluten sensitivities. Now, the iconic buttery cracker is finally expanding its pantry footprint. This week, Mondelēz International officially announced that the Ritz brand is launching Ritz Gluten Free Crackers in its signature Original flavor. The historic release marks the first time in the company's 90-year history that the beloved golden-baked snack will be available in a certified gluten-free format, directly answering years of growing consumer demand.

Inside The Recipe And Retail Rollout Strategy

To ensure the new formulation lived up to the legacy of the classic cracker, the culinary team at Mondelēz focused heavily on replicating the original product's hallmark characteristics.

The new gluten-free cracker promises to deliver the exact same buttery flavor, golden-baked finish, and flaky texture that fans expect from a traditional Ritz, containing no artificial colors or flavors. Eager snackers will not have to wait long. The gluten-free variation is hitting store shelves immediately in October 2026, launching exclusively at Walmart and Albertsons locations.

Following the initial two-store launch, the new crackers will roll out to grocery retailers nationwide beginning in February 2027. The product is packaged in an eight-ounce box and carries a suggested retail price of $4.49.

Making The Snack Aisle More Inclusive For The Holidays

The strategic October release timing aims to give gluten-free consumers a staple option just ahead of the winter holiday entertaining season, allowing the crackers to be featured on charcuterie boards, paired with dips, or used in festive casseroles.

"RITZ is a modern brand built for today's shared moments, and our fans have been asking for a gluten free version for years," stated Olympia Portale, Senior Director of Core Crackers and Head of Savory Portfolio Strategy at Mondelēz International. "Everyone deserves a seat at the RITZ brand table."

Shoppers can locate the new eight-ounce boxes in the snack aisles at Walmart and Albertsons starting this month.