Obvious Culprits: Candies with Wheat Flour
Some candies are clearly not gluten-free because they contain wheat flour as a primary ingredient. These are often easy to identify with careful label reading, but sometimes it can be surprising to discover that a seemingly simple sweet contains gluten. Products with crispy, wafer, or chewy components are often the biggest indicators of wheat-based ingredients.
Licorice and Fruity Ropes
Many types of licorice, including the well-known Twizzlers and Red Vines, are made with wheat flour to create their characteristic chewy texture. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when seeking gluten-free treats, as the product is not typically considered a baked good. Similarly, certain fruit-flavored ropes and twists can also contain wheat as a binding agent.
Candy with Wafer or Cookie Centers
Any candy with a wafer, cookie, or biscuit center is almost guaranteed to contain wheat. The iconic Kit Kat bar is a prime example, with its classic crispy wafer layers being a source of gluten. Other brands with similar fillings should also be avoided unless they are specifically labeled as gluten-free.
Hidden Dangers: Candies with Barley Malt
One of the most insidious sources of gluten in candy is barley malt. This ingredient is used for flavor and can appear in many chocolate candies. The challenge is that under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), only the top eight allergens—including wheat—must be explicitly declared as such. Barley, another source of gluten, is not on that list. Therefore, you must read the full ingredient list carefully to spot 'barley malt' or 'malt extract'.
Malted Chocolate Balls and Crispy Fillings
Malted milk chocolate balls like Whoppers are a classic example of candy that contains barley malt. Similarly, candies with crunchy or crispy fillings, such as 100 Grand bars and Crispy M&M's, often use barley malt to achieve their texture and flavor.
Some Chocolate Bars
Original Milky Way bars contain barley malt, a detail that many people are unaware of, particularly since other products from the same brand, like Milky Way Midnight, might be gluten-free. This highlights the importance of checking each individual product, not just a brand name.
The Problem of Cross-Contamination
Even when ingredients are technically gluten-free, the manufacturing process itself can introduce a significant risk of gluten exposure. Shared equipment, shared facilities, and variations in production lines can all lead to cross-contamination, which can be particularly dangerous for individuals with celiac disease.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Candies
Seasonal shapes and limited-edition varieties of candies are often produced in different facilities or on shared lines. For instance, while regular Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically gluten-free, seasonal shapes like eggs or ghosts may not be. Always double-check the packaging for a gluten-free label, and if in doubt, avoid it.
Bulk Candy and Unlabeled Items
When buying candy from bulk bins, there is no way to know for sure what ingredients were used or if cross-contamination has occurred. Without a clearly marked ingredients list, it's best to avoid these options entirely. This applies to hard candies, gummies, and other treats sold without individual packaging.
Comparison Table: Gluten-Free vs. Not Gluten-Free Candies
To help navigate the candy aisle, here is a quick reference table for some popular brands. This is not exhaustive and labels should always be verified, but it serves as a helpful starting point.
| Candy Brand | Common Gluten-Free Varieties | Common Varieties That Are NOT Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Hershey's | Plain Milk Chocolate Bar (1.55oz only), Kisses (most flavors), Milk Duds | Kit Kat, Whoppers, Cookies 'n' Creme bar, Take 5 |
| Mars Wrigley | Snickers, Plain M&M's, Skittles, Starburst | Original Milky Way (due to barley malt), Crispy M&M's, Pretzel M&M's |
| Jelly Belly | All jelly beans | Chocolate Malt Balls, Licorice Bridge Mix |
| Reese's | Standard Peanut Butter Cups | Seasonal shaped items (due to cross-contamination risk) |
| Nestle | Original Butterfinger (in some countries) | Kit Kat, 100 Grand (contains barley malt) |
| Just Born | Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, Peeps (check labels) | Some flavored gummies or items produced in shared facilities |
Conclusion: Navigating Your Sweet Tooth Safely
Finding gluten-free candy requires vigilance and a willingness to read labels carefully. While many beloved candies are safe, others harbor hidden gluten in the form of barley malt, wheat flour, or as a result of cross-contamination during manufacturing. To ensure a safe experience, always check the ingredient statement and look for official 'Certified Gluten-Free' labels. By staying informed and cautious, individuals on a gluten-free diet can confidently enjoy their favorite sweet treats. For the most up-to-date information, it's always recommended to consult official resources from celiac organizations.
For more detailed, brand-specific information, the Celiac Disease Foundation provides helpful lists and guidelines on their website.
