Are all Hershey nuggets gluten-free? A comprehensive guide

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Hershey's confirms that all their current nuggets flavors are considered gluten-free. However, it is essential for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to stay informed about product variations and potential cross-contamination concerns, as ingredients can change.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at whether all Hershey nuggets are gluten-free, including which specific flavors are safe, the importance of reading labels, and the official stance from the manufacturer. It's crucial for those with dietary restrictions to stay updated on product formulations.

Key Points

All Nuggets are Gluten-Free: The Hershey Company confirms that all standard varieties of Hershey's Nuggets are gluten-free.
Flavors Included: This applies to Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Special Dark, Special Dark with Almonds, and Toffee and Almonds.
Check the Label: Always read the product packaging for a 'gluten-free' statement, as ingredients and manufacturing processes can change.
Be Wary of Seasonal Items: Holiday or special edition products may have different formulations and should be treated with caution.
FDA Standard: Hershey adheres to the FDA standard for 'gluten-free,' meaning products contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Cross-Contamination: While care is taken, checking for cautionary allergen labeling is a good practice, especially for those with severe sensitivities.
Difference from Other Products: Be aware that not all Hershey's products are gluten-free; products like Kit Kat and Whoppers contain gluten.

Hershey's official gluten-free position

For those following a gluten-free diet, determining which candies are safe can be a challenge. The good news is that The Hershey Company maintains a list of its gluten-free products, and this list includes all currently produced varieties of Hershey's Nuggets. This means that the risk of gluten from intentionally added ingredients is eliminated for these specific products, giving consumers confidence in their choices. Hershey’s evaluates its products to ensure they meet the criteria for a gluten-free label, which, in the US, means the food must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. While this is reassuring, staying up-to-date is always the best practice as product formulations can change over time.

Which Hershey's Nuggets varieties are gluten-free?

The consistently gluten-free nature of Hershey's Nuggets is a significant relief for many. This applies to a wide range of popular flavors, ensuring a variety of options are available. The following nuggets flavors are recognized as gluten-free:

Milk Chocolate
Milk Chocolate with Almonds
Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate
Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate with Almonds
Extra Creamy Milk Chocolate with Toffee and Almonds

Why reading the label is still critical

Despite the clear communication from Hershey, consumers must remain vigilant by checking the packaging before consumption. Here are a few key reasons why:

Ingredient Changes: Manufacturers can alter recipes or sourcing for various reasons, so a product that was once gluten-free may not be in the future. The label is the most current source of information.
Cross-Contamination: While Hershey ensures no gluten-containing ingredients are present in the certified nuggets, manufacturing practices can introduce risks for some products, which would be indicated on the label. Always look for specific 'gluten-free' claims rather than assuming.
Seasonal or Limited-Edition Items: Holiday-themed or special run products might have different ingredients or be manufactured in different facilities than the standard versions, increasing the risk of gluten exposure. Hershey explicitly mentions that seasonal items for some of its other candies (like Reese's) might not be safe, a warning that should be applied to all products.
Assorted Bags: When purchasing an assorted bag of nuggets, confirm that all varieties within the mix are on the gluten-free list. Fortunately, the standard assortment of nuggets typically contains only gluten-free flavors.

Gluten-free status of Hershey's nuggets vs. other products

Understanding the distinction between different product lines is important for safe consumption. Not all Hershey's candies are gluten-free, with many containing wheat or other gluten sources.


Candy Type	Gluten-Free Status	Key Considerations
Hershey's Nuggets	All current varieties are gluten-free.	The brand has an official stance supporting this for their nuggets line.
Kit Kat	Not gluten-free.	Contains wheat. Avoid entirely on a gluten-free diet.
Whoppers	Not gluten-free.	Contains malt and wheat. Not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Twizzlers	Not gluten-free.	Made with wheat flour.
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar	Specific sizes may be gluten-free, but check label carefully.	The smaller 1.55oz and 1.45oz with almonds are often listed, but confirmation via the label is vital.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	Original flavor is typically gluten-free, but seasonal shapes are not.	A prime example of why checking seasonal variations is crucial.

What does 'gluten-free' really mean on a candy label?

For a product to be labeled 'gluten-free' in the United States, it must adhere to strict guidelines established by the FDA. This means the product is either naturally gluten-free or has had gluten-containing ingredients processed to remove the gluten to a level below 20 ppm. For those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, this legal standard is a crucial safeguard. When a product isn't explicitly labeled, even if no gluten ingredients are listed, there's a higher risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Therefore, relying on the official 'gluten-free' label is always the safest course of action.

Conclusion

In summary, based on information from The Hershey Company, all standard varieties of Hershey's Nuggets currently available on the market are considered gluten-free. This includes the popular Milk Chocolate, Special Dark, and Toffee and Almonds flavors. However, the responsibility falls on the consumer to verify the gluten-free status of any product, especially if they have a severe allergy or celiac disease. Rely on the official gluten-free statement on the product packaging, as formulations and manufacturing practices can evolve over time. For the most recent information, always consult the manufacturer's website or check with an authoritative source like the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Hershey's nuggets are considered gluten-free, but always verify the packaging for the latest information before consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while the products themselves are formulated to be gluten-free, Hershey does not guarantee that they are made in a dedicated facility. The company relies on its strict internal procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

Yes, you can trust the 'gluten-free' label. In the US, this is a regulated claim that means the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, a level generally considered safe for those with celiac disease.

Yes, the standard assorted bags of Hershey's Nuggets typically contain flavors that are all gluten-free. However, it is always best practice to double-check the ingredient list of any specific assorted mix you purchase.

Caution should be exercised with seasonal or limited-edition items. These may use different recipes or be manufactured in different facilities. Always read the label on any such product to confirm its gluten-free status.

In addition to nuggets, other Hershey's candies generally considered gluten-free include Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (excluding seasonal items), Almond Joy bars (excluding Pieces candy), and Milk Duds.

For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, checking the packaging before each purchase is highly recommended. Ingredient formulations and cross-contamination risks can evolve over time, making consistent label-checking the safest strategy.

The most reliable source for the official and updated list of gluten-free products is The Hershey Company's official website. You can typically find this information in their 'Dietary Needs' or 'Ingredients' section.