Are Halloween Hershey Kisses gluten-free? The Definitive Guide for Spooky Season

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

With approximately one percent of the U.S. population having celiac disease, checking ingredients on holiday candy is more important than ever. So, are Halloween Hershey Kisses gluten-free? The simple answer is that most plain milk chocolate varieties, including those in festive foils, are, but certain other flavors are not, making careful label reading essential during the spooky season.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of Hershey Kisses depends on the flavor, not the festive foil design. While plain milk chocolate Kisses are considered gluten-free by the manufacturer, seasonal variations like Cookies 'n' Creme or filled flavors are often not. Reading the specific product's ingredient list and checking for 'gluten-free' labeling is the most reliable method for confirming safety.

Key Points

Plain is Safe: Classic milk chocolate Hershey Kisses, including those in Halloween-themed foils, are typically gluten-free and safe for consumption.
Check the Label: Always look for an explicit 'gluten-free' label on the package, as this is Hershey's official confirmation that the product meets FDA standards.
Beware of Variations: Filled and seasonal flavors, like Cookies 'n' Creme or seasonal pumpkin flavors, are often not gluten-free and should be avoided.
Seasonal Shapes May Vary: Just like Reese's, seasonal shapes of Hershey's products can be manufactured differently and may not be safe, so always check the specific package.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: For individuals with celiac disease, be cautious of mixed-candy bags or shared bowls where gluten-containing varieties may have come into contact with safe ones.
Review Ingredients Every Time: Product formulations can change. Always review the ingredient list on the package you are buying, even if a certain type was safe in the past.

Understanding the Hershey's Gluten-Free Policy

Hershey labels products that meet the FDA's 'gluten-free' criteria. This means only explicitly labeled items are considered safe by the company for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, even if other products don't contain gluten ingredients. During Halloween, the risk of cross-contamination from various product lines, like Cookies 'n' Creme Kisses, is a significant concern in facilities producing diverse candies.

Why Seasonal Candy Is a Special Case

Halloween often involves special production runs or new seasonal flavors, sometimes made on different lines to meet demand. For example, while standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are gluten-free, their seasonal shapes frequently are not due to shared equipment. This applies to Hershey Kisses too. A plain milk chocolate Kiss in festive foil is likely safe, but seasonal or special edition flavors require careful checking due to potential variations in ingredients and manufacturing.

Hershey's Kisses: Gluten-Free vs. Containing Gluten

Identifying safe options quickly is vital. While Hershey lists gluten-free products on their website, always verify the specific package you buy. Here's a general guide to common Hershey Kiss types.

List of Hershey's Kisses Typically Considered Gluten-Free:

Traditional Milk Chocolate Kisses
Colored foil Milk Chocolate Kisses
Hugs candies
Plain Milk Chocolate Kisses in monster foils
Caramel-filled Kisses
Mint dark chocolate truffle Kisses
Special Dark Kisses
Plain Milk Chocolate Kisses in candy canes

List of Hershey's Kisses That Contain or May Contain Gluten:

Milk chocolate with almonds Kisses
Cookies 'n' Creme Kisses
Birthday cake Kisses
Hot cocoa Kisses
Sugar cookie white creme Kisses
Seasonal flavors not explicitly labeled gluten-free

A Comparison of Halloween Candy Safety

Comparing gluten-free Kisses with other popular Halloween treats helps illustrate safety differences. This table highlights common ingredients and cross-contamination risks.


Candy Type	Gluten-Free Status	Key Ingredients	Common Risk Factors
Plain Milk Chocolate Hershey Kiss (Halloween Foil)	Gluten-Free	Milk chocolate, cocoa, sugar	Cross-contamination from shared lines; check for 'gluten-free' label.
Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme Kiss	Not Gluten-Free	Wheat flour	Contains gluten.
Seasonal Shaped Reese's	Not Gluten-Free	Peanut butter, milk chocolate	Potential for cross-contamination on seasonal equipment.
Starburst	Gluten-Free	Sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice	Generally safe, but check for seasonal changes.
Twix	Not Gluten-Free	Wheat flour	Contains gluten.

Reading the Label Is Your Best Defense

Always read the label on every package. Ingredient and production methods can change. The Hershey's website has information, but checking the specific bag is essential for certainty. Look for a 'gluten-free' statement and check allergen statements for wheat.

The Cross-Contamination Conundrum

Cross-contamination is a significant concern. Many companies, including Hershey, use shared equipment. While labeled gluten-free products follow strict protocols, unmarked items may not have the same safeguards. A bag with both plain and Cookies 'n' Creme Kisses is compromised for those with celiac disease. Mixed candy in a trick-or-treat bag also poses a risk.

Conclusion: A Safe and Sweet Halloween

For a safe Halloween, remember most plain milk chocolate Hershey Kisses, including those in spooky foils, are gluten-free. Be cautious with seasonal and filled flavors. Always check the package for Hershey's 'gluten-free' label, indicating compliance with FDA standards. Staying informed and reading labels ensures you can enjoy the holiday safely.

For a comprehensive list of gluten-free products, check The Hershey Company's official dietary information page.

The Hershey Company: Dietary Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if a package of Hershey Kisses is explicitly labeled 'gluten-free,' it meets the FDA's strict standards and is considered safe for those with celiac disease. However, not all Kisses are labeled as such, so you must confirm on the specific bag you purchase.

No, not all milk chocolate Kisses are safe. While the plain milk chocolate variety is gluten-free, the milk chocolate with almonds is not and should be avoided by those on a gluten-free diet.

The biggest risk is cross-contamination. Many seasonal and holiday-shaped candies are made on different production lines that may also process gluten-containing products, increasing the risk of contamination.

No, the colored foils are purely for decoration and do not indicate any change in the ingredients. However, it is the specific flavor, not the wrapper, that determines if a Kiss is gluten-free.

The official list of gluten-free products can be found on The Hershey Company's website under their dietary needs section. It is the most reliable source for up-to-date product information.

No, if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, you should not eat from a mixed bag. The risk of cross-contamination from handling and contact is too high.

Always check for wheat flour, barley malt, or any reference to cookie or crisp pieces in the ingredient list. Vague flavor descriptions should also be treated with caution unless the product is specifically labeled gluten-free.