Are Heath Bar Bits Gluten-Free? A Guide for Celiacs and Bakers

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturer Hershey's, all Heath bar products, including the popular Bits 'O Brickle, are gluten-free. This is great news for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as these English toffee baking bits can add a delicious crunch to many desserts without worry.

Quick Summary

Heath bar bits, also known as Bits 'O Brickle, are certified gluten-free by manufacturer Hershey's, making them a safe ingredient for gluten-free baking and consumption.

Key Points

Yes, they are gluten-free: According to manufacturer Hershey's, Heath bar bits are explicitly listed as a gluten-free product.
No gluten ingredients: The recipe for Heath toffee bits does not include any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye.
Check the specific package: While generally safe, always read the allergen information on the specific Heath bits packaging you purchase, as formulations can change.
Minimal cross-contamination risk: For most with gluten sensitivity, the manufacturing process is considered safe, though those with severe celiac disease may want to verify a lack of third-party certification.
Homemade alternative exists: You can create your own gluten-free toffee bits from scratch using simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients like sugar and butter.

Are Heath Bar Bits Actually Gluten-Free? Digging into the Details

For many who follow a gluten-free diet, a common concern is the safety of packaged foods, especially when it comes to potential cross-contamination. This is particularly true for baking ingredients and treats like Heath bar bits. The good news for toffee lovers is that Heath bar bits are indeed considered gluten-free according to The Hershey Company, their manufacturer. Hershey's maintains an updated list of its gluten-free products, and both Heath bars and the bits are consistently on that list.

The Ingredient List: What Makes Them Gluten-Free?

The primary ingredients in Heath toffee bits are simple and naturally gluten-free: sugar, palm oil, dairy butter, and almonds. The candy is then covered in a milk chocolate coating. Because no wheat, barley, or rye derivatives are used in the core recipe, the toffee itself does not contain gluten. While the full list of ingredients includes milk, almonds, and soy (lecithin), it explicitly avoids any gluten-containing components. This aligns with what consumers need to look for when evaluating products for gluten content.

Understanding Certifications and Cross-Contamination

While the ingredients are gluten-free, some people are cautious due to the possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing. It's important to differentiate between products with a gluten-free label and those certified by a third party. While Hershey's states that Heath bits are gluten-free, they do not provide a 'certified gluten-free' label on the packaging that meets third-party standards like those from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This distinction is vital for those with severe celiac disease, who may require products made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. For most individuals with gluten sensitivity, however, Hershey's internal practices are sufficient.

Gluten-Free Heath Bar vs. Toffee Bits

It's worth noting that the standard Heath bar is also gluten-free, not just the baking bits. However, the ingredients can vary slightly depending on the product format (bar vs. bits) and manufacturing location. It is always best practice to check the label of the specific product you are purchasing. For example, some specialty or holiday versions of candy can have different formulations. This is a crucial step for anyone with dietary restrictions.

A Comparison of Toffee Bits for Baking

For bakers with gluten sensitivities, several toffee bit options exist. The following table compares Heath Bits 'O Brickle with other popular alternatives.


Feature	Heath Bits 'O Brickle	SKOR Toffee Bits	Other Brands (e.g., store-brand)
Gluten Status	Certified Gluten-Free by Hershey's	Certified Gluten-Free by Hershey's	Varies by manufacturer, always check label
Key Ingredients	English toffee, milk chocolate, almonds, butter	English toffee, milk chocolate, butter, almonds	Often similar, but recipes can differ
Certification	Internal Hershey's policy, no third-party GF label observed on bits packaging	Internal Hershey's policy, no third-party GF label observed on bits packaging	Some may carry GFCO or other third-party certifications
Best For	Brownies, cookies, ice cream toppings	Baking, melting, toffee flavor	General baking, affordability
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores	Widely available, especially in Canada	Varies based on store and region

How to Safely Use Heath Bar Bits in Gluten-Free Baking

To ensure your creations remain gluten-free, follow these best practices:

Read the Label: Always check the ingredient list and allergen information on the specific package you buy, as formulations can change over time.
Dedicated Equipment: If you are highly sensitive to gluten, use dedicated gluten-free baking equipment and surfaces to avoid cross-contamination from other baking projects.
Consider Alternatives: If cross-contamination is a major concern, consider making your own toffee bits from scratch. The process is straightforward and guarantees a gluten-free result if you use certified gluten-free ingredients.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of 'are Heath bar bits gluten-free' can be answered with a confident yes, based on information from the manufacturer, Hershey's. They do not contain any gluten ingredients in their formulation, offering a safe and delicious option for most individuals with gluten sensitivity. While they lack a third-party certification label, Hershey's standard gluten-free products are generally safe for those without severe celiac disease. Always perform a quick check of the packaging before use, and consider homemade alternatives if you have concerns about cross-contamination. For more information on Hershey's dietary policies, visit their official website.

Hershey's Dietary Needs Information: https://www.thehersheycompany.com/en_us/home/ingredients/dietary-needs/gluten-free.html

Frequently Asked Questions

For most individuals with celiac disease, Heath bar bits are safe to consume as they are listed as gluten-free by the manufacturer, Hershey's. However, individuals with severe celiac disease concerned about cross-contamination should consider products with third-party certification or homemade alternatives.

The main ingredients are English toffee, which is made from sugar, butter, and almonds, and is coated in milk chocolate. The recipe contains milk, almonds, and soy but no gluten-containing grains.

Yes, just like the baking bits, the standard Heath candy bar is also considered gluten-free by Hershey's. Both products are safe for a gluten-free diet.

Both Heath and SKOR toffee bits are manufactured by Hershey's and are considered gluten-free. They have very similar flavor profiles and ingredients, though some bakers may have a preference for one over the other.

Hershey's publishes an official list of its gluten-free products on its corporate website. You can find this list by visiting the 'Dietary Needs' section under their ingredients page.

No, not all Hershey's products are gluten-free. Some items, like Kit Kat or Reese's Peanut Butter Covered Pretzels, contain wheat or other gluten ingredients. Always check the specific product label or Hershey's official gluten-free list.

Yes, you can generally trust the label. When Hershey's designates a product as gluten-free, it means the product contains no gluten ingredients and is produced in a way that minimizes cross-contamination. This is sufficient for most gluten-free bakers.