Understanding Hershey's Gluten-Free Policy
For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating the candy aisle can be a challenge. The Hershey Company, a major confectionery producer, offers a complex picture when it comes to gluten. According to the company, many of their products are formulated to be gluten-free, and they maintain a list of these items on their official website. However, the crucial point is that not all Hershey products are gluten-free, and their manufacturing processes can lead to inconsistencies. The most reliable method is to always read the ingredient and allergen statements on the packaging, as recipes and production facilities can change.
The Critical Importance of Reading the Label
The most important step for anyone adhering to a gluten-free diet is to verify the packaging. Hershey's official policy is clear: the most accurate and current listing of ingredients and allergen information is on the product label. The company states that foods labeled “gluten-free” meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, containing less than 20 parts per million gluten. It is a common mistake to assume that if a standard-sized product is safe, all variations will be. This is not the case with Hershey's, where different sizes or seasonal shapes of the same brand can be produced on different equipment, leading to a risk of cross-contamination.
Hershey's Gluten-Free Candies List
While the following list is based on recent information, it is not exhaustive and should always be verified against the product's packaging.
Confirmed Gluten-Free Hershey Products
- Almond Joy: All except for the 'Pieces' candy variety.
- Mounds: All sizes are considered gluten-free.
- Heath Bars: All sizes are listed as gluten-free.
- Hershey's Kisses: Many varieties are safe, including the standard Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, and others. However, some special edition and flavored varieties contain gluten.
- Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar: The standard 1.55oz size is labeled gluten-free, but larger versions may not be.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: The standard peanut butter cups are gluten-free. This includes many varieties like the Big Cup, Dark Chocolate, and the cups with pretzels.
- Reese's Pieces: All sizes of Reese's Pieces are listed as gluten-free.
- York Peppermint Patties: The original sizes are gluten-free, though some 'Pieces' or seasonal shapes are not.
- PayDay: Both original and king-size versions are gluten-free.
- Skor Toffee Bars: All Skor products are listed as gluten-free.
- Rolo Caramels: The original caramels in milk chocolate are gluten-free, but the 'Minis' are not.
Hershey's Candies That Contain Gluten
This is a selection of products that are known to contain gluten and should be avoided.
- Kit Kat bars: Contain wheat ingredients.
- Whoppers: Contain malt and wheat.
- Krackle: Contains wheat.
- Mr. Goodbar: While ingredients can change, some versions have been known to contain gluten or have a risk of cross-contamination.
- Some Seasonal Reese's and Kisses: Seasonal shapes of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, such as eggs and hearts, are often not gluten-free due to manufacturing practices and cross-contamination. Similarly, certain special-flavor Kisses like Birthday Cake or Cookies 'n' Creme contain gluten.
- Twizzlers: Contain wheat.
- Hershey's Peanut Butter Covered Pretzels: Contains pretzels, which have wheat.
Cross-Contamination and Manufacturing Nuances
Even products that do not contain gluten ingredients can be subject to cross-contamination if they are made on shared equipment in the same facility as products containing wheat, barley, or rye. Hershey's acknowledges this risk, which is why they encourage consumers to read the labels carefully. For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can cause a reaction. This is the reason why some varieties or sizes of a product might not carry the gluten-free claim, even if the recipe appears to be the same. The king-size versus standard-size Hershey's bar example is a perfect illustration of this.
Comparison of Hershey's Gluten Status by Product
To highlight the importance of product variation, here is a comparison table of specific examples.
| Product | Size/Variation | Gluten-Free Status | Reason/Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar | 1.55 oz (Standard) | Gluten-Free | Labeled as such and produced in a manner to meet FDA standards. |
| Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar | 2.6 oz (King Size) | Not Labeled Gluten-Free | Shares ingredients with the standard bar, but processed on different equipment with a risk of cross-contamination. |
| Reese's Peanut Butter Cups | Standard 2-pack | Gluten-Free | Labeled gluten-free and processed to meet standards. |
| Reese's Peanut Butter Cups | Seasonal Shapes (e.g., eggs, hearts) | Not Labeled Gluten-Free | Often manufactured on shared equipment, posing a cross-contamination risk. |
| Hershey's Kisses | Milk Chocolate (Original) | Gluten-Free | Labeled and safe for a gluten-free diet. |
| Hershey's Kisses | Cookies 'n' Creme flavor | Contains Gluten | Explicitly contains gluten ingredients. |
Making Informed Choices
The best practice for managing a gluten-free diet while enjoying treats like Hershey's is to develop a habit of reading every label meticulously. While a product may have been safe in the past, manufacturing processes can evolve. Furthermore, relying on an online list is no substitute for checking the actual product you intend to purchase. By prioritizing label reading and understanding the potential for cross-contamination, you can make safe and informed choices. When in doubt, consult the official Hershey website for their most current dietary information.
Conclusion
While many of Hershey's candies are indeed gluten-free and clearly labeled as such, the assumption that all products from the brand are safe is incorrect. The presence of gluten can vary by product, flavor, size, and even seasonal shape. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the golden rule is to always check the packaging for the official gluten-free statement before consumption. By taking this simple step, you can safely enjoy the wide range of Hershey's products that are designated as gluten-free.
