Yes, All Kerr's Candies Are Certified Gluten-Free
For those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies, the search for safe and delicious candy can be a challenge. However, the question "Are Kerrs gluten-free?" has a straightforward and definitive answer directly from the manufacturer. According to the company's official website, all Kerr's products are manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility. This eliminates the risk of gluten cross-contamination from shared equipment, which is often a major concern for individuals with serious dietary restrictions.
The company's commitment to safety extends beyond just gluten, as the facility is also entirely peanut-free and tree-nut-free. This makes Kerr's candies a reliable and safe choice for a wide range of common food allergies, simplifying the shopping experience for many families.
What Does a Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility Mean?
A dedicated gluten-free facility is a production environment where no products containing gluten are manufactured. This is the highest standard of assurance for gluten-free products, providing a level of safety that is crucial for people with celiac disease. In contrast, products labeled "gluten-free" from a shared facility could still carry a risk of cross-contamination if proper cleaning and segregation protocols are not strictly followed. The use of a dedicated facility shows Kerr's deep commitment to producing a safe and trusted product for its consumers.
More Than Just Gluten: Other Allergens to Consider
While Kerr's is an excellent choice for gluten, peanut, and tree-nut allergies, it's important to be aware of other potential allergens that may be present in their candies. The company is transparent about its use of other ingredients that can trigger sensitivities.
Here are some other allergens used by Kerr's:
- Dairy and Soy: These ingredients are used in certain recipes, particularly in toffees and caramels. It is crucial to check the specific product's ingredient list if you have a dairy or soy allergy.
- Coconut: While Canadian regulations do not list coconut as a tree-nut allergen, the United States does. For this reason, items containing coconut are clearly marked on the packaging and website for US consumers.
- Sulphites: Molasses, which is found in some candies like Molasses Kisses, naturally contains sulphites. This is noted on the product packaging.
Popular Kerr's Products That Are Gluten-Free
Because the entire facility is gluten-free, all products made by Kerr's are safe for a gluten-free diet. This includes a wide variety of popular candies enjoyed by many. Here is a list of some well-known Kerr's products you can enjoy with confidence:
- Kerr's Fruit Drops: A variety of fruit-flavored hard candies.
- Kerr's Butterscotch: Classic butterscotch hard candies, often available in both regular and no-sugar-added varieties.
- Kerr's Toffee: Cream and butter toffee candies, made with fresh cream and butter.
- Kerr's Clear Mints: Refreshing peppermint hard candies.
Comparison: Kerr's vs. Other Popular Candy Brands
To better understand why Kerr's stands out in the gluten-free candy market, here is a comparison with a popular candy brand that does not use a dedicated gluten-free facility.
| Feature | Kerr's Candy | Example Competitor (Werther's Original) |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Status | All products are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility. | Standard products (like hard candies) are generally gluten-free by ingredients, but they are not made in a dedicated facility. |
| Production Facility | Dedicated gluten-free, peanut-free, and tree-nut-free facility. | Some facilities process other products containing gluten, leading to potential cross-contamination concerns for highly sensitive individuals. |
| Other Allergens | May contain Dairy, Soy, Coconut, and naturally occurring Sulphites. | Some varieties, particularly caramels, contain milk and soy. |
| Safety for Celiacs | High Assurance: The dedicated facility provides maximum safety against gluten cross-contamination. | Requires Caution: The lack of a dedicated facility means careful label-reading and awareness of potential cross-contamination is necessary for highly sensitive consumers. |
How to Confirm Gluten-Free Status
While Kerr's provides high assurance, it's always wise for those with serious allergies to follow best practices. First, look for the gluten-free logo on the packaging, which is prominently displayed on Kerr's products. Second, you can visit the Kerr's website to review their specific product and allergen information for the most up-to-date details. For further information, consider consulting a comprehensive guide like this one from the Celiac Disease Foundation: https://celiac.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Gluten-Free-Candy-List.pdf
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "Are Kerrs gluten-free?" is a confident yes, backed by the company's use of a dedicated gluten-free manufacturing facility. This commitment makes Kerr's candies a safe and reliable option for individuals with celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities. However, consumers should still check for other allergens like dairy, soy, or coconut depending on their specific dietary needs. By adhering to transparent manufacturing practices, Kerr's has established itself as a trusted brand for many managing food allergies and dietary restrictions.
