Are Reese's peanut butter bars gluten-free? Unwrapping the Truth

According to Beyond Celiac, nearly 1% of the global population has celiac disease, a condition that necessitates a strict gluten-free diet. For those with dietary restrictions, navigating the candy aisle can be challenging, leading to a common question: are Reese's peanut butter bars gluten-free? The answer isn't as simple as it seems and requires a careful look at product variations and labeling.

Quick Summary

Most standard Reese's peanut butter cups and certain bars are made with gluten-free ingredients, but seasonal and pretzel-filled versions are not. Always verify the label due to potential cross-contamination concerns, especially for individuals with celiac disease.

Key Points

• Standard peanut butter cups are generally gluten-free: The classic foil-wrapped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically safe for a gluten-free diet.

• Seasonal shapes are NOT safe: Holiday-shaped products like pumpkins, eggs, and trees carry a high risk of cross-contamination and are not considered gluten-free.

• Not all bars are safe: Specific bars, such as the REESE'S TAKE 5, contain gluten ingredients (pretzels) and should be avoided entirely.

• Always check the label: Product formulations can change, so always look for a clear "gluten-free" label on the packaging, especially on newer varieties.

• Cross-contamination is a major risk for celiac: Even products made without gluten ingredients can be contaminated during manufacturing on shared equipment, which is a significant concern for those with celiac disease.

• Some bars are explicitly gluten-free: Certain products, such as the ONE REESE'S protein bars, are specifically advertised as gluten-free and can be a safe choice.

Understanding the Gluten-Free Status of Reese's

When asking, "Are Reese's peanut butter bars gluten-free?", the answer depends on which specific product you're considering. The term 'bar' can be misleading, as the beloved brand offers many forms beyond the classic peanut butter cup. While Hershey's, the parent company, maintains a list of gluten-free products, it's crucial to understand the nuances of their manufacturing processes.

The Classic vs. The Seasonal

The most significant distinction lies between the year-round peanut butter cups and the seasonal varieties. Most standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, including the classic foil-wrapped originals, are considered gluten-free based on their ingredients. However, this is not true for versions shaped for holidays like Easter (eggs), Halloween (pumpkins), or Christmas (trees), even if they use the same basic ingredients. This is due to the potential for cross-contamination from other products made on shared equipment in the same facility.

Reese's Bars: A Case-by-Case Basis

The gluten-free status of Reese's products sold as 'bars' varies greatly. It is imperative to check the ingredients and allergen information for each specific product, as manufacturers can change recipes.

Safe Reese's Bars

Some Reese's products marketed as bars are explicitly labeled or confirmed as gluten-free on the Hershey's website. Examples often include:

• Reese's Fast Break Bar: This candy bar, featuring peanut butter and nougat, is listed as gluten-free on the official Hershey's website.
• ONE REESE'S Peanut Butter Lovers Protein Bars: These protein bars are clearly marked and advertised as gluten-free.

Not-So-Safe Reese's Bars

Conversely, some Reese's bar products are known to contain gluten and should be avoided entirely by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

• REESE'S TAKE 5 Bar: This bar is explicitly not gluten-free because it contains pretzels, which are made from wheat flour.
• Other pretzel variations: Any Reese's product featuring pretzel pieces, unless specified as being made with gluten-free pretzels, should be considered unsafe.

Comparison of Common Reese's Products

To help simplify your choices, here is a breakdown of the gluten status for several popular Reese's products:

Product	Gluten-Free Status	Key Considerations
Classic Peanut Butter Cups	Generally considered gluten-free by Hershey's.	Not certified, so trace amounts may be present.
Seasonal Peanut Butter Cups (Eggs, Pumpkins)	NOT gluten-free due to manufacturing risks.	High risk of cross-contamination; avoid entirely.
ONE REESE'S Protein Bar	EXPLICITLY gluten-free.	Safe option for those with celiac disease.
REESE'S TAKE 5 Bar	NOT gluten-free due to pretzel content.	Contains wheat and is unsafe for a gluten-free diet.
Reese's Pieces Candy	Generally considered gluten-free.	Always check the packaging for the latest information.
Reese's NutRageous Bar	Listed as gluten-free by Hershey's.	Also contains peanuts, milk, and soy.

Cross-Contamination and the FDA Standard

For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. While a product's ingredient list may not include gluten, it can become contaminated if processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing items. The FDA requires foods labeled "gluten-free" to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, but not all manufacturers perform third-party certification. Hershey's states that their labeled gluten-free products meet this standard, but it's important for individuals with severe sensitivity to assess their own risk tolerance.

How to Choose the Right Reese's Product

1. Always Read the Label: Do not rely on assumptions. Manufacturers can change recipes and processes, so the most up-to-date information is on the packaging itself. Look for explicit "gluten-free" labeling.
2. Avoid Seasonal Shapes: As a general rule, avoid any uniquely shaped Reese's product designed for holidays. Their risk of cross-contamination is high.
3. Check the Hershey's Website: Visit the Hersheyland website for their latest official gluten-free product list. This can provide a reliable resource for many of their standard items.
4. Consider Certified Alternatives: For peace of mind, especially for those with celiac disease, opt for brands with certified gluten-free labels. Alternatives like Justin's, Unreal, and Free2b offer peanut butter cup options that are explicitly certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

When it comes to Reese's, the gluten-free status is not universal across the brand. While standard peanut butter cups are often safe for those with gluten sensitivities, seasonal shapes and specific products like the Take 5 bar must be avoided due to cross-contamination or gluten-containing ingredients. Checking the label for explicit "gluten-free" claims and referencing the official Hershey's website are the safest practices. For the most severe allergies or celiac disease, relying on certified alternatives from brands like Justin's is the most reliable option.

Hershey's Gluten-Free Product List

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Reese's products gluten-free?

No, not all Reese's products are gluten-free. While many standard products like the classic peanut butter cups are made without gluten ingredients, seasonal shapes and certain bars, like the REESE'S TAKE 5, contain or are at high risk of cross-contamination with gluten.

Why aren't Reese's seasonal shapes gluten-free?

Seasonal Reese's products, such as eggs, pumpkins, and trees, are often produced on shared manufacturing lines that also handle gluten-containing products. This creates a high risk of cross-contamination, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Are Reese's products certified gluten-free?

No, most Reese's products are not third-party certified gluten-free. According to Hershey's, products labeled gluten-free meet FDA standards (less than 20 ppm gluten), but they are not certified by an external organization like the Gluten-Intolerance Group.

What is the safest Reese's product for a celiac?

For individuals with celiac disease, the safest option is a product that is explicitly labeled gluten-free and ideally comes from a dedicated gluten-free facility. The ONE REESE'S protein bars are clearly marked gluten-free. For standard candies, always check the packaging for an explicit label, and avoid all seasonal shapes.

Are Reese's Pieces gluten-free?

Reese's Pieces candy is generally considered gluten-free based on the ingredients list and is included on Hershey's gluten-free lists. However, always double-check the label, as variations like Reese's Pieces Eggs may differ.

Do any Reese's bars contain gluten?

Yes, the REESE'S TAKE 5 bar contains pretzels, which are made from wheat flour and contain gluten. It is not a gluten-free product and should be avoided by individuals on a gluten-free diet.

Are there any certified gluten-free alternatives to Reese's?

Yes, brands like Justin's, Unreal, and Free2b offer certified gluten-free peanut butter cup alternatives. These options provide reassurance for those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease by minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.