Are the Reese's Peanut Butter Pie Cups Gluten-Free? A Complete Guide

October 27, 2025 •

2 min read

While many Reese's products are considered gluten-free, the specific ingredients in the Reese's Peanut Butter Pie Cups require a closer look. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, not all Reese's candies are safe, especially special varieties.

Quick Summary

A review of Reese's Peanut Butter Pie Cup ingredients and manufacturing practices. Explores why this specific product is not suitable for a gluten-free diet and provides safe alternatives.

Key Points

Not Gluten-Free: Reese's Peanut Butter Pie Cups contain ingredients like oat flour and are not explicitly labeled gluten-free, making them unsafe for celiacs.
Regular vs. Seasonal: Standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically gluten-free, but seasonal shapes are not due to cross-contamination risk.
Ingredient Variations: The Pie Cups contain different flours and "cookie bits" compared to the classic cups, and their safety cannot be assumed.
Third-Party Products: Reese's ingredients are used in other products (like restaurant pies), but their gluten-free status depends on the manufacturer, not Hershey's alone.
Certified Alternatives: Individuals with high sensitivity should opt for third-party certified gluten-free peanut butter cup brands to eliminate cross-contamination risk.
Always Check Labels: This case highlights the necessity of checking the ingredients and allergen information for every single product variation, not just the brand name.

The General Rule for Reese's and Gluten

For years, standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups have been generally considered safe for a gluten-free diet, unlike seasonal shapes which pose a cross-contamination risk due to shared equipment. The Hershey Company states many standard products meet FDA's "gluten-free" definition.

Unpacking the Reese's Peanut Butter Pie Cups

Reese's Peanut Butter Pie Cups differ from the classic cups with an ingredient list including "sweet and crispy cookie bits" and flours like buckwheat, oat, and rice. The presence of oat flour is concerning unless certified gluten-free, as oats are often processed with gluten-containing grains. The Pie Cups also lack a clear "gluten-free" label present on other Reese's products.

The Importance of Reading All Product Labels

This highlights the need to always check ingredient lists and look for gluten-free certification, especially for new or specialized products, as relying solely on brand name can be risky.

Comparison of Reese's Products


Product Type	Gluten-Free Ingredients?	Labeled Gluten-Free?	Cross-Contamination Risk?	Suitable for Celiacs?
Standard Peanut Butter Cups	Yes	Often, on certain packs	Low/Acceptable for Hershey's	Likely Safe, Check Label
Seasonal Shaped Cups	Often	No	High (Shared Equipment)	Unsafe
Peanut Butter Pie Cups	Unclear (contains oat flour)	No	High (Implied by lack of label)	Unsafe
Take 5 Bar	No (contains pretzels)	No	N/A	Unsafe
Reese's Pieces	Yes	Often	Low/Acceptable	Likely Safe, Check Label
Mike's Pies Reese's Pie	Yes (Certified G/F Crust)	Yes	Low (Specifically GF)	Likely Safe

What to Look for and Safe Alternatives

Strict gluten-free diets benefit from third-party certification and checking allergen statements for wheat. Certified gluten-free alternatives include Justin's, Unreal, and Lily's peanut butter cups. Homemade recipes using certified gluten-free ingredients are also an option.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant with Product Variations

Determining if a Reese's product is gluten-free requires checking the specific item and label. While classic cups are generally considered safe, Pie Cups with their distinct ingredients and lack of a gluten-free label cannot be assumed safe. Always consult packaging and official lists, like Hershey's Gluten-Free List, to ensure safety for celiac disease or high sensitivity, or choose explicitly labeled gluten-free alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Reese's Peanut Butter Pie Cups are not explicitly labeled gluten-free and their ingredients list includes different flours, including oat flour, which poses a significant cross-contamination risk for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.

No, not all Reese's products are gluten-free. While the standard Peanut Butter Cups are generally considered safe, seasonal shapes and specialized products often carry a high risk of cross-contamination due to shared manufacturing equipment.

No, seasonal shaped Reese's cups (like eggs, pumpkins, and trees) are not safe for a gluten-free diet. They are often made on equipment shared with gluten-containing products, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

The primary difference lies in the formulation and labeling. The standard cups are typically made with gluten-free ingredients and can be considered safe by Hershey's, whereas the Pie Cups contain different flours and are not labeled gluten-free, indicating a higher risk.

For a guaranteed gluten-free treat, look for products from brands that are third-party certified gluten-free, or opt for homemade recipes using verified gluten-free ingredients.

Hershey's products labeled "gluten-free" adhere to FDA standards (<20 ppm). However, those with celiac disease should be aware that some of these products might be produced on shared lines, which is why checking for a stricter, third-party certification is often recommended for maximum safety.

The ingredient list specifies "Oat flour" but does not state if it is certified gluten-free. Without this certification, the flour cannot be assumed safe for a gluten-free diet due to a high likelihood of cross-contamination.