Do Mr. Good Bars have gluten?

Despite a common misconception, Mr. Good Bars do not contain any gluten ingredients in their standard recipe. However, those with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease must still exercise caution, as manufacturing practices lead to a high risk of cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

Hershey's Mr. Good Bar does not contain gluten-based ingredients, but the manufacturer does not label it gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination during processing.

Key Points

• No Gluten Ingredients: The standard recipe for a Mr. Goodbar does not include any ingredients containing gluten.

• Not Labeled Gluten-Free: Hershey's does not label Mr. Good Bars as 'gluten-free' due to manufacturing processes.

• High Cross-Contamination Risk: The candy is made in facilities that also handle gluten, creating a risk of trace amounts.

• Unsafe for Celiacs: Due to potential cross-contamination, Mr. Good Bars are not safe for people with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity.

• Alternative Options Exist: Many other Hershey's products, like standard Reese's and Kisses, are certified and labeled gluten-free.

• Always Check the Label: Product formulations and manufacturing can change, so checking the most current label is the safest practice.

Examining the Ingredients: Does the Recipe Itself Have Gluten?

Upon first glance at the ingredient list, a Mr. Goodbar appears to be gluten-free. Its core components are fairly straightforward, centering on milk chocolate and peanuts. The official Hershey's website confirms that the ingredients themselves do not contain gluten.

The Standard Mr. Goodbar Ingredient List

A typical Mr. Goodbar contains the following:

• Sugar
• Peanuts
• Vegetable oil (palm oil, shea oil, sunflower oil, etc.)
• Lactose (milk)
• Reduced protein whey (milk)
• Chocolate
• Skim milk
• Cocoa (processed with alkali)
• Lecithin (soy)
• Vanillin (artificial flavor)

As this list clearly shows, there are no wheat, barley, or rye derivatives present. So, for someone who does not have celiac disease or a high sensitivity, the bar itself is not a source of gluten. The potential problem lies in how and where it is produced.

The Critical Factor: Cross-Contamination Risk

The primary reason Mr. Good Bars are not considered safe for those with celiac disease is the risk of cross-contamination. Hershey's manufactures many different products, and it is common for different candies to be produced on the same equipment or in the same facility. Even if the equipment is cleaned between runs, minute traces of gluten can remain.

Because Mr. Good Bar is not officially labeled 'gluten-free' by Hershey's, it has not been tested to meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) standard of less than 20 parts per million of gluten. For individuals with celiac disease, any amount of gluten, even trace amounts from cross-contamination, can cause an autoimmune reaction and serious health issues. This is why official certification is so important for those with severe sensitivities.

What This Means for People with Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

For a person with celiac disease, consuming an uncertified product like a Mr. Goodbar is a gamble. While many people with less severe gluten intolerance might not react to trace amounts, it is not a risk a celiac individual should take. The safest policy for anyone with a diagnosed gluten allergy is to stick to products explicitly labeled as 'gluten-free.'

Safe Candy Alternatives from Hershey's

Fortunately, Hershey's does produce a number of products that it officially lists as gluten-free. These are evaluated to meet the FDA's standards and are generally considered safe. Always check the packaging for the most current information, as product formulations and manufacturing locations can change.

• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Most varieties, including standard cups and miniatures, are gluten-free. However, seasonal shapes may differ, so always double-check.
• Hershey's Kisses: The classic milk chocolate Kisses are listed as gluten-free.
• Almond Joy: The regular Almond Joy candy bar is gluten-free.
• Milk Duds: These chewy caramel candies are on the gluten-free list.
• PayDay: All sizes of the original PayDay bar are considered gluten-free.
• York Peppermint Pattie: Most sizes and shapes are listed as gluten-free.

Comparison: Mr. Goodbar vs. Other Popular Candy

To highlight the difference, here is a comparison table outlining the gluten status of Mr. Goodbar versus other popular confectionery products based on current available information.

Candy Bar	Ingredients Contain Gluten?	Labeled Gluten-Free?	Safe for Celiacs?	Reason for Status
Mr. Goodbar	No	No	No	High risk of cross-contamination.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	No	Yes	Yes	Explicitly tested and labeled by Hershey's.
Kit Kat	Yes	No	No	Contains wheat ingredients.
Whoppers	Yes	No	No	Contains malt, which is a gluten source.
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar	No	Yes (some sizes)	Depends on size	Labeling can vary based on the manufacturing line used for different sizes.

Conclusion

While a Mr. Goodbar's ingredient list does not contain any gluten, it is not a safe choice for individuals with celiac disease or a high gluten sensitivity. The definitive status from Hershey's is that the product is not labeled gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. Always check the packaging for the official allergen statement and consider a certified gluten-free alternative to ensure your safety.

For more information on managing a gluten-free diet, you can refer to authoritative sources like Beyond Celiac.

Authoritative Sources

• Hershey's: The official source for product FAQs and allergen statements.
• Celiac.com: Provides dedicated guidance on whether specific foods are safe for those with celiac disease.
• Beyond Celiac: A leading non-profit organization for gluten-free living, offering reliable lists and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mr. Good Bars completely gluten-free?

No, Mr. Good Bars are not considered completely gluten-free. While the ingredients list does not contain gluten, Hershey's does not label them as such due to the risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment.

Can people with celiac disease eat Mr. Good Bars?

No, people with celiac disease should not eat Mr. Good Bars. The potential for cross-contamination with gluten during manufacturing makes this product unsafe for those who must strictly avoid gluten.

Are the peanuts in Mr. Good Bars naturally gluten-free?

Yes, peanuts are naturally gluten-free. The concern with Mr. Good Bars does not stem from the peanuts but from the potential for gluten exposure during processing in the factory.

How can I tell if a Hershey's product is truly gluten-free?

To be sure a Hershey's product is gluten-free, you should look for an official 'gluten-free' label or check Hershey's official website for their list of certified gluten-free products.

What is cross-contamination and why is it a risk for Mr. Good Bars?

Cross-contamination occurs when a food product is exposed to an allergen, like gluten, through shared processing lines or facilities. This is a risk for Mr. Good Bars because they are made in the same facilities that produce candies containing wheat.

What are some safe, gluten-free alternatives to Mr. Goodbar?

Safe alternatives from Hershey's include the standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's Kisses, Almond Joy, and York Peppermint Patties, all of which are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.

Have Mr. Good Bars always had this gluten status?

For many years, Mr. Good Bars have been in this 'contains no gluten ingredients, but not certified gluten-free' category. It is a long-standing policy related to their shared manufacturing facilities.

Where can I find the most accurate gluten information for Mr. Good Bars?

The most accurate information will come from reading the most up-to-date allergen statement on the actual product packaging or by visiting the official Hersheyland website.