Finding a Sweet Treat: A Guide to What are some store-bought gluten free desserts?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

With the rise in popularity of gluten-free diets, the market for delicious, store-bought treats has exploded. It’s now easier than ever to find tasty store-bought gluten free desserts that don’t compromise on flavor, from crunchy cookies and creamy ice creams to decadent cakes.

Quick Summary

This comprehensive guide explores the best store-bought gluten-free desserts on the market, covering cookies, ice creams, candies, and frozen goods. It provides tips for reading labels and identifying certified safe products to help you confidently navigate the aisles for a sweet treat.

Key Points

Diverse Options: The gluten-free market includes a wide range of cookies, ice creams, candies, and frozen treats from both specialty and mainstream brands.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check ingredient lists for hidden sources of gluten like malt, brewer's yeast, or wheat starch, even in products that seem naturally gluten-free.
Look for Certifications: Rely on seals from organizations like GFCO or the Crossed Grain Symbol, which guarantee products meet strict safety standards for gluten-free diets.
Be Mindful of 'May Contain' Warnings: For those with celiac disease, advisory statements about potential cross-contamination should be taken seriously, and manufacturers should be contacted with questions.
A Balanced Approach: While store-bought treats are great, remember that a healthy gluten-free diet should still emphasize naturally GF whole foods, with packaged desserts enjoyed in moderation.
Check for Hidden Gluten: Be aware that even some non-food items, like certain candies or sauces, can contain gluten as a binder or thickener.

The Sweetest GF Cookies on the Shelf

For many, cookies are the ultimate dessert, and the good news is that the gluten-free cookie landscape is better than ever. Mainstream and specialty brands alike now offer fantastic options, from classic chocolate chip to decadent sandwich cookies.

Nabisco Gluten Free Oreos: A highly-rated and popular choice, these come in both classic and Double Stuf varieties, offering the familiar taste and texture of the beloved original.
Tate's Bake Shop Gluten Free Cookies: Known for their thin and crispy texture, Tate's offers several gluten-free flavors, including chocolate chip and coconut crisp.
Goodie Girl Cookies: This brand specializes in gluten-free cookies, including popular options like Fudge Striped and Mint cookies, which are often compared favorably to their gluten-filled counterparts.
Partake Foods: For those with additional allergies, Partake offers delicious crunchy and soft-baked cookies that are free from the top 9 allergens, including gluten.
Chips Ahoy! Original Crunchy Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: A recognizable name entering the GF market, providing a crunchy, classic chocolate chip experience.

Freshly Baked with Store-Bought Dough

If you prefer the smell and taste of fresh-baked goods, brands like Sweet Loren's offer pre-made, gluten-free cookie dough that can be baked at home. This is a fantastic option for a warm, fresh dessert straight from your own oven.

Frozen Favorites: Ice Cream and Beyond

Ice cream and frozen treats offer a refreshing and naturally gluten-free option, but it's still crucial to check labels for add-ins and potential cross-contamination.

Certified Gluten-Free Ice Cream: Many popular brands, like Ben & Jerry's and Breyers, have certified gluten-free flavors. Always look for the certification mark on the packaging. Häagen-Dazs also offers many naturally gluten-free flavors.
Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Options: Brands like So Delicious, Alden's Organic, and Jolly Llama offer a range of delicious frozen desserts, including ice cream sandwiches and cones that are both dairy-free and gluten-free.
Fruit Bars and Sorbets: Brands such as Outshine and Talenti offer a variety of gluten-free sorbets and fruit bars for a lighter, fruity dessert option.

Decadent Candies and Chocolate

While chocolate and candy might seem safe, hidden gluten can lurk in flavorings, fillings, and cross-contamination during manufacturing. Stick to brands that clearly label their products.

Hershey's: Many Hershey's products, including specific sizes of their milk chocolate bars, Kisses, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (excluding seasonal shapes), are gluten-free. Always verify the specific product and size.
Alter Eco: This brand provides a variety of organic chocolate bars and truffles, with many being gluten-free certified.
Skor Toffee Bars: The classic Skor bar, a toffee-based treat, is also a gluten-free option.
Smarties and Jelly Belly: Many types of these popular candies are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.

Other Easy Grab-and-Go GF Treats

Beyond the obvious, several other delightful desserts are available for a quick fix.

Macarons: French macarons are naturally gluten-free, made with almond flour. Brands like La Fournette are available on specialty sites.
Baked Goods from Katz: Katz offers a vast selection of certified gluten-free bakery items, including cream cakes, donuts, and toaster pastries.
Cheesecake and Pies: Brands like Daiya offer dairy-free and gluten-free cheesecakes, while Raised Gluten Free provides a variety of frozen pies and tarts.

How to Ensure Your Dessert is Truly Gluten-Free

Reading labels is the most critical step to ensure a product is safe. The FDA legally defines a "gluten-free" product as containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, there's more to look for.

Look for Certification Seals: The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) and the Crossed Grain Symbol by AOECS are reliable indicators that a product has been independently verified to meet strict gluten-free standards.
Check the Allergen Statement: The ingredients list will bold any major allergens, including wheat. Always scrutinize ingredients for malt, brewer's yeast, or wheat starch.
Be Aware of Cross-Contamination Warnings: Phrases like "may contain traces of wheat" are advisory warnings. While some with less severe sensitivity may tolerate them, those with celiac disease should often avoid them.

A Comparison of Popular Store-Bought GF Cookies


Brand	Product	Flavor Variety	Allergen Information	Key Feature
Nabisco	Gluten Free Oreos	Classic, Double Stuf, Mint	Contains soy	Familiar taste and texture of the classic Oreo.
Tate's Bake Shop	Gluten Free Cookies	Chocolate Chip, Coconut Crisp	Contains egg, milk, soy, and tree nuts	Exceptionally thin and crispy texture.
Partake	Crunchy Chocolate Chip	Chocolate Chip, Ginger Snap, Birthday Cake	Top 9 allergen-free, vegan	Ideal for those with multiple allergies.
Sweet Loren's	Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough	Chocolate Chunk, Sugar Cookie	Dairy-free, non-GMO	Bakes fresh at home for a warm, gooey treat.

A Note on Nutrition

While gluten-free products are necessary for some, they aren't inherently healthier. A 2018 study found that GF foods could have lower protein and fiber, and sometimes higher saturated fat, than their traditional counterparts. It is important to focus on a balanced diet rich in naturally gluten-free whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and enjoy these pre-packaged desserts in moderation.

Conclusion

The market has made it significantly easier for those on a gluten-free diet to enjoy a wide array of store-bought desserts. From classic favorites recreated without gluten to innovative, allergy-friendly brands, the options are abundant. By prioritizing products with a 'gluten-free' certification and carefully reading all labels, you can confidently find a sweet, safe indulgence for any craving. The wide selection proves that being gluten-free doesn't mean giving up on delicious treats. For more information on certified products, visit the Gluten-Free Certification Organization's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While pure chocolate is naturally gluten-free, some candies and chocolate bars contain hidden gluten in fillings, coatings, or flavorings. Always check the packaging for a gluten-free label or certification, and be wary of products with potential cross-contamination warnings.

Look for third-party certification seals on the packaging. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo and the Crossed Grain Symbol are reliable indicators that a product meets strict standards (less than 20 ppm of gluten).

According to the FDA, a product can be labeled 'gluten-free' if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This standard applies to packaged foods sold in the US.

Not necessarily. While a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity for people with celiac disease, many packaged gluten-free desserts can still be high in sugar, calories, and saturated fat. Some research suggests they can be lower in protein and fiber. They should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

For individuals with celiac disease, it is generally not safe to consume products with a 'may contain' warning due to the risk of cross-contamination. This warning indicates that the product was processed in a facility or on shared equipment with gluten-containing products.

Many common ice cream toppings, like pure fudge and caramel, do not contain gluten ingredients. However, it is essential to check the label for any hidden ingredients or cross-contamination warnings.

Popular options include Nabisco Gluten Free Oreos, Tate's Bake Shop Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Goodie Girl Cookies, which come in a variety of classic flavors.