Is Hershey gf? An Essential Guide to Gluten-Free Hershey's Candy

According to the Hershey Company, there are over 100 products that qualify as gluten-free. However, this does not mean every Hershey's product is safe, and it's crucial for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease to know which items to look for. This guide explains how to determine if a Hershey's product is gluten-free, highlights a list of safe candies, and discusses the importance of checking labels every time due to changes in manufacturing.

Quick Summary

This article explores which Hershey's products are suitable for a gluten-free diet, emphasizing the importance of checking labels. It details the company's official list of gluten-free candies, discusses the risks of cross-contamination, and provides guidance for safe consumption. It also highlights popular products that are and are not gluten-free.

Key Points

• Check the Label First: The most reliable way to determine if a Hershey's product is gluten-free is to find the official 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging.

• Understand Cross-Contamination: Checking for the official 'gluten-free' label is crucial to avoid cross-contamination risks as many facilities produce both gluten-free and gluten-containing products.

• Not All Products Are Equal: Different sizes or shapes within the same product line may not be gluten-free, such as Reese's seasonal shapes versus standard cups.

• Popular Safe Options: Popular gluten-free Hershey's products include Almond Joy (excluding Pieces), Mounds, Heath Bars, York Peppermint Patties, standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and many varieties of Hershey's Kisses.

• Look Out for Hidden Gluten: Avoid products with wheat flour (like Cookies 'n' Creme, Kit Kat) or ingredients like barley malt (Whoppers).

• Stay Updated on Changes: Always read the label of the specific product you intend to purchase, as ingredients or production methods can change.

Understanding Hershey's Gluten-Free Labeling

For individuals with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, navigating the candy aisle requires careful consideration. The Hershey Company follows U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for products labeled "gluten-free," meaning they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Hershey maintains an official list of products evaluated to meet these standards. The most critical takeaway is that a candy is only considered gluten-free by Hershey if it bears the official "gluten-free" claim on its packaging. Ingredient lists alone may not be sufficient, as cross-contamination can be a significant issue in shared manufacturing facilities.

Why Rely on the Label, Not Just the Ingredients?

While pure chocolate is naturally gluten-free, many candy bars include ingredients or are processed on equipment that can introduce gluten. Gluten can enter chocolate products through flavorings, fillers like malt extract, or inclusions such as cookies. Shared equipment poses a high risk of cross-contamination, even with cleaning procedures. Relying on the explicit "gluten-free" label is the safest method, especially since formulations and practices can change.

A Guide to Gluten-Free Hershey's Products

Based on information from the Hershey Company and other sources, several popular products are considered gluten-free. Always check the current label before consuming.

Popular Hershey's Gluten-Free Candies

Standard-sized REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups are gluten-free, but seasonal shapes may not be. All Almond Joy flavors except Almond Joy Pieces are gluten-free. Mounds, all Heath bars, Milk Duds, Skor Toffee Bars, and all sizes of York Peppermint Patties are safe. The standard 1.55 oz Plain HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Bar and 1.45 oz milk chocolate with almonds are labeled gluten-free, but other sizes may not be. HERSHEY'S CHIPITS Milk Chocolate Baking Chips and HERSHEY'S Special Dark 100% Cacao Cocoa are also labeled gluten-free.

Products to Avoid for Celiac Disease or Sensitivity

Products containing wheat or barley should be avoided, including HERSHEY'S Cookies 'n' Creme Bars (wheat flour), Kit Kat Bars (wheat wafers), and Whoppers (barley malt). Reese's seasonal shapes are not guaranteed gluten-free, and mini or king-sized bars of otherwise safe candies may also not be gluten-free.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free Hershey's Products

Product	Is it Gluten-Free?	Important Details
HERSHEY'S Kisses (Plain Milk Chocolate)	Yes	Standard-size Kisses and many flavored varieties are safe.
HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Bar	Yes	Only specific sizes (1.55 oz) and flavors (e.g., Milk Chocolate with Almonds) are labeled gluten-free.
HERSHEY'S Cookies 'n' Creme Bar	No	Contains wheat flour as a primary ingredient.
REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups (Standard)	Yes	Standard size cups are safe.
REESE'S Seasonal Shapes	No	Shapes like pumpkins or trees often have a different manufacturing process with a higher risk of cross-contamination.
York Peppermint Pattie	Yes	All sizes and flavors of the peppermint patties are gluten-free.
Almond Joy	Yes	All versions are gluten-free, excluding the Almond Joy Pieces.

How to Verify a Hershey's Product

To ensure safety, follow these steps:

1. Look for the "Gluten-Free" Claim: This is the most reliable indicator on the packaging.
2. Inspect the Allergen Statement: Check for "CONTAINS" or "MAY CONTAIN" wheat warnings.
3. Cross-Reference Ingredients: Be aware of gluten aliases like barley malt.
4. Stay Updated: Always check the current label due to potential changes.

Conclusion: Navigating Hershey's Products Safely

Is Hershey gf? Some products are, but not all. Always check for the official "gluten-free" label on the package, as this is the most reliable way to avoid gluten-containing ingredients and cross-contamination. Checking labels every time ensures safe enjoyment of their treats.

Here is the official Hershey's gluten-free product page.

Related Gluten-Free Resources

Organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation and Beyond Celiac offer additional resources for those with gluten sensitivities. Staying informed is key to a safe diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the regular Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar gluten-free?

Only the standard 1.55 oz Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar and the 1.45 oz Milk Chocolate with Almonds bar are labeled gluten-free by the Hershey Company. Other sizes are not guaranteed gluten-free. Always check the label for the official 'gluten-free' claim.

Are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups safe for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, standard-sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are on Hershey's official gluten-free list. However, seasonal shapes are not guaranteed gluten-free and should be avoided.

Which varieties of Hershey's Kisses are gluten-free?

Many varieties of Hershey's Kisses are considered gluten-free, including the plain Milk Chocolate Kisses, Hugs, Special Dark Kisses, and others. You can find a complete list on the Hershey website, but always check the label.

Does Hershey's label its products for cross-contamination risk?

Hershey follows strict procedures to prevent cross-contact with allergens. They may include precautionary labeling, but looking for the official 'gluten-free' label is the safest bet.

Are any Hershey's chocolate bars explicitly not gluten-free?

Yes, products like the Cookies 'n' Creme bar (wheat flour), Kit Kat bars (wheat wafers), and Whoppers (barley malt) are not gluten-free.

Is Hershey's cocoa powder gluten-free?

Yes, Hershey's Special Dark 100% Cacao Cocoa is labeled as gluten-free, as are other standard Hershey's cocoa powders.

How can I be sure a Hershey's product is safe if I have Celiac disease?

Only consume Hershey's products explicitly labeled with a 'gluten-free' claim. Always check the label on the product you are about to purchase.