Is HyVee Chocolate Almond Bark Gluten Free?

December 15, 2025 •

7 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is crucial for those with celiac disease, requiring careful ingredient checks for all packaged foods. When shopping at Hy-Vee, a common question arises for those on this diet: is HyVee chocolate almond bark gluten free? While the main ingredients might appear safe, the presence of potential gluten-containing additives and the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing are key concerns that require close examination.

Quick Summary

Analyzes whether HyVee chocolate almond bark contains gluten, exploring its ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks for celiac sufferers. Offers safe, certified alternatives.

Key Points

Check ingredients, but be wary: While HyVee's almond bark ingredients don't list gluten, this doesn't guarantee it's safe for those with celiac disease.
Cross-contamination is a major concern: The risk of gluten exposure from shared manufacturing equipment or facilities is high and can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
Look for third-party gluten-free certification: The safest way to confirm a product is gluten-free is to check for official certification logos, like GFCO, on the packaging.
Consider certified alternatives: Safer options include brands like Asher's Chocolate or The GFB, which offer certified gluten-free chocolate almond products.
Homemade is the safest choice: For complete control and peace of mind, make almond bark at home using certified gluten-free ingredients.
Read all labels and advisory warnings: Pay close attention to 'may contain' warnings and other allergen information on packaging before making a purchase.
Hy-Vee offers explicitly labeled gluten-free items: While the almond bark is risky, Hy-Vee provides other certified gluten-free products in-store and online.

Decoding the HyVee Chocolate Almond Bark Ingredients

The most important step in determining the gluten-free status of a product is to examine the ingredient list. The specific Hy-Vee Chocolate Almond Bark product (often produced by Palmer Candy Company) lists the following ingredients for its chocolatey coating: sugar, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, cocoa powder, cocoa processed with alkali, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), whey powder, and vanillin (artificial flavor). The oil-roasted almonds contain almonds, peanut oil, and salt. On the surface, none of these listed ingredients are sources of wheat, barley, or rye. However, a deeper dive is necessary to account for less obvious sources and production methods.

Potential Hidden Gluten Sources

While the primary ingredients seem fine, processed foods can hide gluten in unexpected places. For example, the 'natural and artificial flavors' listed could potentially contain a gluten-based carrier. However, the most significant risk is not in the ingredients themselves, but in the manufacturing process. The presence of whey powder means it is not dairy-free, but it doesn't indicate gluten. The use of soy lecithin and other stabilizers are standard and do not typically introduce gluten. The main concern lies with the facility where the product is manufactured. If the same equipment is used for products containing wheat or other gluten-rich ingredients, cross-contamination is a serious possibility.

The All-Important Cross-Contamination Risk

Many brands, including private-label products like Hy-Vee's, are made in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains. A product might not have gluten in its recipe but can still become contaminated by being processed on shared equipment or in a shared facility. For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts can cause a severe reaction. Checking the packaging for 'may contain' warnings or certifications is critical. While the spoonfullapp.com entry suggests the product is gluten-free based on its listed ingredients, it does not confirm the manufacturing environment. The manufacturer, Palmer Candy Company, does not explicitly state that this particular Hy-Vee product is processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility, making cross-contamination a genuine risk for those with high sensitivity.

Comparison of Almond Bark Options


Feature	HyVee Chocolate Almond Bark	Certified Gluten-Free Almond Bark (e.g., Asher's)	Homemade Almond Bark
Ingredient Safety	Appears gluten-free by ingredients, but risk of cross-contamination exists.	Guaranteed gluten-free ingredients and production process.	Complete control over all ingredients and preparation to ensure safety.
Cost	Typically a lower-cost option due to being a store brand.	Potentially higher cost due to certification and specialized production.	Varies depending on ingredient cost, but often more expensive due to individual sourcing.
Availability	Widely available at all Hy-Vee store locations and online through their portal.	Less common; found in specialty stores, health food sections, or online.	Ingredients for homemade are readily available at most grocery stores.
Allergen Warnings	May have 'may contain' or no allergen information regarding gluten.	Guaranteed to be free of gluten and often lists other common allergens.	Allergens are fully controlled by the preparer.
Convenience	Highly convenient, ready to eat out of the package.	Convenient, but requires seeking out a specific brand.	Requires preparation time, but very rewarding.

How to Determine if a Product is Safe

For those on a strict gluten-free diet, relying solely on an ingredient list can be risky. There are several steps you can take to ensure the product you are purchasing is safe:

Look for Third-Party Certification: Look for a recognized gluten-free certification logo, such as the Certified Gluten-Free (GFCO) mark. This means the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Read the 'Contains' Statement: Below the ingredient list, the 'contains' statement will list common allergens. While it must list wheat, it may not list barley or rye.
Heed 'May Contain' Warnings: Any advisory statement like 'may contain wheat' or 'processed in a facility with wheat' should be avoided by individuals with celiac disease.
Check the Manufacturer Website: Look for specific allergy information on the manufacturer's website. They may provide more detailed information about their manufacturing processes.

Safe Alternatives to HyVee Chocolate Almond Bark

If you are not comfortable with the potential risk, several safe alternatives exist:

Certified Gluten-Free Brands: Brands like Asher's Chocolate often produce dark chocolate almond bark on a designated gluten-free line. The Gluten-Free Bar (GFB) also sells certified gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan chocolate almond bars.
Homemade Almond Bark: For complete control, you can make your own. Simply melt a certified gluten-free chocolate of your choice and mix in roasted almonds. Many recipes are available online for gluten-free and vegan versions.
Hy-Vee's Other Gluten-Free Items: Hy-Vee does carry a range of explicitly labeled gluten-free items, especially in specialty sections and through their 'Aisles Online' service. You can search their website for certified products like specific cookies, snacks, or baking ingredients.

Conclusion

While HyVee's Chocolate Almond Bark does not list gluten-containing ingredients directly, the product lacks formal gluten-free certification and carries a significant risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. This makes it an uncertain and potentially unsafe choice for strict gluten-free dieters. For guaranteed safety, it is best to opt for a product with official gluten-free certification, explore brands that explicitly state their products are processed on dedicated lines, or make a homemade version where you control all ingredients and processes. Always prioritize checking for clear labeling and certifications to ensure your safety and peace of mind when managing a gluten-free lifestyle.

A Quick Shopping List of Certified Gluten-Free Almond Bark Options

Asher's Dark Chocolate Almond Bark: Made on a designated gluten-free line.
The GFB Dark Chocolate + Almond Bar: Certified gluten-free and vegan.
Choczero Keto Bark (Dark Chocolate with Almond): Sweetened with monk fruit and certified gluten-free.
Homemade Almond Bark: Made with certified gluten-free chocolate chips and almonds.

Further Resources for Gluten-Free Living

For more information on safe gluten-free food options and guidance, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) website or Coeliac UK. The CDF offers extensive information on label reading, managing cross-contamination, and understanding the FDA's gluten-free labeling rule.

Celiac Disease Foundation

Key Takeaways

HyVee Almond Bark is not guaranteed gluten-free: The ingredients do not contain wheat, barley, or rye, but it lacks official gluten-free certification, leaving room for doubt.
Cross-contamination is a major risk: The product is likely manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products, posing a significant threat to those with celiac disease.
Checking for certification is vital: The safest way to ensure a product is gluten-free is to look for a third-party certification label, such as GFCO.
Safe alternatives exist: Many certified gluten-free chocolate bark options are available from other brands like Asher's, The GFB, and Choczero.
Homemade is the safest option: Making your own almond bark at home with certified gluten-free ingredients eliminates all risk of cross-contamination.
Hy-Vee offers other certified products: While the almond bark may not be safe, Hy-Vee's store brand includes other labeled gluten-free items.
Read all labels carefully: For any packaged food, always read the ingredient list and allergen warnings thoroughly before consuming, especially if no gluten-free label is present.

FAQs

Question: Why isn't HyVee almond bark considered safe for celiacs if wheat isn't listed in the ingredients? Answer: Even without wheat listed, the product is at high risk for cross-contamination. It is likely made on shared equipment in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products, which can introduce trace amounts of gluten.

Question: Does HyVee have any gluten-free products? Answer: Yes, Hy-Vee stocks and sells a wide variety of gluten-free products, often in a dedicated section of the store or available through their online service. However, the almond bark is not explicitly labeled as such.

Question: What does 'processed with alkali' mean on the ingredient list? Answer: 'Processed with alkali' refers to the alkalization process used to reduce the acidity of cocoa. This process does not involve gluten and is safe for celiac consumption.

Question: Are almonds themselves naturally gluten-free? Answer: Yes, plain almonds are naturally gluten-free, as are other nuts. The risk of gluten exposure comes from how the almonds are prepared or what they are mixed with, such as the chocolate coating in this case.

Question: Is there a specific almond bark brand that is safe for people with celiac disease? Answer: Yes, several brands like Asher's Chocolate offer certified gluten-free almond bark, which is processed on dedicated lines to prevent cross-contamination.

Question: Can I make my own gluten-free almond bark at home? Answer: Absolutely. Making your own almond bark is the safest way to ensure it is gluten-free, as you control all ingredients. You just need certified gluten-free chocolate chips and almonds.

Question: Where can I find more information about HyVee's gluten-free products? Answer: Hy-Vee's website has a section dedicated to nutrition and allergen information, as well as a search function on their 'Aisles Online' service where you can filter for gluten-free items.

Citations

The GFB Dark Chocolate + Almond Bar - Hy-Vee. https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online/p/3020326/The-GFB-Dark-Chocolate-Almond-Bar Dark Chocolate Almond Bark - 1lb. Box - Asher's Chocolate. https://ashers.com/product/dark-chocolate-almond-bark-1lb-box/ Hy-Vee Chocolate Almond Bark - Hy-Vee. https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online/p/3382065/HyVee-Chocolate-Almond-Bark Is Almond Bark Gluten Free - casa de sante. https://casadesante.com/blogs/gut-health/is-almond-bark-gluten-free Easy Chocolate Almond Bark (Gluten-Free, Vegan) - Dish by Dish. https://www.dishbydish.net/chocolate-almond-bark/ Gluten-Free at Hy-Vee - Find Me Gluten Free. https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/chains/6665869765640192/hy-vee Label Reading & the FDA | Celiac Disease Foundation. https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/gluten-free-foods/label-reading-the-fda/ Gluten: reading a label - AGA GI Patient Center. https://patient.gastro.org/gluten-free-label-reading/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not considered safe for a strict gluten-free diet. While the ingredient list does not contain obvious gluten, the product is not certified gluten-free and likely faces a high risk of cross-contamination from being manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten-containing items.

For people with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can cause an immune reaction that damages the small intestine. Therefore, products made on shared equipment or in shared facilities, even without gluten in their recipe, are a significant risk and should be avoided.

Yes, almonds are naturally gluten-free. The concern for gluten in almond bark comes from the other ingredients, especially the chocolatey coating and the processing environment.

Yes, HyVee carries many explicitly labeled gluten-free products, including chocolate and candy bars from other brands, which you can often find in a dedicated gluten-free aisle or by searching their online store.

The most reliable method is to look for brands that display a third-party gluten-free certification mark on their packaging. Asher's Chocolate, for example, produces its almond bark on a designated gluten-free line. Alternatively, you can make your own at home.

Yes, there is a significant difference. 'Gluten-free' means the product meets the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten. The 'processed in a facility' warning indicates a high risk of cross-contamination and is generally unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.

Yes, HyVee provides nutrition and allergen information for their products. For HyVee's Chocolate Almond Bark, the ingredients and standard allergen warnings are typically listed on the package, and some details can be found on their website. However, this may not explicitly address gluten cross-contamination.