No, Milky Way does not make a white chocolate bar, but beware of the similar-sounding 'Milkybar'
There is a common confusion between the Milky Way candy bar produced by Mars and the Milkybar white chocolate sold by Nestlé, primarily in the UK and other international markets. This distinction is critical for anyone following a gluten-free diet, as both brands have different gluten statuses.
The Mars Milky Way and its Gluten Status
Mars, Inc. produces several varieties of the Milky Way bar, none of which are white chocolate. The two main varieties are the original and the Midnight dark chocolate bar. The Original Milky Way Bar contains barley malt extract, making it unsafe for a gluten-free diet. The Milky Way Midnight Bar does not list gluten ingredients but is not certified gluten-free by Mars due to the risk of cross-contamination.
The Nestlé Milkybar (White Chocolate)
The product often mistaken for a white chocolate Milky Way is the Nestlé Milkybar. This white chocolate bar is not a safe gluten-free option as Nestlé UK explicitly states it may contain gluten. This is due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Comparison of Gluten Status: Milky Way vs. Milkybar
| Product | Manufacturer | Contains Gluten Ingredients? | Certified Gluten-Free? | Celiac Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milky Way (Original) | Mars | Yes (Barley Malt) | No | No |
| Milky Way Midnight | Mars | No | No (Risk of Cross-Contamination) | Not recommended for strict celiacs |
| Milkybar (White Choc) | Nestlé | No (White Chocolate Pure) | No (Explicit "May Contain Gluten" Warning) | No |
What About Other Candies?
Reading labels is crucial for finding safe gluten-free candy. Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo for assurance of less than 20 ppm gluten. Always check ingredient lists for wheat, barley, rye, or malt. Be aware that seasonal or differently sized products might have different ingredients.
Some popular candies often considered safe (check labels for current status and varieties) include standard size Snickers and 3 Musketeers bars, standard M&M’s varieties, Starburst, and York Peppermint Patties.
The Importance of Understanding Cross-Contamination
For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten are problematic. Products without gluten ingredients but not certified gluten-free carry a risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment. This is why Mars does not label the Midnight bar as gluten-free, and Nestlé includes a warning on Milkybar.
Conclusion
To clarify, Mars does not produce a white chocolate Milky Way. The product often referred to as such is the Nestlé Milkybar, which is not safe for a gluten-free diet due to a 'may contain gluten' warning. The original Milky Way contains barley malt extract and is not gluten-free. While Milky Way Midnight has no gluten ingredients, it's not certified gluten-free and carries a cross-contamination risk. Those on a gluten-free diet should always check labels for certification and allergen warnings.
For more information on finding safe candy options on a gluten-free diet, consult resources like Beyond Celiac.
