Peanut Butter and Gluten: The Basics
Pure peanut butter is naturally gluten-free, made from peanuts and salt. Chocolate, a key candy ingredient, also typically lacks gluten. But the manufacturing environment introduces complexity. Some candies may include gluten-containing additives, or be processed on shared equipment with wheat, barley, or rye. This is important for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Gluten-Free Status of Popular Peanut Butter Candies
Several factors affect whether your favorite candies are safe. The practices of major candy manufacturers are key to understanding what's safe.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Pieces
Hershey's generally lists most standard peanut butter items as gluten-free on their website.
- Original Peanut Butter Cups: Typically gluten-free, often labeled as such.
- Reese's Pieces: Also on the gluten-free list.
- Seasonal Shapes: Not gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination.
- Specialty bars: Some specialty items, like the TAKE 5 bar, are not gluten-free.
Butterfinger Candy Bars
Nestlé (now Ferrero) provides specific guidelines for gluten-free products.
- Standard Butterfinger Bars: Most standard Butterfinger products are gluten-free.
- Butterfinger Crisp: This product is not gluten-free.
Other Brands
- M&M's Peanut Butter: Many varieties, including peanut butter, are often safe, but some flavors and seasonal runs are not.
- Certified Gluten-Free Brands: Brands like Justin's Organic Peanut Butter Cups or Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups specifically cater to the gluten-free market.
Understanding Cross-Contamination
For people with celiac disease, the biggest risk is how the candy is made. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-containing foods share equipment or facilities with gluten-free ones.
Reducing Cross-Contamination Risk
- Look for Certification: Find a certified gluten-free logo from an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This means the product meets standards and is tested.
- Read the Label: Check the ingredients for gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye, or malt.
- Check Allergen Warnings: A warning about processing in a facility that also processes wheat indicates potential cross-contamination.
- Trust Manufacturer Lists: Hershey's provides a list of gluten-free products on their website. Hershey's Gluten-Free Products.
Comparison of Peanut Butter Candies
Here's a comparison table.
| Product | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reese's Standard Cups | Generally Safe | Check the label. |
| Reese's Seasonal Shapes | Not Gluten-Free | Risk of cross-contamination. |
| Butterfinger Standard Bar | Generally Safe | Except the 'Crisp' version. |
| Butterfinger Crisp | Not Gluten-Free | Contains gluten. |
| Justin's Peanut Butter Cups | Certified Gluten-Free | Safe as they are certified. |
| Homemade PB Candy | Can be Gluten-Free | Depends on ingredients; reduces cross-contamination. |
Final Thoughts
Peanut butter candy's safety in a gluten-free diet isn't always certain. Many standard candies are gluten-free, but seasonal items often carry a risk. Always read the label, look for gluten-free certifications, and check manufacturer information. Certified gluten-free brands and homemade recipes are safer alternatives.
