Understanding See's Candies' Gluten-Free Policy
See's Candies states that products made in their own facilities do not contain gluten. They utilize processes designed to avoid gluten ingredients and require suppliers of wheat-processed ingredients to test for gluten.
The California Brittle Ingredients
California Brittle includes sugar, butter, almonds, and chocolate, and does not contain wheat, barley, or rye.
Cross-Contamination Concerns
See's internal facilities are gluten-free. While some specialty items from third parties might have risk, California Brittle is made in-house. Those with severe gluten sensitivities should be aware of potential cross-contamination, though See's implements internal controls.
Comparison of See's Candies Allergen Status
| Feature | See's Candies (California Brittle) | Certified Gluten-Free Brand | 
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Containing Ingredients | No gluten ingredients used. | No gluten ingredients used. | 
| Manufacturing Facility | Dedicated gluten-free facilities. | Dedicated gluten-free facilities. | 
| External Products Risk | Minimal risk for own products; some third-party items may have risk. | No risk for external products if they do not use third parties. | 
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Extremely low for items made in-house. | Zero to extremely low, depending on certification level. | 
| Official Labeling | No "gluten free" claim on packaging. | Explicit "gluten free" label on packaging. | 
| Sourcing Policy | Suppliers must test for gluten if they process wheat. | Strict sourcing policy for certified ingredients. | 
Why No "Gluten Free" Label?
See's Candies does not explicitly label their products as "gluten free" because they do not participate in independent certification programs, relying on internal protocols.
Where to Find the Most Accurate Information
Consult the {Link: See's Candies website https://www.sees.com/help/allergen} for the latest information or contact their consumer affairs department.
Conclusion: A High Probability, but Exercise Caution
See's California Brittle is made without gluten ingredients in their own facilities. For many with gluten sensitivities, it's a low-risk option. However, without official certification, those with severe celiac disease might consider the slight cross-contamination risk. Always verify with the company and consider personal tolerance.
Further Reading
- {Link: Celiac.com Forums https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/53576-sees-candies/}: A discussion on See's Candies' gluten-free practices.
Potential Gluten-Free See's Candies
A community discussion lists some potential gluten-free options.
Understanding the Difference: 'No Gluten Ingredients' vs. 'Certified Gluten-Free'
- 'No Gluten Ingredients': Made without gluten components but without guaranteed complete absence from processing.
- 'Certified Gluten-Free': Third-party verified to meet standards, including low-level testing.
How to Verify for Your Own Safety
- Check the Label: Look for recent changes or warnings.
- Visit the Website: The {Link: official See's Candies website https://www.sees.com/help/allergen} has up-to-date allergen info.
- Contact Customer Service: For specific concerns, contact consumer affairs.