The Clear Verdict on See's In-House Butterscotch
For anyone with celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or those following a gluten-free diet for other reasons, the news from See's Candies is largely positive. The company explicitly states on its allergen information page that candies produced in their own facilities do not contain gluten. This is the most important piece of information for See's fans and includes their popular butterscotch products.
This policy means that See's butterscotch lollypops, known for their creamy, rich flavor, are a safe choice. The ingredients for their lollypops typically consist of sugar, corn syrup, cream, and butter, none of which contain gluten. Similarly, the Milk Butterscotch Square, a combination of firm brown sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream coated in milk chocolate, is also produced with gluten-free ingredients within these dedicated facilities. A former representative for See's even confirmed to Celiac.com that they only use ingredients that do not contain wheat/gluten. This commitment to ingredient sourcing and production practices is what makes the bulk of their product line accessible to the gluten-free community.
Understanding the Outsourced Exception and Cross-Contamination
While See's boasts a robust internal gluten-free policy, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of a small number of exceptions. See's sells a limited selection of specialty candies that are manufactured by partner confectioners. Although these external products do not contain gluten ingredients, they are made in shared facilities or on shared equipment with gluten-containing products. This presents a potential risk of cross-contamination for highly sensitive individuals.
Examples of these outsourced items include:
- Candy Canes
- Peanut Butter Bites
- Lemon Drops
- Hot Cocoa
- Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
It is important to note that the butterscotch lollypops and squares are not on this list and are produced in-house. Nonetheless, checking the latest allergen list directly on the See's Candies website is always the safest course of action to ensure a product is safe for consumption, especially for individuals with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease.
How to Identify Gluten-Free Products at See's
Identifying safe products at See's is straightforward once you understand their policies. The key is to differentiate between products made in their own facilities versus those that are outsourced.
A Closer Look at Popular Butterscotch Products
- Butterscotch Lollypops: The classic hard candy on a stick, made from heavy cream, butter, and rich butterscotch flavor. These are made in See's facilities and are gluten-free.
- Milk Butterscotch Square: A firm, brown sugar and cream confection covered in milk chocolate. Produced in-house and safe for gluten-free diets.
- Sugar-Free Butterscotch Lollypops: Made with sugar substitutes, these are also confirmed to be processed on equipment that also handles soy, but the ingredients list shows no gluten-containing items.
See's Butterscotch vs. Other Candies: A Gluten-Free Comparison
| Product Type | Gluten-Free Status (See's In-House) | Cross-Contamination Risk (See's Outsourced) | Alternative Candy (Status) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterscotch Lollypops | Gluten-Free | Low/Negligible | Smarties (Gluten-Free) |
| Milk Butterscotch Square | Gluten-Free | Low/Negligible | Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar (Ingredients are gluten-free, but cross-contamination risk exists) |
| Candy Canes | Not Produced In-House | Yes, on shared equipment | Jelly Belly Jelly Beans (Gluten-Free) |
| Hard Candies (General) | Check Specific Product | Varies, high for outsourced | Spangler Dum Dums (Gluten-Free) |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question of "is See's Candy butterscotch gluten-free?" has a positive answer for those following a gluten-free diet. The company's in-house production facilities do not use gluten, making their butterscotch lollypops and squares a safe and delicious option. However, vigilance is advised for a small number of specialty products sourced from other confectioners. Always confirm a product's safety by checking the official allergen information on the See's Candies website, which provides the most accurate and up-to-date guidance for consumers.
For the latest allergen information, you can always check the See's Candies allergen page.
Note: The information provided is based on publicly available data and company statements. Always read the most recent product labels or contact the manufacturer directly with any concerns, especially for individuals with severe allergies or celiac disease.
