Is Werther's butterscotch candy gluten-free? A comprehensive guide for celiac and sensitive individuals

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Werther's Original official U.S. FAQ, their products meet FDA requirements for gluten-free foods, containing less than 20 ppm of gluten, yet they do not label them as such. This nuance is critical for anyone managing a gluten-free diet, especially when it comes to enjoying a classic treat like Werther's butterscotch candy.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the gluten-free status of Werther's butterscotch candy, detailing manufacturer statements, ingredient sourcing, cross-contamination concerns, and how different regions and products may vary.

Key Points

Not Officially Labeled Gluten-Free in the U.S.: Werther's Original products meet FDA standards but are not labeled gluten-free due to potential consumer confusion.
Regional Differences Exist: The UK website states products are suitable for a gluten-free diet, but some use wheat-derived glucose syrup, which is considered safe for celiacs but not for wheat allergy sufferers.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: The manufacturer acknowledges the potential for cross-contamination, which poses a risk for individuals with severe celiac disease.
Read the Label: The specific ingredients and allergen warnings can differ between product types and countries; always check the packaging for the most accurate information.
Certified Alternatives Are Safer: For guaranteed gluten-free butterscotch, consider brands that are explicitly labeled and certified by a third party, like Atkinson's or Dr. John's.

Understanding Werther's Gluten-Free Stance

When investigating the gluten-free status of Werther's Original butterscotch candy, it is crucial to consult the manufacturer's official statements, as they provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. Storck, the parent company, provides different levels of clarity across its regional websites, which can be a source of confusion for consumers.

The U.S. Perspective: Meeting, But Not Labeling

The U.S. website for Werther's Original states that their products meet the FDA's requirements for gluten-free foods, meaning they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, the company has chosen not to apply an official 'gluten-free' label to its packaging. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, this can be an ambiguous and high-risk situation. The company explicitly recommends that individuals with a gluten allergy consult their physician before consuming the product. This cautious approach from the manufacturer highlights the potential risks involved, even if the gluten levels are within the legal limits for a 'gluten-free' designation.

The UK Perspective: A More Direct Answer with a Catch

In contrast, the Werther's Original UK website provides a more direct and seemingly reassuring answer. Their FAQ page claims that "All Werther's Originals are suitable for a gluten free diet". However, this is followed by a critical clarification: the products may contain glucose syrup derived from a wheat source. The UK Coeliac Society's position is referenced, which states that glucose syrup sourced from wheat is suitable for a gluten-free diet because the processing removes the gluten protein. While this is generally accepted within the celiac community, it is an important distinction for those with a co-existing wheat allergy, as the product is not wheat-free.

The Cross-Contamination Conundrum

One of the most significant concerns for people with celiac disease is the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Even if a product does not contain gluten-based ingredients, if it's made on shared equipment or in a facility that also processes products with gluten, it can be unsafe.

In the past, there have been conflicting reports and ingredient lists. An older Celiac.com forum post referenced a Storck communication indicating that some US products were not completely gluten-free due to potential small amounts of wheat gluten and listed "wheat or corn" as a source for glucose syrup. While the current official FAQ supersedes this, the history underscores the importance of exercising caution. Some recent Reddit threads show celiac individuals reacting to the chewy Werther's caramels, while others are fine with the hard butterscotch variety, highlighting the variability in individual tolerance and product lines.

Checking the Label: Your Best Defense

Given the different formulations and manufacturing practices by region and product type, the most reliable course of action is to always read the ingredient label on the specific Werther's product you intend to purchase. The company itself notes that recipes can change and directs consumers to the packaging.

Here are some key steps for checking your candy:

Inspect the ingredient list: Look for any mention of wheat, barley, or rye. Specifically note the source of glucose syrup, as it can be derived from wheat in some regions.
Look for 'Contains' or 'May Contain' warnings: These alerts are critical for identifying potential cross-contamination from a shared facility or equipment.
Verify for allergen statements: Ensure the packaging confirms a 'gluten-free' or similar statement, especially if it's a version you've found online that claims to be safe.

Werther's vs. Certified Gluten-Free Butterscotch

For those who prefer not to take risks, many other brands produce butterscotch candy that is explicitly certified and labeled gluten-free. This side-by-side comparison highlights the key differences.


Feature	Werther's Original Hard Candies (US)	Atkinson's Butterscotch Buttons	Certified Gluten-Free Hard Candy (Example)
Gluten-Free Label?	No, though it meets FDA standards.	Yes, explicitly labeled.	Yes, often with a certification logo.
Manufacturer Stance	Does not label to avoid consumer confusion, recommends caution.	Openly markets as gluten-free.	Certified by a third-party organization.
Cross-Contamination Risk?	Potential risk acknowledged, not certified safe for severe celiacs.	Made in a dedicated or certified facility, minimizing risk.	Manufacturing processes specifically designed to prevent cross-contamination.
Key Ingredient Concern	Glucose syrup derived from wheat, though processed to be gluten-free.	Typically made from corn syrup, no wheat ingredients.	Ingredients explicitly sourced to be gluten-free.
Safety for Celiacs?	Gray area; manufacturer recommends medical consultation.	Generally considered safe due to clear labeling and ingredients.	Considered safe for celiac disease.

Conclusion: Navigating Werther's with Caution

The question of whether Werther's butterscotch candy is gluten-free does not have a simple yes or no answer. While the company's U.S. products meet the FDA's <20 ppm standard for gluten, they do not carry the official label and recommend caution for those with allergies. Different regional markets and specific product variations, such as chewy versus hard candies, can have different ingredient lists and manufacturing assurances. For individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity, the safest approach is to assume the products are not a guaranteed gluten-free option. Always read the packaging and, if in doubt, opt for a brand that is specifically certified and labeled gluten-free. This practice minimizes risk and ensures peace of mind when enjoying a sweet treat.

For more information on the official Werther's U.S. stance, you can consult their FAQ page: Werther's Original FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Werther's Original states that while their products meet the FDA's legal definition for gluten-free (less than 20 ppm), they have chosen not to label them as such to avoid potential confusion for consumers.

For individuals with celiac disease, glucose syrup derived from wheat is generally considered safe because the processing removes the gluten protein. However, it is not suitable for those with a wheat allergy.

The gluten-free status can vary by specific product line and country. The safest approach is to assume that, without an official 'gluten-free' label, there is a risk, especially for products like the chewy caramels.

Given the lack of official certification and the potential for cross-contamination, individuals with severe celiac disease or extreme gluten sensitivity should exercise caution or choose a certified gluten-free alternative.

The official U.S. website recommends that if you have a gluten allergy, you should consult with your physician before consuming their products.

Online forums and user reports, such as those on Reddit, include accounts from some individuals with celiac disease who have reported having reactions to Werther's products, especially the chewy versions, highlighting the variability in individual tolerance.

Yes, several other brands, such as Atkinson's and Dr. John's, offer butterscotch candies that are explicitly labeled and/or certified gluten-free, providing a safer option for those needing a strict gluten-free diet.