Nutrition and Allergens: Are Hershey Kisses wheat free?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Hershey Company, many of its classic products, including the original Milk Chocolate Kisses, are considered gluten-free. However, navigating the candy aisle can be tricky for those avoiding wheat, which is why it's crucial to confirm whether specific varieties of Hershey Kisses are wheat free before enjoying them.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of Hershey Kisses depends on the flavor, as some contain gluten-based ingredients or face cross-contamination risks. Classic milk chocolate is safe, but options like Cookies 'n' Creme are not, making label-checking essential for dietary adherence.

Key Points

Not All Kisses Are Safe: The gluten-free status of Hershey Kisses depends on the flavor, with classic milk chocolate being safe while varieties like Cookies 'n' Creme contain wheat.
Check Hershey's Official List: For confirmation, consult The Hershey Company's website, which maintains a list of products that meet FDA gluten-free standards.
Read Every Label: Always check the ingredient label for specific allergens and the 'gluten-free' designation, as formulas and seasonal products can vary.
Be Aware of Cross-Contamination: While Hershey has allergen control measures, be cautious if you have a severe sensitivity, as some products might be made in facilities that also process wheat.
Avoid Cookie-Based Flavors: Kisses that include cookies or cake pieces are a primary source of gluten and should be avoided on a wheat-free diet.
Caramel and Special Dark Are Safe: Flavors like caramel-filled and Special Dark Kisses are generally considered gluten-free options.

Understanding the 'Wheat Free' vs. 'Gluten Free' Difference

When discussing Hershey Kisses, the terms 'wheat free' and 'gluten free' are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle distinction. Wheat is a primary source of gluten, so any product containing wheat also contains gluten. However, some ingredients that aren't wheat-based, like barley or rye, also contain gluten. Hershey's officially provides a list of its gluten-free products, which means they contain no wheat, rye, or barley and adhere to FDA guidelines. For those with a severe wheat allergy or celiac disease, confirming the product is on the official gluten-free list is the safest approach.

The Hershey's Gluten-Free List: What's Safe?

Fortunately for chocolate lovers, Hershey's makes it easy to find safe options by maintaining a list of gluten-free products on their official website. This list includes many popular Kiss varieties. The standard Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolate, for instance, has long been a go-to treat for those on a gluten-free diet. The company explicitly states that these products meet FDA standards for a gluten-free label.

Safe Hershey Kisses varieties (wheat and gluten free):
- Classic Kisses Milk Chocolate (wrapped in silver foil)
- Special Dark Kisses
- Kisses filled with caramel
- Kisses filled with cherry cordial creme
- Hug varieties (all are considered gluten-free)

Which Hershey Kisses Are Not Safe?

It's important to be aware of the flavors that contain gluten or are not included on Hershey's official list. Seasonal or limited-edition flavors are often a source of confusion, and ingredients can change over time. The main culprits are those with cookie or cake components, where wheat flour is a core ingredient. Hershey's recommends always checking the latest label for the most current information, especially for newer or seasonal products.

Hershey Kisses varieties to avoid (contain gluten/wheat):
- Cookies 'n' Creme Kisses
- Birthday Cake Kisses
- Kisses with almonds (some variations are not on the GF list)
- Sugar Cookie White Creme Kisses
- Hot Cocoa Kisses

The Critical Role of Reading Labels

For anyone with a wheat or gluten sensitivity, becoming a diligent label-reader is a non-negotiable part of a healthy diet. Food manufacturers can change ingredients or formulas without notice, and seasonal products can be manufactured differently. The safest practice is to always check the ingredient list for any mention of wheat and look for the 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

Another factor to consider is the risk of cross-contamination, especially for individuals with celiac disease. Hershey has specific allergen control plans and robust practices in place, including sanitizing equipment between different product runs. However, production facilities that handle both gluten-containing and gluten-free products carry an inherent risk. If a product isn't certified gluten-free, it might still have been produced on shared equipment.

Comparison of Hershey Kiss Varieties (Wheat/Gluten Status)


Feature	Wheat-Free/Gluten-Free Varieties	Not Wheat-Free/Gluten-Free Varieties
Examples	Classic Milk Chocolate, Caramel-filled, Special Dark	Cookies 'n' Creme, Birthday Cake, certain Almond varieties
Key Ingredients	Sugar, milk, chocolate, cocoa butter, milk fat, etc.	Wheat flour, cookies, cake pieces, etc.
Production Risk	Lower risk of cross-contamination; often produced on dedicated lines	Higher risk of cross-contamination or direct inclusion of gluten
Labeling	Often listed on Hershey's official 'gluten-free' list	Excluded from the official 'gluten-free' list

Conclusion

While many classic Hershey Kisses are wheat and gluten-free, it is crucial to remember that not all varieties are. The key takeaway for anyone with a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance is that you must always check the ingredient label and the manufacturer's current gluten-free product list. Relying on past information or assuming all flavors are the same is a significant risk. By staying informed and reading labels, you can safely enjoy the classic taste of many Hershey's Kisses while adhering to your dietary needs. For the most authoritative information, always consult The Hershey Company's official website for their updated gluten-free product list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the classic, silver-wrapped Hershey's Kisses Milk Chocolate are considered gluten-free and therefore wheat free.

People with celiac disease can eat some varieties of Hershey Kisses, specifically those listed on Hershey's official gluten-free product list, such as the classic Milk Chocolate and Special Dark Kisses. However, they must avoid flavors containing wheat, like Cookies 'n' Creme, due to gluten content.

No, Cookies 'n' Creme Hershey Kisses are not wheat free, as they contain cookies that are a source of wheat and gluten.

Yes, The Hershey Company maintains a list of its gluten-free products on its official website. They also use the ingredient statement and are beginning to add 'Contains' statements for allergens on some labels to improve clarity.

Hershey has robust allergen control practices in its facilities, including specific cleaning procedures to prevent cross-contact. However, some products are made on shared equipment, and individuals with severe allergies should always verify the latest label information and production details.

No, not all seasonal flavors are wheat free. It is essential to check the label for each specific seasonal variety, as some, like Sugar Cookie White Creme or Birthday Cake Kisses, contain wheat or are not on the safe list.

Some versions of Hershey Kisses with almonds are considered gluten-free by Hershey, but others are not. It is crucial to check the packaging and cross-reference with Hershey's current gluten-free list for confirmation, as allergen details can vary by product and region.

You can find Hershey's official gluten-free product list on their company website, usually in a section dedicated to dietary needs or ingredients.