What are 10 candies a person could safely eat if they had celiac disease?

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. This requires careful reading of labels, especially when it comes to treats like candy, which can contain hidden gluten or face cross-contamination risks. For this reason, knowing what are 10 candies a person could safely eat if they had celiac disease can make navigating the snack aisle much simpler and safer.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a list of popular candies that are generally safe for individuals with celiac disease, detailing common risks like cross-contamination and the importance of checking labels. It includes both chewy and chocolate-based options, brand-specific considerations, and a comparison table of safe versus unsafe candies.

Key Points

• Always Check the Label: Candy ingredients and manufacturing practices can change, making it crucial to read the label every time you purchase a product, even if it was previously safe.

• Be Wary of Cross-Contamination: Many companies produce both gluten-free and gluten-containing items on the same equipment, which poses a risk for sensitive individuals. Always read for cautionary statements.

• Specific Product Variations Matter: Some brands, like Reese's and M&M's, have gluten-free versions (classic cups, plain M&Ms) but also gluten-containing products (seasonal shapes, crispy M&Ms). Always check the specific item.

• Certified Gluten-Free Is Safest: Products with a third-party 'certified gluten-free' label have met stringent testing standards, offering the highest level of assurance.

• Consider the Manufacturer: Some brands like Tootsie Roll Industries explicitly state their entire candy line is gluten-free and made in a dedicated facility, providing confidence to consumers.

The Importance of Label Reading for Celiac Patients

For individuals with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is not a preference but a medical necessity. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a damaging autoimmune response in the small intestine. This makes vigilance crucial, as ingredients and manufacturing processes can change without warning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that any food labeled 'gluten-free' contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. However, some candies may not be explicitly labeled as such, requiring consumers to check the ingredient list for common gluten-containing components like wheat, barley, and rye, or for cautionary statements regarding shared equipment.

10 Candies Safe for Celiac Disease

Choosing safe candies can be a fun part of a celiac-safe diet. While formulations can vary by country, the following list highlights options widely considered safe in the U.S., but always double-check the label for the most up-to-date information.

• Tootsie Rolls: The Tootsie Roll company has stated that all its confections, including Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops, are gluten-free and processed on gluten-free equipment.
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: The classic peanut butter cups are generally considered gluten-free. However, exercise caution with seasonal or holiday-shaped items, which may have a higher risk of cross-contamination due to different manufacturing lines.
• Skittles: Produced by Mars Wrigley, Skittles are labeled as gluten-free. While some Mars Wrigley products may carry cross-contamination risks, the Skittles label is a reliable indicator of its gluten-free status in the U.S..
• Smarties (U.S. Version): Smarties are a classic gluten-free choice. The company states all its products are gluten-free and manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility. An extra layer of assurance for U.S. Smarties is a UPC code starting with "0 11206".
• Plain M&M's: The plain and peanut varieties of M&M's are typically gluten-free. However, avoid the pretzel and crispy varieties, which explicitly contain gluten. Also, check labels on seasonal varieties, as they can sometimes contain hidden gluten.
• Snickers Bars: The classic Snickers bar is gluten-free. This provides a satisfying, chocolatey, and nutty option for those craving a candy bar without the gluten risk.
• Starburst: These chewy fruit candies are confirmed to be gluten-free in the U.S..
• York Peppermint Patties: York Peppermint Patties are safe for consumption, but avoid York Pieces Candy, Sugar-Free Peppermint Patties, and any holiday shapes, as their manufacturing can be different.
• Heath Bars: These toffee bars are gluten-free and a great option for a crunchy, sweet treat.
• Jelly Belly Jelly Beans: All flavors of Jelly Belly beans are gluten-free, produced in a wheat-free facility.

Navigating Cross-Contamination Risk

Even when a candy's ingredients are naturally gluten-free, the manufacturing environment can pose a risk. This is a primary reason why label-checking is so critical. For example, some brands like Mars Wrigley are very clear that even if a product contains no gluten ingredients, they will not label it gluten-free due to potential cross-contact. Celiac-safe certifications, like those provided by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), offer the highest level of assurance, as they require strict production standards and testing. For items without this certification, a cautious approach is best.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free vs. Avoid

This table summarizes popular candy types and their gluten status, helping to clarify which are safe and which should be avoided.

Candy Brand/Type	Gluten-Free Status	Notes for Celiac Patients
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	Safe	Avoid seasonal shapes, as they may be produced on different lines.
Twix	Not Safe	Contains a wheat-based cookie layer.
Tootsie Rolls	Safe	All Tootsie Roll products are gluten-free.
Smarties (U.S.)	Safe	Look for the specific UPC code that indicates production in a dedicated facility.
Kit Kat	Not Safe	Contains wheat flour in the wafer layers.
Plain M&M's	Safe	Avoid pretzel, crispy, and certain seasonal varieties.
Snickers Bar	Safe	The classic bar is gluten-free.
Milky Way (Original)	Not Safe	Contains barley malt and has a high risk of cross-contamination.
York Peppermint Patties	Safe	Avoid specific variations like York Pieces or holiday shapes.
Butterfinger (Original)	Safe	Avoid the Butterfinger Crisp or Giant bars.

Conclusion

Living with celiac disease doesn't mean you have to give up all sweet treats. By understanding which brands offer consistently gluten-free products and developing a habit of checking labels for potential cross-contamination, you can navigate the candy aisle with confidence. The list of ten candies presented here—including staples like Tootsie Rolls, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Skittles—provides a solid starting point for safely enjoying a sweet indulgence. Always remember that certified labels offer the highest assurance, and when in doubt, it's best to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the safety of a product. For further resources and up-to-date lists, authoritative sources like the Celiac Disease Foundation are invaluable. BeyondCeliac.org

References

• What Are My Options for Gluten-Free Candy? - Healthline. (2017, April 19). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/gluten-free-candy
• Gluten-Free Candy List 2025! (QUICK ANSWERS HERE) - Meaningful Eats. (2024, August 28). Retrieved from https://meaningfuleats.com/gluten-free-candy/
• Is Candy Gluten-Free? | BeyondCeliac.org. (2025, September). Retrieved from https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/candy/
• Gluten-Free-Candy-List.pdf - Celiac Disease Foundation. (2018, October). Retrieved from https://celiac.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Gluten-Free-Candy-List.pdf
• What Candy Is Gluten-Free? The Complete Guide - CookUnity. (2023, May 05). Retrieved from https://www.cookunity.com/blog/what-candy-is-gluten-free
• Are Sweets Gluten Free? - Sweet Hamper Company. (2025, September 16). Retrieved from https://www.sweethampercompany.co.uk/blogs/news/are-sweets-gluten-free

Candies Referenced in Article

• Tootsie Rolls
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (standard)
• Skittles (U.S.)
• Smarties (U.S.)
• M&M's (plain and peanut)
• Snickers Bar
• Starburst
• York Peppermint Patties (standard)
• Heath Bars
• Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

Frequently Asked Questions

Are seasonal or holiday-themed Reese's Peanut Butter Cups gluten-free?

No, seasonal or holiday-shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups should be avoided by people with celiac disease. While the standard cups are gluten-free, these special shapes are often produced on different manufacturing lines with a higher risk of cross-contamination.

Are all varieties of M&M's safe for someone with celiac disease?

No, not all M&M's are safe. The plain and peanut varieties are generally gluten-free, but varieties like Pretzel M&M's and Crispy M&M's contain gluten and should be avoided.

Can I eat Butterfinger if I have celiac disease?

The original flavor Butterfinger bar is gluten-free. However, avoid other versions like the Butterfinger Crisp or Giant bars, which are not.

Are all Tootsie Roll products guaranteed gluten-free?

Yes, Tootsie Roll Industries has stated that all its confections, including Tootsie Pops and Junior Mints, are gluten-free and processed on dedicated gluten-free equipment.

Is it true that most pure chocolate is gluten-free?

While pure, unadulterated chocolate (cocoa powder, cocoa butter) is naturally gluten-free, added ingredients or flavorings can contain gluten. Additionally, cross-contamination is a risk. Always check the label for any warnings.

What is the risk of cross-contamination in candy manufacturing?

Cross-contamination occurs when a gluten-free product is made on equipment that also processes gluten-containing foods. This can transfer small amounts of gluten and is a significant concern for those with celiac disease. Always look for certifications or contact the manufacturer to verify.

How can I be sure about a candy's gluten-free status if there is no label?

If a candy lacks a 'certified gluten-free' label, carefully read the ingredient list for any mention of wheat, barley, or rye. If unsure, the safest option is to contact the manufacturer directly for specific information on their production practices.