Common Sources of Wheat in Candy
Wheat can appear in candy in various forms, not just as a visible cookie or wafer. Often, it is used as a binding agent, for flavoring, or as a thickening agent. Knowing what ingredients to look for on a label is the first step in avoiding accidental consumption. Common culprits include wheat flour, wheat starch, and barley malt. Some ingredients can be ambiguous, such as certain glucose syrups, which may or may not be derived from wheat. This makes it essential to scrutinize labels, especially if a product is not explicitly certified gluten-free.
Popular Candies Containing Wheat or Barley Malt
Many well-known confections contain wheat, barley malt, or a high risk of cross-contamination.
Chocolate Bars with Wheat Components:
- Kit Kat: The famous crunchy wafer center is made with wheat flour, making it unsafe for those avoiding wheat.
- Twix: Similar to Kit Kats, Twix bars have a cookie layer that contains wheat.
- Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme: This chocolate bar contains cookie pieces made from wheat flour.
- Crunch: The crispy rice in Crunch bars is not wheat-based, but they contain barley malt, a source of gluten.
Chewy Candies and Licorice:
- Twizzlers: This brand of licorice is made with wheat flour to achieve its signature chewy texture.
- Red Vines: Like Twizzlers, Red Vines contain wheat and are not gluten-free.
- Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish: While many varieties are wheat-free, some flavors or seasonal versions might contain wheat ingredients or risk of cross-contamination, so always check the label.
Malt-Based Candies:
- Whoppers: These malted milk balls are made with barley malt, which contains gluten.
- Malted Milk Balls: Any candy labeled as 'malted' likely contains barley malt, a gluten-containing ingredient.
Other Noteworthy Candies:
- Kinder Products: Kinder Bueno and Kinder Joy both contain wheat flour.
- 100 Grand: These bars contain barley malt.
- Pretzel M&M's: As the name suggests, this variety contains pretzels made with wheat.
- Seasonal Items: Many candies, such as seasonal Reese's shapes or certain M&M varieties, may have different formulas or be produced on shared equipment, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Alternatives to Common Candies
For those who must avoid wheat, a wide variety of candies are naturally wheat-free or produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities. Always double-check packaging for certification marks like the GFCO-certified logo to ensure safety.
- Chocolate Bars: Many standard chocolate bars, such as Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar (in specific sizes), Almond Joy (excluding pieces), and Heath Bars are considered gluten-free by the manufacturer.
- Fruity Candies: Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids (most standard varieties), Skittles, and Starburst are often wheat-free.
- Hard Candies: Brands like Dum Dums and many other hard candies are typically gluten-free.
- Other options: Consider Andes Mints, most flavors of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (original only), and Tootsie Rolls.
Comparison of Wheat-Containing vs. Wheat-Free Candies
| Feature | Wheat-Containing Candy (e.g., Kit Kat) | Wheat-Free Candy (e.g., Reese's Peanut Butter Cups) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredient | Wheat flour for wafer or cookie layer | Peanut butter and chocolate |
| Texture | Crispy, crunchy layers | Smooth, creamy |
| Allergen Warning | 'Contains Wheat' prominently displayed | 'Contains Soy, Peanut, Milk'; sometimes 'Gluten-Free' label |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | High for production runs | Low, but check for seasonal varieties or specific products |
| Common Examples | Twix, Twizzlers, Whoppers | Snickers, M&M's (plain), Starburst |
| Alternative Ingredients | Malt, wheat-based glucose syrup | Corn syrup, sugar, cocoa butter |
The Importance of Reading Labels
Ingredient lists and allergen warnings are the most reliable tools for identifying wheat in candy. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to list major allergens, including wheat, on their packaging. Always check the ingredient list, and if you have celiac disease, also look for a 'Gluten-Free' certification mark for added assurance. Be cautious of ambiguous terms like 'natural flavors' or 'modified food starch,' and if the label doesn't specify the source, it is best to avoid it to prevent an adverse reaction. The manufacturing process can also be a source of cross-contamination, so scrutinize any potential warnings. Different countries may have different regulations, so always check local labeling rules. A gluten-free diet requires constant vigilance, and candy is no exception to the rule.
Conclusion
Understanding what candy contains wheat is critical for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Wheat can be a hidden ingredient in many popular candies, especially those with wafer or cookie components, malt-based items, and licorice products. By diligently reading ingredient labels and checking for allergen warnings, you can make safe and informed choices. Fortunately, there is a wide array of delicious and safe gluten-free candy alternatives available. With careful attention to detail, enjoying a sweet treat can be done without worry. Always prioritize certified gluten-free products when possible to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Authoritative Outbound Link (Example)
For more in-depth information and up-to-date lists of certified gluten-free candies, consult reliable sources like the Celiac Disease Foundation.
