For individuals managing gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, enjoying a simple piece of candy can be a complicated task. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can appear in unexpected places due to ingredients or shared manufacturing equipment. Knowing what candy does not have gluten is essential for safe consumption. This guide breaks down safe options and provides tips for navigating the world of confectionery.
The Importance of Checking Labels
Before indulging in any sweet treat, the golden rule is always to check the packaging. Ingredients and manufacturing processes can change over time, and a product that was once safe might become a risk. Look for explicit 'gluten-free' labels, which often indicate that the product meets specific safety standards (e.g., less than 20 parts per million of gluten). Be wary of labels that state a product is made in a facility that also processes wheat, as this can pose a cross-contamination risk, especially for those with severe sensitivities.
Naturally Gluten-Free Candy Types
Certain categories of candy are more likely to be naturally free of gluten ingredients:
- Hard Candies: Many hard candies, such as lollipops and mints, are made primarily from sugar and flavorings. However, always check the label, as some brands may use wheat-based ingredients as binders or coatings.
- Pure Chocolate: Unadulterated dark, milk, and white chocolate are naturally gluten-free. The risk comes from added ingredients like crisps, cookies, or flavorings, and from cross-contamination in the factory.
- Certain Gummies: While some gummies use glucose syrup derived from wheat, many brands now offer gluten-free versions made with corn syrup or other starches.
- Taffy: Most taffy varieties are gluten-free, but as with all candy, checking the ingredient list is critical to ensure no wheat-based additives are present.
Popular Brands with Gluten-Free Options
Many major candy manufacturers offer a wide array of gluten-free options. Here's a look at some popular brands and what to look for:
Hershey's
Hershey's provides a list of gluten-free candies on its website. Notable examples include:
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (standard and miniature sizes only; seasonal shapes are NOT safe)
- Almond Joy (all except Almond Joy Pieces candy)
- Heath Bars
- Milk Duds
- Mounds Bars
- Plain Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars (only certain sizes, like the 1.55 oz, are labeled gluten-free)
- Some varieties of Hershey's Kisses
Mars Wrigley
While Mars Wrigley does not officially label many products as gluten-free, some of their candies contain no gluten-containing ingredients:
- Skittles
- Starburst
- Plain M&M's (avoid crispy or pretzel varieties)
- Snickers bars (original)
- 3 Musketeers bars
Smarties Candy Company
- Smarties (US Version): All Smarties products are explicitly stated as gluten-free and are made in a facility that produces exclusively gluten-free candies, making them a very safe option for celiacs.
Tootsie Roll Industries
- Tootsie Products: As of a recent update, Tootsie states all its products are gluten-free, including Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Dots, and Junior Mints. They do not use gluten-containing ingredients or dusting on their conveyor belts.
Cross-Contamination: A Celiac's Concern
For those with celiac disease, avoiding cross-contamination is as important as avoiding gluten ingredients. This occurs when gluten-free products are made on the same equipment or in the same facility as gluten-containing products. Seasonal products, like holiday-shaped Reese's cups, are often made on different lines than standard items and are therefore not considered gluten-free. Always check the packaging, especially around holidays, for updated allergen information. Some companies, like Smarties, have dedicated gluten-free facilities, significantly reducing this risk.
Candies to Avoid
To stay safe, always avoid candies with cookie, cracker, or wafer components. Common examples include:
- Twizzlers: Contain wheat flour.
- Kit Kat: The wafer contains wheat flour.
- Seasonal Reese's Shapes: Due to cross-contamination risk.
- Crunch Bar: Contains barley malt.
- Original Milky Way: Contains barley malt.
Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Candies
| Candy Brand | Key Gluten-Free Candies | Gluten-Free Certified? | Key Allergens (besides gluten) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smarties (US) | Original Smarties, Smarties Pops | Yes (Facility-wide) | None declared |
| Tootsie Roll | Tootsie Rolls, Dots, Junior Mints | Yes (Company-wide statement) | Milk, Soy |
| Hershey's | Plain Milk Duds, Almond Joy, Reese's PB Cups (standard sizes) | No (Check individual product labels) | Peanut, Milk, Soy |
| Mars Wrigley | Skittles, Starburst, Plain M&M's | No (Check individual product labels) | Milk, Soy, Peanut (depending on variety) |
| Jelly Belly | Jelly Beans | Yes (Many varieties are) | None declared, but check for flavors |
Conclusion: Sweet Treats for Everyone
Finding candy that does not have gluten is manageable with the right approach. Begin by focusing on naturally gluten-free categories like many hard candies and pure chocolates. Pay close attention to brand-specific varieties, especially with larger manufacturers like Hershey's and Mars Wrigley, as product lines can vary. Prioritize products from companies with dedicated gluten-free facilities, such as Smarties. Most importantly, make it a habit to check ingredient labels for hidden gluten and cross-contamination warnings, ensuring every sweet moment is a safe one. For additional resources and manufacturer lists, consult reputable organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation.
