What Candy Has No Peanuts or Peanut Butter? Your Essential Allergy Guide

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), over 6 million people in the U.S. have a peanut allergy. Knowing what candy has no peanuts or peanut butter is therefore crucial for navigating the confectionery aisle safely and without anxiety.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of popular candies that do not contain peanuts or peanut butter, detailing specific options and explaining the importance of checking labels for cross-contamination warnings to ensure safety.

Key Points

Check Labels Thoroughly: Always read the ingredient list and allergen warnings on every package, as manufacturing processes can change.
Look for 'Nut-Free Facility' Labeling: This provides the highest level of assurance against cross-contamination for those with severe allergies.
Trusted Brands Exist: Many popular candy brands like Smarties, Jelly Belly, and Tootsie Roll offer reliably nut-free products.
Avoid Bulk Candy Bins: These present a high risk of cross-contamination and should be avoided by people with peanut allergies.
Verify Special or Seasonal Items: Holiday candy can have different manufacturing origins, so don't assume they are safe based on standard versions.
Understand Cross-Contamination: Shared equipment is a major risk, so look for clear labeling or information from the company's website.
Consult Reliable Resources: Websites like nutfree.org can be a valuable starting point for learning about safe products and policies.

Navigating the Allergy-Friendly Candy Aisle

Finding safe, nut-free treats can be a challenge, especially with the prevalence of cross-contamination risks in manufacturing facilities. The most reliable way to ensure a candy is safe is to purchase from companies that produce in dedicated nut-free facilities, or to scrutinize ingredient labels and allergen warnings carefully. Many popular brands offer safe options, but a single factory can produce both nut-containing and nut-free items, so due diligence is key.

Popular Nut-Free Candies

Many classic and beloved candies are naturally free of peanuts and are manufactured in dedicated facilities that avoid cross-contamination. Here is a list of widely available options:

Smarties: These classic, rolled candies are free from peanuts, gluten, milk, egg, and soy. Smarties are made in a dedicated nut-free facility, making them a very safe choice.
Skittles: As a fruity, chewy option, Skittles are produced without peanut ingredients. They are considered a safe option, but it's always wise to check the latest packaging for updates.
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans: All genuine Jelly Belly products are made in a peanut-free factory, and they are also gluten-free, fat-free, and dairy-free. This makes them a versatile and reliable treat.
Haribo Gummies: The Haribo company has many gummy products, like their Goldbears, that are free of nut products.
Tootsie Roll Industries Products: Many of their popular treats, including Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, and Charms Blow Pops, are made in facilities that do not process peanuts or tree nuts.
Sour Patch Kids: These sour, chewy candies are another safe bet for those with nut allergies and are free of many major allergens.
PEZ: This iconic, dispensable candy is peanut, nut, and gluten-free, providing another safe and fun option.
Sixlets: These candy-coated chocolatey treats are made in a facility that does not process nuts, offering a nut-free chocolate alternative.
Twizzlers: A classic licorice candy, Twizzlers do not contain peanuts or tree nuts and are widely considered safe for individuals with nut allergies.
Andes Mints: These popular layered mints are also a reliable option for those avoiding peanuts.

Important Considerations for Chocolate Candies

Many people are surprised to learn that some of the most popular chocolate bars and candies are made with peanut-free ingredients. However, the risk of cross-contamination can be high. Brands like Hershey's (for their plain 1.55 oz bar) and some Nestle products have specific nut-free lines or dedicated production facilities. For instance, Nestle has a dedicated nut-free facility for their mini-sized favorites like KitKat, Aero, and Smarties. Always look for explicit 'nut-free' labeling on packaging and remember that larger, standard-sized bars from these companies may be manufactured in shared facilities.

The Importance of Labeling and Dedicated Facilities

It's crucial to understand the difference in manufacturing policies. A product with a 'Made in a Nut-Free Facility' label provides the highest level of assurance, as it means no nut products are handled in that factory. Conversely, a product without any such label may be made on the same production line as nut-containing items. Even rigorous cleaning procedures cannot eliminate all risk for highly sensitive individuals. Companies that are transparent about their allergy policies, like those mentioned on websites such as nutfree.org, are a valuable resource.

Comparison Table: Popular Nut-Free Candy Options


Candy Brand	Type	Key Allergen Free (besides peanuts)	Known Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Smarties	Rolled Sugar	Gluten, Milk, Egg, Soy	None - dedicated facility	Extremely safe option for multiple allergies.
Skittles	Chewy Fruit	Gelatin	Low, typically safe	Widely available and generally considered safe.
Jelly Belly	Jelly Beans	Gluten, Fat, Dairy	None - dedicated facility	All products made in a peanut-free factory.
Tootsie Rolls	Chocolatey Chew	Gluten, Milk	Low, typically safe	Most products from Tootsie are manufactured without nuts.
Hershey's (1.55oz bar)	Milk Chocolate	None (contains dairy)	Yes - shared facility risk	Only the 1.55 oz U.S. bar is listed as potentially safe; others vary. Always check the specific bar.
Sixlets	Chocolatey Balls	Gluten, Soy	None - dedicated facility	Excellent nut-free alternative for a chocolate treat.

How to Choose Candy Safely

Read Every Label, Every Time: Manufacturing practices change. The product that was safe last year may not be this year. Do not assume any candy is safe without checking the current label for allergens and warning statements like "May contain peanuts" or "Manufactured on shared equipment."
Look for 'Nut-Free Facility' on the Label: This is the most reliable indicator of safety for sensitive individuals. For example, Jelly Belly explicitly states their factory is peanut-free.
Check Company Websites: For additional peace of mind, visit the official manufacturer's website. They often have dedicated sections explaining their allergy and manufacturing policies. Websites like nutfree.org and allergy-focused blogs can also provide a starting point for trusted brands.
Avoid Bulk Bins: Bulk candy bins are a high-risk area for cross-contamination, as different candies are often scooped with the same utensils. Always buy pre-packaged candy.
Be Wary of Seasonal Products: Holiday-themed candy can sometimes be manufactured in a different facility or on different lines than standard products. Always double-check seasonal items.

Conclusion

Finding a candy with no peanuts or peanut butter is completely achievable with a bit of cautious research. From hard candies and gummies to dedicated nut-free chocolates, numerous options are available for safe indulgence. The key lies in vigilant label reading and understanding the manufacturer's practices, especially concerning cross-contamination in shared facilities. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that enjoying a treat remains a sweet and safe experience for everyone. The best practice is always to look for explicit nut-free labeling and when in doubt, choose a candy known to be produced in a dedicated nut-free facility, like Smarties or Jelly Belly.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'may contain' or 'manufactured on shared equipment' warning is not a legal requirement, but a voluntary statement from the manufacturer. You should always treat it as a serious risk and avoid the product, as it indicates a high likelihood of cross-contamination for sensitive individuals.

No. While some specific items, like the standard 1.55 oz milk chocolate bar sold in the U.S., may be made without peanuts, many Hershey's products are made in facilities that also process nuts. Always check the label of the exact product you are buying.

The most reliable methods are to check the product label for a 'Made in a Nut-Free Facility' statement, visit the company's official website for their allergy policy, or consult reputable third-party allergy resource websites like nutfree.org.

Yes, Skittles and Starburst are generally considered safe as they do not contain peanuts as ingredients and are often manufactured in facilities without peanut products. Always verify the current label on the package for any changes or warnings.

Cross-contamination occurs when a small amount of a food allergen, like peanuts, is unintentionally transferred to another food during the manufacturing process. This can happen if shared equipment isn't cleaned thoroughly, which poses a significant risk to individuals with severe peanut allergies.

No, it is highly recommended that you avoid bulk candy bins. There is a very high risk of cross-contamination from different candies mixing or being scooped with the same utensils.

Not all gummies are guaranteed safe. While many brands like Haribo and Sour Patch Kids are safe, it's essential to read the ingredients and allergen warnings, as some varieties or manufacturers may differ in their policies.