What candy has no wheat? The ultimate guide to gluten-free sweets

An estimated 1% of the global population has celiac disease, and many more follow a gluten-free diet for other reasons. For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, finding treats that are safe can be a challenge, prompting the question of what candy has no wheat. Many options exist, but careful label reading is essential.

Quick Summary

An overview of wheat-free candy choices, covering major manufacturers, specific product lines, and key considerations like ingredient verification and cross-contamination risks for individuals avoiding gluten.

Key Points

• Always Check Labels: Manufacturing processes and ingredients can change, so always read the most current label on every candy package.

• Look for Certified GF: For those with severe allergies or celiac disease, seeking out 'certified gluten-free' labels is the safest approach to avoid cross-contamination.

• Understand Ingredient Risks: Learn to identify less obvious wheat ingredients, such as barley malt, which can be a source of gluten in some candies.

• Trust Manufacturer Lists: Major brands like Hershey's and Just Born provide up-to-date lists of their gluten-free products on their websites.

• Know Safe Brands: Certain manufacturers, including Tootsie Roll Industries and Spangler, have extensive lines of products that are consistently free of wheat.

• Be Wary of Variations: Pay special attention to seasonal or novelty versions of typically gluten-free products, as they may be produced differently and pose a risk.

Navigating a Wheat-Free World of Candy

For individuals with celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, enjoying candy requires vigilance. While many popular candies appear to be simple sugar and flavor, some contain unexpected wheat-based ingredients, such as barley malt, or are at risk for cross-contamination. Fortunately, there is an extensive list of commercially available candy that has no wheat, providing many safe options to satisfy a sweet tooth.

The Golden Rule: Always Check the Label

Manufacturing processes change frequently, and a product that was once safe may no longer be. The most crucial step for anyone with dietary restrictions is to read the ingredient list on every package, every time. Many major manufacturers now clearly label products as "gluten-free" to reassure consumers. However, the absence of a gluten-free label doesn't automatically mean a candy contains wheat; it just means it might not have been tested or produced in a dedicated facility.

Major Brands with Wheat-Free Offerings

Several major candy companies offer a wide range of products with no wheat ingredients. Here is a breakdown of some of the most reliable options, based on recent information from the manufacturers and reliable sources.

Hershey's

• Safe Options: Hershey's Kisses (most varieties), Almond Joy, Mounds, PayDay, Heath Bars, Milk Duds, and the standard 1.55oz Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar. Most classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are gluten-free, but caution is advised with seasonal shapes due to potential manufacturing changes.
• What to Watch For: Seasonal shapes of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and other products not on the official gluten-free list.

Mars Wrigley

• Safe Options: Skittles, Starburst, Lifesavers (gummies, hard, and mints), and most M&M's varieties (excluding pretzel and crispy) are considered to contain no gluten ingredients, though are not certified gluten-free. Some Snickers and 3 Musketeers bars also have no gluten ingredients listed. Milky Way Midnight Dark Chocolate is gluten-free, but the original Milky Way is not.
• What to Watch For: Always check labels for products made on shared equipment. Original Milky Way contains barley malt.

Tootsie Roll Industries

• Safe Options: Tootsie has confirmed that all of its candy products are gluten-free, with no wheat, barley, rye, oats, or triticale used. This extensive list includes Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Dots, Junior Mints, Charleston Chew, and Blow Pops.
• What to Watch For: According to the manufacturer, all their products are currently gluten-free, but it's always wise to perform a quick visual check of the packaging.

Just Born

• Safe Options: Just Born brands like MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES®, and PEEPS® are all considered gluten-free. Goldenberg's® Peanut Chews and TEENEE BEANEE® Jelly Beans also make the list.
• What to Watch For: As with many companies, some products may be made in facilities that process wheat, so a quick label check is always a good practice, especially for those with severe sensitivities.

Spangler Candy Company

• Safe Options: Most Spangler products are manufactured on dedicated gluten-free equipment. This includes popular items like Dum Dums, Saf-T-Pops, and Circus Peanuts.
• What to Watch For: Ensure you are purchasing Spangler-branded products, as similar items may not be gluten-free.

A Quick Guide to Common Gluten-Free Candy Types

In addition to specific brands, many types of candy are inherently wheat-free, but as always, a label check is necessary.

• Hard Candies: Most hard candies, such as mints, peppermints, and fruit drops, do not contain wheat. Be aware that some varieties may contain glucose syrup derived from wheat, though processing often removes gluten. Reputable manufacturers will label products clearly.
• Gummies: While most gummies are gluten-free, it's essential to check the ingredients. Brands like YumEarth offer certified gluten-free and vegan gummy options. Some brands' gummy ropes or chews may contain wheat.
• Solid Chocolate: In its pure form, chocolate is gluten-free. However, many bars contain additives like crispy rice, cookies, or other flavorings that can introduce wheat. Stick to plain chocolate bars from reputable gluten-free brands or check labels carefully.
• Jelly Beans: Most major brands, including Jelly Belly, offer gluten-free jelly beans. Be mindful of special edition or flavored varieties.

Wheat-Containing Ingredients to Avoid

To effectively find what candy has no wheat, it is helpful to know which ingredients contain or are derived from wheat. In addition to obvious flour, common candy ingredients to watch out for include:

• Barley Malt: Used as a sweetener or flavoring, particularly in malted milk chocolate or some caramel products. Many manufacturers are careful to state this on the label.
• Wheat Starch: While highly purified wheat starch can sometimes be used in "gluten-free" products, it is often best to avoid it unless the product is explicitly certified gluten-free.
• Emulsifiers or Thickeners: Some less common thickeners or stabilizers may be derived from wheat. The label should clarify if an ingredient source is wheat.

Cross-Contamination: The Silent Risk

For individuals with severe wheat allergies or celiac disease, the risk of cross-contamination is a serious concern. This occurs when a gluten-free product is manufactured or packaged in a facility or on equipment that also handles wheat-containing products. While some brands, like Smarties Candy Company (US version), claim to produce exclusively gluten-free candies, others are more cautious. The only way to be completely certain is to look for a certified gluten-free label or to contact the manufacturer directly about their processing protocols. The Celiac Disease Foundation has an excellent resource detailing trusted brands.

Comparison Table: Popular Candy & Gluten Status

Candy Brand/Type	General Wheat-Free Status	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Hershey's Kisses	Usually Safe	Low	Most standard Kisses are listed as gluten-free on Hershey's site.
Original M&M's	Ingredient-Safe	Medium	Contain no gluten ingredients, but Mars Wrigley does not certify them gluten-free.
Tootsie Rolls	Certified Safe	Very Low	Tootsie states all products are gluten-free and avoids wheat in manufacturing.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	Usually Safe	Medium (Seasonal)	Standard cups are GF, but seasonal shapes are a risk for cross-contamination.
Original Milky Way	Contains Wheat	High	Contains barley malt, a gluten-containing ingredient.
Dum Dums	Certified Safe	Very Low	Spangler manufactures these on dedicated gluten-free equipment.

The Sweet Conclusion

Finding wheat-free candy does not have to be a major obstacle. From universally safe choices like Tootsie Rolls and Dum Dums to a wide variety of offerings from Hershey's and Mars Wrigley, there are countless delicious options available. The key to enjoying these sweets safely is a habit of careful label reading and a basic understanding of potential cross-contamination. For those with severe allergies, seeking out certified gluten-free products and contacting manufacturers offers the highest level of assurance. With a little bit of research, everyone can find a tasty, wheat-free treat. For more information on safely navigating a gluten-free diet, resources like Beyond Celiac provide valuable insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a regular Hershey's chocolate bar gluten-free?

Yes, the standard 1.55oz Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar is listed as gluten-free on The Hershey Company's website. However, always check the label for potential changes, especially with other sizes or variations.

Are M&M's safe for a wheat allergy or celiac disease?

Most varieties of M&M's, such as the standard Milk Chocolate and Peanut, are made without wheat-containing ingredients. However, Mars Wrigley does not label them certified gluten-free, and some types like Pretzel and Crispy M&M's do contain wheat.

What about Reese's Peanut Butter Cups? Are they all gluten-free?

Standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are generally considered gluten-free. However, some seasonal shapes (e.g., eggs, pumpkins) are made on different equipment and may pose a risk of cross-contamination, so they are best avoided by those with severe sensitivities.

Which Tootsie Roll candies have no wheat?

According to the company, all Tootsie Roll products, including Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Dots, Junior Mints, and Charleston Chews, are gluten-free and do not contain wheat or other gluten sources.

Do gummy candies always have no wheat?

No, not all gummies are wheat-free. While many are, some may contain glucose syrup derived from wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. It is crucial to check the ingredient list. Some brands like YumEarth offer certified gluten-free gummies.

What are some ingredients in candy that indicate it contains wheat?

Beyond obvious wheat flour, look for ingredients such as barley malt, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and certain starches or modified food starches that don't specify their source. The label is the best source of information for this.

Are Smarties (the US version) gluten-free?

Yes, all Smarties products made by Smarties Candy Company in the United States are gluten-free and produced in an exclusively gluten-free facility. However, Smarties Gummies are made in a shared facility and should be avoided by those with celiac disease.