What Candy Is Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free?

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 forecast, the gluten-free confectionery market is projected to reach $6.66 billion by 2032, showing a significant demand for allergen-friendly treats. If you’re searching for what candy is gluten-free and dairy-free, you will find that many popular options and dedicated allergy-friendly brands are available to satisfy your sweet tooth safely.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of candies free from gluten and dairy, including accidentally vegan options and products from dedicated allergy-friendly brands. It explains why reading labels is crucial and covers common ingredients to avoid for those with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Accidentally Safe: Many popular candies like Skittles, Starburst, and Swedish Fish are free of both gluten and dairy, but check labels for cross-contamination warnings.
Dedicated Brands Offer Safety: For severe allergies, stick to brands with dedicated facilities, such as Enjoy Life, No Whey! Foods, and YumEarth, which specialize in allergen-friendly products.
Read Labels Diligently: Always read ingredient lists for hidden allergens like barley malt or lactose and check for 'contains' or 'may contain' warnings.
Look for Certifications: Certification seals from organizations like the GFCO or Vegan Action provide extra assurance that products meet strict allergen-free standards.
Seasonal Varieties Pose Risks: Be especially cautious with holiday or seasonal candy shapes, as their manufacturing processes can differ and introduce cross-contamination.
Avoid Hidden Gluten: Watch out for sneaky gluten sources like barley malt, which is sometimes used as a flavoring agent.
Cross-Contamination is a Real Concern: In shared manufacturing facilities, even candies without direct allergen ingredients can be a risk for sensitive individuals.

Understanding the Landscape of Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Candy

For individuals with dietary restrictions such as Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or milk allergies, navigating the candy aisle can be a challenge. While some candies are naturally free of these allergens, others, including seasonal varieties and certain flavor combinations, can contain hidden sources or face cross-contamination risks. Knowing which brands prioritize allergy safety is key to enjoying a treat without worry.

Accidentally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Candy

Some of the most popular candies are surprisingly free of both gluten and dairy, making them go-to options for many. These products often rely on simple, plant-based ingredients and avoid common allergens in their formulations. However, it is essential to remember that formulations can change, and cross-contamination is always a possibility in a shared facility. Always double-check the most current packaging before consuming.

Classic chewy and fruity candies often found to be free of both allergens include:

Skittles: These colorful, fruity bites are labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer, Wrigley.
Starburst: The chewy, square-shaped fruit chews are free from both gluten and dairy.
Swedish Fish: The iconic red fish-shaped gummies are a safe and reliable option.
Smarties (U.S. Version): These classic compressed dextrose tablets are free of the top 8 allergens, including gluten and dairy.
Sour Patch Kids: The sour-then-sweet gummies are free of wheat and milk products.
Jolly Rancher Hard Candy: Most hard candy varieties are free of major allergens, including gluten and dairy, but it's always wise to check the label for potential flavor-specific additions.
Mike and Ike's & Hot Tamales: The fruit-flavored chews and cinnamon-flavored treats are both reliable, allergen-friendly options.

Brands Dedicated to Allergen-Friendly Candy

For those who require strict allergen control, specialized brands are the safest choice. These companies operate in dedicated facilities to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination and clearly label their products as free from multiple allergens.

Enjoy Life Foods: A leader in the allergen-friendly market, their products are free from 14 common allergens, including gluten and dairy. They offer a variety of chocolate candies and snack bars.
No Whey! Foods: Specializing in vegan and top-8-allergen-free chocolates, their offerings range from chocolate bars to candy-coated pieces.
YumEarth: This brand focuses on organic, allergy-friendly lollipops, fruit snacks, and other treats, often emphasizing natural ingredients.
Surf Sweets: Known for their gummies and jelly beans, Surf Sweets offers certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.
NOMO (No Missing Out): A UK-based brand that crafts award-winning vegan chocolate, free from dairy, gluten, eggs, and nuts.
Coracao Confections: For those seeking gourmet options, this brand offers vegan and allergen-conscious chocolates.

Label Reading and Cross-Contamination Risks

Navigating dietary restrictions requires diligence, and label reading is a critical skill. While a candy may not contain gluten or dairy as a direct ingredient, cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment can be a concern for those with severe allergies or Celiac disease.

Look for Certification Seals: Seals from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or vegan certification marks provide assurance that products have been tested to meet specific allergen standards.
Scan the 'Contains' and 'May Contain' Statements: These legal warnings are found near the ingredient list and are vital for understanding potential cross-contamination risks. A product that 'May Contain' milk is unsafe for someone with a dairy allergy.
Beware of Malt and Lactose: Barley malt is a common gluten-containing ingredient used for flavoring, particularly in chocolate-based candies. Lactose is milk sugar and a clear sign of dairy content.
Be Cautious with "Natural Flavors": In some cases, "natural flavors" can contain hidden allergens. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.

Comparison Table: Popular vs. Specialty Candies


Feature	Popular Candies (e.g., Skittles, Starburst)	Specialty Allergen-Friendly Candies (e.g., Enjoy Life)
Allergen Control	Often free of direct gluten/dairy ingredients, but risk of cross-contamination from shared facilities is possible.	Produced in dedicated facilities, rigorously tested, and certified to be free from multiple common allergens.
Certification	Rarely carry official gluten-free or vegan certification seals.	Clearly display certification seals (e.g., GFCO, Vegan Action) for added consumer assurance.
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines.	Typically found in the health food aisle, specialty grocers, or online.
Price Point	Generally lower priced due to large-scale production.	Often higher priced due to specialized manufacturing and ingredients.
Variety	Offers classic, well-known flavors.	Focuses on innovative and diverse product lines that cater specifically to allergen-conscious consumers.
Labeling	Requires careful reading of the full ingredient list and warnings.	Labeling is straightforward and clearly states 'free-from' claims on the front of the package.

Conclusion

Finding safe candy that is both gluten-free and dairy-free is entirely possible with a bit of knowledge and careful label reading. While mainstream options like Skittles, Starburst, and Swedish Fish offer accessible choices, dedicated allergy-friendly brands such as Enjoy Life, No Whey!, and YumEarth provide the highest level of assurance for those with severe sensitivities. By understanding the nuances of manufacturing and seeking out certified products, individuals with dietary restrictions can enjoy a wide variety of delicious sweets without compromising their health or safety. When in doubt, especially for those with severe allergies, researching the manufacturer's allergen protocols is always the safest path.

Optional outbound link: For an updated list of gluten-free candy, consider checking the Celiac Disease Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard Skittles candies are both gluten-free and dairy-free. The manufacturer states this on their packaging, making them a popular and reliable choice for those with these dietary restrictions.

No, most M&M's are not dairy-free, as milk chocolate is a primary ingredient. While some varieties might be gluten-free, the presence of dairy makes them unsuitable for those with milk allergies.

Brands like Enjoy Life and No Whey! Foods specialize in allergen-friendly chocolates and are safe for individuals with both milk and gluten allergies. They use dedicated facilities to prevent cross-contamination.

No, not all hard candies are free of these allergens. While many are, some brands may contain milk or gluten as an ingredient or be manufactured on shared equipment. Always check the label, or stick to brands like YumEarth for certified options.

For gluten, look for wheat, barley, rye, and malt. For dairy, watch for milk, whey, casein, and lactose. Always check the allergen warning area for potential cross-contamination notices.

Seasonal candies, like holiday-shaped items from popular brands, are often not safe. They may be made on different lines with different ingredients than their regular counterparts, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

The Celiac Disease Foundation and other trusted organizations provide regularly updated lists of certified gluten-free candy. Websites for allergy-friendly brands like Enjoy Life also offer verified product information.

Not necessarily. While vegan candy contains no animal products (including dairy), it can still contain gluten. For example, some vegan sweets use wheat flour. Always check the ingredients and look for both 'vegan' and 'gluten-free' labels.