Your Guide to Gluten-Free Candy
Eating a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity doesn't mean you have to give up all your favorite sweet treats. In fact, many mainstream candies are made without gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye. However, the landscape of safe candy can be tricky, as ingredients and processing practices vary and can change without notice. Checking labels and being aware of potential cross-contamination is paramount.
The Golden Rules of Gluten-Free Candy Shopping
For those with celiac disease, a simple ingredient list is not always enough. Understanding the difference between a product with no gluten-containing ingredients and one that is certified gluten-free is a crucial step for total safety.
- Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list for explicit gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley malt, or rye. Be aware that glucose syrup can sometimes be wheat-based, but in the United States, corn-based is common.
- Look for 'Certified Gluten-Free': This label indicates that the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, the FDA standard. For high-sensitivity individuals, this is the safest option.
- Watch for Cross-Contamination: Many candies that don't contain gluten ingredients are processed on shared equipment with other products that do. Many manufacturers will include a “processed in a facility that also handles wheat” statement on the label. Certified gluten-free products are made on dedicated equipment.
- Be Wary of Seasonal Variations: Holiday-shaped candies often use different formulas or are made in different facilities, which can introduce gluten. Always double-check seasonal favorites.
Popular Gluten-Free Chocolate Candies
Many chocolate lovers can still enjoy their favorite treats. However, it is essential to check for additional ingredients like malt or cookies, which contain gluten.
- Hershey's Products: Hershey's maintains an updated list of gluten-free candies on its website. Options often include Almond Joy (except pieces), Mounds, Heath Bars, Skor Toffee Bar, and PayDay. Most Hershey's Kisses varieties are safe, but always verify the specific flavor. Standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are gluten-free, but seasonal shapes are not.
- Mars Wrigley Products: While Mars Wrigley does not label many products certified gluten-free, they will clearly list gluten-containing ingredients. Products without gluten ingredients typically include 3 Musketeers, Snickers, Skittles, Starburst, and certain M&M's varieties (avoid Crispy and Pretzel). Milky Way Midnight is often safe, but the original contains barley malt.
- Tootsie Roll Industries: All Tootsie Roll candies are gluten-free, and the company confirms that no gluten ingredients or dusting agents are used in production. This includes Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Andes Mints, and Junior Mints.
- Ferrero (Formerly Nestle): Since Ferrero acquired many Nestle candies, labeling has changed. Original Butterfinger bars are gluten-free, but check the label carefully for other versions like Butterfinger Crisp. Nutella and Tic Tacs are also listed as safe.
Go-To Gluten-Free Gummy and Chewy Candies
For fans of chewy and fruity treats, there are plenty of gluten-free options. The biggest risk here is often wheat-based glucose syrup, so it's best to stick with reliable brands.
- Smarties: Smarties Candy Company explicitly states that its products made in the US are gluten-free and manufactured in a gluten-free facility. Always check the UPC code, which should start with "0 11206" for confirmation.
- Just Born: Brands like Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, and Peeps are generally gluten-free. Just Born encourages checking labels, as facilities may handle other allergens.
- Jelly Belly: All Jelly Belly brand jelly beans are gluten-free and made in a gluten-free facility. Be mindful of repackaged versions, which may be at risk for cross-contamination.
- Other Safe Gummies: Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids (from Mondelez) are generally gluten-free, though reading labels is always recommended.
Certified Gluten-Free Brands
For those who need maximum assurance against cross-contamination, these brands offer certified gluten-free products:
- Enjoy Life Foods: Specializes in allergy-friendly and certified gluten-free chocolate bars and mini chocolates.
- YumEarth: Offers organic, allergy-friendly, and certified gluten-free lollipops, fruit snacks, and other candies.
- Spangler Candy: Manufacturers of Dum Dums, Saf-T-Pops, and candy canes that are processed on dedicated gluten-free equipment.
Gluten-Free vs. Containing Gluten Candy
| Candy Type | Examples of Gluten-Free | Examples Containing Gluten |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Bar | Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar (1.55 oz), Heath Bar, Mounds | Kit Kat, Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme, Milky Way (Original) |
| Peanut Butter | Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (standard), Reese's Pieces | Reese's Seasonal Shapes (pumpkins, eggs) |
| Chewy/Gummy | Tootsie Rolls, Smarties (US), Mike and Ike, Swedish Fish | Haribo Goldbears (European versions), Twizzlers, SweeTarts Ropes |
| Crispy/Malted | N/A | Whoppers, Crunch Bar, Crispy M&M's |
| Caramel | Rolo (standard), PayDay, Milky Way Midnight | Rolo Minis, Rolo Minis |
Conclusion: Your Sweet and Safe Strategy
For individuals with celiac disease, the ability to enjoy candy depends on careful label reading and a reliance on trusted brands. While many popular candies are inherently free of gluten ingredients, variations in size, flavor, and especially seasonal shapes can alter their safety profile. Sticking to brands with certified gluten-free products or those with strong allergen-free protocols is the most reliable approach. When in doubt, always contact the manufacturer for the most current information. Always have a strategy in place for holiday treats, inspecting each item before consumption. By staying informed and vigilant, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health.
For more information on celiac disease and gluten-free living, consult the Celiac Disease Foundation.
