For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, enjoying a favorite chocolate treat requires careful label reading. While The Hershey Company makes a wide range of products, not all are free from gluten due to ingredients or manufacturing processes. Hershey maintains a comprehensive list of gluten-free products on its website, which is the most reliable resource. This article compiles the most up-to-date information, but consumers should always double-check the packaging for the most accurate details before consumption.
Gluten-Free Hershey's Candies
The following is a list of popular Hershey's candies and candy bars that are considered gluten-free:
- Almond Joy and Mounds Bars: All standard sizes are gluten-free, with the exception of Almond Joy Pieces.
- Brookside Dark Chocolate: Select Brookside dark chocolate varieties are gluten-free, so checking the label is important.
- Heath Bars: All sizes of Heath toffee bars are considered gluten-free.
- Hershey's Kisses: The classic milk chocolate Kisses are gluten-free, along with many other flavors like Hugs, Caramel, and Mint Truffle. However, variations like Cookies 'n' Creme are not.
- Hershey's Nuggets: Many varieties are safe, including Milk Chocolates, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, and Special Dark Chocolate with Almonds.
- Milk Duds: All standard Milk Duds products are gluten-free.
- PayDay: All sizes of PayDay candy bars are gluten-free.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: The classic cups are gluten-free, but caution must be exercised with seasonal shapes, as they may be produced on shared equipment and are not guaranteed to be gluten-free.
- Reese's Pieces: Standard Reese's Pieces candies are gluten-free, but check the label on specialty or seasonal versions.
- Rolo Caramels in Milk Chocolate: These are gluten-free, except for the miniature version.
- Skor Toffee Bars: All Skor bars are gluten-free.
- York Peppermint Patties: The standard patties are gluten-free, but mini versions and shaped varieties should be checked for potential gluten contamination.
Important Information for Celiac and Gluten-Sensitive Consumers
Reading the Label
Even with a reliable list, checking the package every time is crucial. Manufacturing procedures can change, and different product sizes or seasonal variations might be produced in separate facilities with cross-contamination risks. Look for a clear "gluten-free" label on the packaging to be certain.
Cross-Contamination Risk
For those with severe gluten allergies, understanding cross-contamination is paramount. Hershey's takes significant measures to prevent cross-contact, including rigorous cleaning procedures between runs. However, some facilities might still process gluten-containing products. If a product label does not explicitly state it is gluten-free, there's a chance of cross-contact. Hershey's also uses precautionary allergen labeling when a risk exists.
Gluten-Free Hershey's Products Comparison Table
| Product Category | Gluten-Free Examples | Exclusions & Warnings |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Bars | Almond Joy, Mounds, Skor, Heath, PayDay | Almond Joy Pieces are NOT gluten-free. Always check labels for size variations, like the King Size Hershey's bar. |
| Kisses & Bites | Classic Milk Chocolate Kisses, Hugs, Mint Truffle Kisses | Cookies 'n' Creme Kisses, Milk Chocolate Kisses with Almonds are NOT gluten-free. Check all flavors individually. |
| Peanut Butter | Standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Reese's Pieces | Seasonal shaped Reese's cups are NOT gluten-free. Cross-contamination is a risk with these specialty items. |
| Syrups & Toppings | Hershey's Chocolate Syrup, Caramel Syrup | The ingredients in syrups can change; re-verify the label, especially for seasonal varieties or other toppings. |
| Baking Products | Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips, Special Dark Cocoa | Check all baking products individually; not all are guaranteed to be gluten-free. |
Gluten-Containing Hershey Products
It's just as important to know what to avoid. Items containing gluten include:
- Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme Bars: The inclusion of cookie pieces means these are not gluten-free.
- Whoppers: The barley malt in Whoppers makes them unsafe for a gluten-free diet.
- KitKat: The wafer cookie layer contains wheat.
- Seasonal and King-Sized Items: As noted with Reese's and standard bars, seasonal or larger sizes may be processed on different lines with gluten-containing products.
The Bottom Line for Enjoying Hershey's Safely
Navigating the world of Hershey's products as a gluten-free consumer requires diligence. Fortunately, many of the company's classic treats, including classic Kisses and Reese's cups, are safe. However, the golden rule is to always check the most current information, which can be found directly on the product label and on Hershey's official website. For those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease, sticking to products explicitly labeled "gluten-free" and avoiding high-risk seasonal items is the safest approach.
Conclusion
Being aware of what Hershey chocolates are gluten-free is essential for anyone following a gluten-free diet. By consulting the official Hershey product list and carefully reading every label for precautionary statements, individuals can enjoy many of their favorite classic candies with confidence. From the iconic Hershey's Kiss to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, a tasty gluten-free treat is never far away. The key is knowledge and vigilance, ensuring a safe and delicious chocolate experience every time. The most reliable information always comes from the manufacturer, and it is a good practice to confirm with their website for the most current updates before making a purchase.
