What Hershey Kisses Aren't Gluten-Free? Your Guide to Safe Snacking

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to The Hershey Company, while many classic and seasonal Kisses are considered gluten-free, a number of popular and limited-edition flavors are not. This can be a significant concern for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who need to know what Hershey Kisses aren't gluten-free to avoid adverse health reactions.

Quick Summary

Due to ingredients like cookie bits or manufacturing on shared lines, some Hershey Kisses are not gluten-free. Check flavor-specific details and always read labels before consuming.

Key Points

Read the label: The most reliable information on a Hershey's Kiss's gluten status is found on its packaging.
Avoid Cookies 'n' Creme: This is a primary offender due to wheat-containing cookie pieces and should always be avoided.
Be Cautious with Seasonal Flavors: Holiday and limited-edition Kisses often pose a higher risk of containing gluten or being exposed to cross-contamination.
Consider Cross-Contamination: Shared factory equipment with gluten-containing items can make seemingly safe flavors a risk for sensitive individuals.
Consult the Official Source: Always refer to The Hershey Company's official website for their current list of certified gluten-free products.
Understand the 'With Almonds' Risk: While classic milk chocolate is safe, the version with almonds is frequently not on the safe list and should be avoided.

Navigating the Gluten-Free Candy Aisle

Finding safe treats for a gluten-free diet requires careful label reading and a keen understanding of potential risks, like cross-contamination. While many brands offer gluten-free options, it's never safe to assume a product is safe based on the brand alone. This is especially true for popular candies like Hershey's Kisses, which come in countless flavors, each with its own ingredient list and production process. The golden rule is simple: if you have celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, do not eat a product unless it is on the manufacturer's official gluten-free list.

The Reason Some Hershey Kisses Aren't Gluten-Free

The primary reason certain Hershey Kisses are not gluten-free is the inclusion of gluten-containing ingredients. The most common culprit is wheat flour, which is a core component of many crispy or cookie-filled candies. For example, flavors like Cookies 'n' Creme contain cookie pieces. Other products may include barley malt or other derivatives.

Another significant concern is cross-contamination. Hershey's produces a vast array of confectionery products, some of which contain gluten. Even if a particular Kiss flavor doesn't contain gluten ingredients, it may be produced on the same equipment as products that do. While The Hershey Company has specific production standards, they only label products as gluten-free if they meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) guidelines, which is why not all flavors are on the official safe list.

Specific Varieties to Avoid

Based on official lists and common gluten-containing ingredients, here are some of the Hershey Kiss varieties that are not considered gluten-free and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity:

Cookies 'n' Creme Kisses
Birthday Cake Kisses
Hot Cocoa Kisses
Strawberry Ice Cream Cone Kisses
Sugar Cookie White Creme Kisses
Rose Filled Milk Chocolate Meltaways
Valentine's Lava Cake Dark Chocolate
Vampire Foils Kisses (strawberry-filled)
Milk Chocolate Kisses with Almonds (Note: while classic milk chocolate is safe, the version with almonds is typically not on the official GF list)

It is crucial to remember that new or limited-edition flavors are frequently introduced, and their gluten-free status can differ from the standard flavors. When in doubt, it is safest to assume a seasonal or new flavor is not gluten-free unless you can confirm it on the official list or with a clear label.

Comparison of Gluten-Free vs. Not Gluten-Free Hershey Kisses


Category	Gluten-Free Varieties	Not Gluten-Free Varieties
Classic Flavors	Milk Chocolate, Special Dark, Hugs	Cookies 'n' Creme, Milk Chocolate with Almonds (risk)
Filled Flavors	Caramel Filled, Cherry Cordial Crème	Rose Filled Milk Chocolate Meltaways
Seasonal Flavors	Some holiday milk chocolate foils	Birthday Cake, Hot Cocoa, Sugar Cookie White Creme

The Importance of a Reliable Source

The most definitive resource for gluten-free status is always The Hershey Company's official website. They publish and regularly update a list of their gluten-free products, which you can check before purchasing any of their candies. It's recommended to cross-reference with a reliable third-party gluten-free list, such as those from reputable celiac organizations, for additional confirmation.

Conclusion

While many Hershey Kisses are safe for a gluten-free diet, a significant number of flavored and seasonal varieties are not. The presence of gluten-containing ingredients or the risk of cross-contamination on shared equipment makes it essential for individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity to exercise caution. The best approach is to always check the ingredient label and refer to The Hershey Company's official gluten-free list before consuming. By staying informed, you can confidently enjoy your sweet treats while maintaining your dietary restrictions.

For the most up-to-date and authoritative information, always consult the official list on The Hershey Company's website. They provide the most reliable resource to help consumers navigate their product line safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, only specific varieties are considered gluten-free by The Hershey Company. Many specialty, seasonal, and filled flavors are not.

Always read the ingredient label on the package for the most accurate and current information. The safest practice is to only eat products explicitly listed on The Hershey Company's official gluten-free list.

Some flavors contain ingredients made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. Cookies 'n' Creme, for example, contains cookie pieces.

Yes, it can. Hershey's produces many products with gluten, and cross-contamination can be a risk on shared manufacturing lines, which is why not all flavors receive a gluten-free designation.

Yes, the classic silver-wrapped Milk Chocolate Kisses are consistently on The Hershey Company's official gluten-free list.

Not always. Seasonal and limited-edition flavors are often higher risk for containing gluten. It is best to be cautious and check the label and official list for each specific flavor.

Yes, recipes and manufacturing processes can be updated. This is why it is important to check the label each time you purchase a product and consult the most current information available from the manufacturer.

While the classic milk chocolate variety is safe, Kisses with almonds have often been excluded from the official gluten-free list and should be avoided to be safe.