What Kind of Candy Does Not Have Gluten in It?

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, many people are turning to gluten-free options, and this trend extends to sweet treats. Navigating the candy aisle can be tricky for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as not all candy is created equal, but many popular brands offer delicious options for what kind of candy does not have gluten in it.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals popular candies and brands that are safely gluten-free, including chocolates, gummies, and hard candies. It also details the importance of checking labels to avoid hidden gluten sources and cross-contamination risks, especially for those with celiac disease.

Key Points

Always Check the Label: Product formulations and manufacturing processes can change, so even familiar candies require a quick ingredient check for added gluten or cross-contamination warnings.
Be Wary of Seasonal Shapes: Popular items like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically gluten-free, but seasonal-shaped versions (e.g., pumpkins, eggs) are often produced on different equipment and may not be safe.
Identify Key Gluten Sources: Watch out for ingredients like barley malt, wheat flour, and certain glucose syrups derived from wheat, which are common culprits in candies.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: For severe sensitivities, opt for candies with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label or those from companies that state production on dedicated gluten-free equipment to avoid cross-contamination risks.
Many Candies Are Naturally Safe: Pure chocolate, most hard candies, and many gummies are naturally free of gluten, making them excellent starting points for a safe snack search.
Some Candies Are Never Safe: Most traditional licorice and crunchy-filled chocolate bars are not gluten-free due to wheat-based ingredients.

Navigating the Candy Aisle: Identifying Gluten-Free Options

For those on a gluten-free diet, enjoying a sweet treat requires careful consideration of ingredients and manufacturing processes. While pure chocolate and many hard candies are naturally gluten-free, the addition of ingredients like barley malt, wheat flour, and various additives can introduce gluten. To ensure safety, it is essential to read labels and be aware of potential cross-contamination.

Popular Gluten-Free Candy Brands

Many leading confectionery manufacturers offer a wide range of gluten-free products. Here is a list of some reliable options, but it's always crucial to check the most current labeling, as ingredients and production methods can change.

Hershey's: The company provides a list of gluten-free products on its website, including many varieties of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (excluding seasonal shapes), Almond Joy, Heath Bars, Milk Duds, and standard Milk Chocolate Bars.
Tootsie Roll Industries: The company states that all its confections are gluten-free, including Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Andes Mints, and Junior Mints.
Smarties Candy Company: In the U.S., all Smarties candies are gluten-free, vegan, and free from common allergens. This includes Original Smarties, Giant Smarties, and Smarties Pops.
Spangler Candy Company: This brand manufactures several gluten-free items, such as Dum Dums lollipops, Circus Peanuts, and Candy Canes, often on dedicated equipment.
Jelly Belly: Their standard Jelly Belly jelly beans are gluten-free, dairy-free, and kosher. However, some other items may contain gluten, so checking specific products is important.
YumEarth: Specializing in organic, allergy-friendly sweets, YumEarth products are certified gluten-free, including their lollipops, fruit snacks, and gummy bears.

Types of Candy to Approach with Caution

While many candies are safe, others carry a significant risk of containing gluten. Items with added crunchy textures, wafers, or fillings are often problematic. Here are some examples of what to watch out for:

Crispy/Crunchy Fillings: Chocolate bars with crispy rice, pretzels, or cookie pieces, like Kit Kat or Crunch bars, contain gluten.
Malt-based Ingredients: Candy containing barley malt, such as original Milky Way bars, Whoppers, and 100 Grand bars, is not gluten-free.
Licorice: Most licorice is made with wheat flour and is therefore not gluten-free, including popular brands like Twizzlers.
Gummies and Chews: Some gummy candies or taffies may use glucose syrup derived from wheat or wheat starch as a binder, particularly those sold in bulk. Always confirm with the label or manufacturer.

Cross-Contamination and Labeling

Cross-contamination is a major concern for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. Even if a candy's ingredients are gluten-free, if it's manufactured or packaged in the same facility as gluten-containing products, it carries a risk. Look for one of these indicators for extra assurance:

Certified Gluten-Free Label: This is the most reliable indicator, confirming that the product meets strict standards (less than 20 ppm of gluten).
Dedicated Equipment Statement: Some manufacturers, like Spangler and Tootsie Roll, state that their gluten-free products are made on dedicated equipment to minimize risk.
Explicit Labeling: Brands that clearly state 'gluten-free' on the package, like Smarties in the U.S., provide a high level of confidence.

A Comparison of Common Candy Types


Candy Type	Typically Gluten-Free?	Notes and Examples
Hard Candies	Yes	Most hard candies like lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, and Life Savers are gluten-free as they are primarily sugar-based. However, confirm ingredients.
Gummies	Varies	Many are gluten-free (e.g., Black Forest, some Jelly Belly), but some contain wheat starch or malt. Check labels and be cautious with bulk bins.
Pure Chocolate	Yes	Plain dark, milk, and white chocolate are naturally gluten-free. Be cautious of added fillings, cookies, or flavors.
Chocolate Bars (Composite)	Varies	Bars with added wafers, cookies, or malt, like Kit Kat or original Milky Way, contain gluten. Brands like Snickers and regular Reese's are often safe, but check for seasonal variations.
Licorice	No	Almost all traditional licorice, including Twizzlers, is made with wheat flour and is not gluten-free.

Conclusion: The Importance of Informed Choices

Finding what kind of candy does not have gluten in it is a task that requires attention to detail. While there are numerous safe and delicious options available from reliable manufacturers like Hershey's, Tootsie Roll Industries, and Smarties, the potential for hidden gluten ingredients or cross-contamination means that label vigilance is key. Always opt for certified products when possible, and if in doubt, choose plain, naturally gluten-free varieties. Armed with this knowledge, you can satisfy your sweet cravings safely and confidently. For further information on navigating a gluten-free diet, a helpful resource is the Beyond Celiac website, which offers extensive lists and guidance on safe products and cross-contamination awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Hershey's Kisses are gluten-free. While the standard Milk Chocolate Kisses are safe, some varieties or limited-edition flavors may contain gluten. Always check the ingredients list on the specific package before consuming.

Most plain and peanut M&M's are gluten-free, but not all varieties are. M&M's with added crunchy fillings, like Pretzel or Crispy M&M's, contain gluten. Mars Wrigley is also cautious about cross-contamination and advises checking labels.

Some gummy bears are gluten-free, but not all. Some brands use wheat starch or glucose syrup derived from wheat, especially bulk-sold candies. Black Forest and YumEarth gummies are examples of brands that offer gluten-free versions.

Most traditional licorice is not gluten-free, as it is typically made with wheat flour for its chewy texture. This includes popular brands like Twizzlers and Red Vines.

Cross-contamination occurs when a food that does not contain gluten comes into contact with gluten-containing foods during manufacturing. It matters for candy because if production occurs on shared equipment or in the same facility, trace amounts of gluten can cause adverse reactions for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivity.

Regular-sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are considered gluten-free. However, seasonal shapes like pumpkins, eggs, or Christmas trees are often made in different facilities or on shared equipment and may not be safe for a gluten-free diet.

The most reliable methods are checking for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, reading the full ingredient list for gluten-containing components (wheat, barley, rye), and reviewing allergen statements. When in doubt, you can contact the candy's manufacturer directly or check their website.