What major candy is gluten-free?

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, a key aspect of managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is constant vigilance when it comes to packaged foods, including treats. This brings many to ask, "What major candy is gluten-free?" While many popular options do not contain gluten as an ingredient, cross-contamination is a significant concern that makes label-reading essential for safe snacking.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals popular and surprising gluten-free candy options from major manufacturers. It emphasizes the importance of checking labels and being aware of cross-contamination risks, especially with seasonal items. Learn which mainstream chocolates, gummies, and hard candies are generally safe for a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Label Verification: Always check the most current product label, even for familiar items, as manufacturers can change recipes and production practices.
Chocolate Safely: Standard Hershey's Milk Chocolate, Almond Joy, Mounds, and plain M&M's are often gluten-free, but seasonal or different-sized versions may not be.
Chewy Options: Popular choices like Skittles, Starburst, and Tootsie Rolls are widely considered safe for a gluten-free diet.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Many major brands, including Mars Wrigley, do not certify their products as gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment.
Seasonal Shape Caution: Be cautious with seasonal shapes of candies like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, as they are often produced on different equipment and carry a higher risk of gluten exposure.
Dedicated Facilities: For maximum safety, consider brands that operate in dedicated allergen-free facilities, such as Enjoy Life Foods or YumEarth.
Avoid Gluten-Containing Candies: Candies like Whoppers, KitKats, and Twix bars contain gluten and should be avoided.
Certified Products: Look for the Certified Gluten-Free label from organizations like GFCO for verified and rigorously tested products.

Navigating the Sweet World of Gluten-Free Treats

For those on a gluten-free diet, enjoying a sweet treat requires careful consideration beyond simply reading the ingredient list. Major manufacturers often produce their candies in shared facilities, which can lead to cross-contamination. Understanding a brand's specific manufacturing practices is as important as knowing which ingredients are inherently gluten-free. Brands like Hershey's and Mars Wrigley offer a wide range of options, but not all products under their umbrella are safe.

The Golden Rule: Always Check the Label

Manufacturers' recipes and production lines can change at any time. The most reliable information will always be on the product's packaging. Look for a certified gluten-free label from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). If no certification is present, you must review the ingredients list carefully for any wheat, barley, or rye derivatives. It is also wise to check for a "may contain wheat" or similar warning, which indicates a risk of cross-contamination.

Major Chocolate Brand Breakdown

Some of the most popular chocolate treats are surprisingly gluten-free, but with important caveats.

Hershey's: Many Hershey's products are listed as gluten-free, but you must be specific. Standard Hershey's Kisses and Milk Chocolate Bars are often safe, but some larger or seasonal versions are not. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are generally gluten-free in their classic form, but seasonal shapes can be contaminated. Almond Joy and Mounds bars are also typically safe. Always check the specific packaging for confirmation.
Mars Wrigley: This company manufactures many popular candies, including M&M's, Snickers, and 3 Musketeers. Many classic M&M's varieties, such as Milk Chocolate and Peanut, are gluten-free by ingredients, but Crispy and Pretzel M&M's are not. Snickers bars also contain no gluten ingredients, but they are not certified and carry a cross-contamination risk for highly sensitive individuals. Milky Way Midnight is gluten-free, but the classic version is not.

Chewy, Gummy, and Hard Candy Choices

Beyond chocolate, many fruit-flavored and hard candies are safe choices.

Skittles and Starburst are both staples of the candy world and are considered gluten-free in the U.S..
Tootsie Roll Industries, which makes Tootsie Rolls, Junior Mints, and Charms, states that all of its confections are gluten-free.
Smarties, made by the Smarties Candy Company in the U.S., are famously free of gluten, as well as being vegan and free of major allergens. The company provides a UPC check for absolute certainty.
Spangler, the manufacturer of Dum Dums lollipops and Circus Peanuts, produces these items on dedicated gluten-free equipment.
Just Born products like Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales are often gluten-free, though they may be manufactured in shared facilities.

Gluten-Free Candy Comparison


Candy Brand	Type	Inherent Gluten-Free?	Certified Gluten-Free?	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Hershey's Kisses (standard)	Chocolate	Yes	Yes (specific varieties)	Low	Always check the label for each variety and size.
Classic Reese's PB Cups	Chocolate/PB	Yes	No (seasonal risk)	Moderate	Seasonal shapes are high-risk and should be avoided.
Skittles	Chewy	Yes	Yes (labeled in U.S.)	Low	Labeling may vary internationally.
Pretzel M&M's	Chocolate/Pretzel	No	No	High	Contains wheat flour; always avoid.
Original Snickers	Chocolate/Nougat/Caramel	Yes	No (not certified)	Moderate	Mars does not certify products due to cross-contamination risk.
Dum Dums Lollipops	Hard Candy	Yes	Yes	Very Low	Spangler manufactures these on dedicated equipment.

The Importance of Cross-Contamination Awareness

For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a severe autoimmune reaction. While a company may list no gluten ingredients, a product can still pose a risk if manufactured on shared equipment. Mars Wrigley is transparent about this, stating they do not label products as certified gluten-free because of potential cross-contact, despite many having no gluten ingredients. Hershey's is a good example of how production practices impact labeling, with standard bars being labeled safe while some king-sized versions are not. Always use your best judgment and consider your personal sensitivity level when choosing non-certified products.

The Rise of Dedicated Allergen-Free Brands

For the highest level of safety, consider purchasing from brands that specialize in allergen-friendly products. Companies like Enjoy Life Foods and No Whey Chocolate operate in dedicated gluten-free facilities and often avoid other common allergens like dairy and nuts. These brands are excellent, worry-free choices, especially for those with high sensitivity or multiple food allergies. Brands like YumEarth also offer a wide variety of certified organic, gluten-free, and top allergen-free candies.

Conclusion

Navigating the candy aisle on a gluten-free diet is possible but requires a cautious approach. Many beloved and widely available candies, such as standard Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, Almond Joy, Mounds, and certain M&M's, are considered gluten-free based on their ingredients. However, the crucial takeaway is to always verify the specific product's label for any gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination warnings. For the ultimate peace of mind, seek out products with a certified gluten-free seal or purchase from companies that specialize in allergen-friendly confections. By staying informed, you can confidently enjoy a delicious, and safe, sweet indulgence.

Visit the Gluten-Free Certification Organization for more information on certified products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard Milk Chocolate, Peanut, and Peanut Butter M&M's in the U.S. are considered gluten-free based on their ingredients. However, varieties like Pretzel and Crispy M&M's contain gluten and must be avoided.

A classic Snickers bar is made without gluten-containing ingredients. However, it is not certified gluten-free by the manufacturer, Mars Wrigley, due to potential cross-contamination.

No. While the standard-shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are typically gluten-free, seasonal shapes like eggs and pumpkins can be produced on different equipment and may not be safe for a gluten-free diet.

Many varieties of Hershey's Kisses are labeled gluten-free, including the classic milk chocolate. The Hershey's website provides an updated list, but always check the specific package you are buying.

In the United States, Skittles and Starburst are widely regarded as gluten-free. However, as ingredients can vary by region, it is best to check the label for the most accurate information.

The safest candy options are those produced by companies that operate in dedicated gluten-free facilities and carry a third-party certification label, such as GFCO.

Many manufacturers, like Mars Wrigley, choose not to certify products that are made on shared equipment with other gluten-containing products. This is a liability precaution taken to protect consumers with high sensitivities from accidental cross-contact.

Yes, Spangler, the manufacturer of Dum Dums, produces these lollipops on dedicated gluten-free equipment, making them a safe option.