What Packaged Desserts Are Gluten-Free?

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease, requiring them to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Navigating store aisles to find what packaged desserts are gluten-free can be challenging, but many delicious options are available for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

This guide details a wide range of commercially available gluten-free desserts, including specific brands of cookies, candies, and frozen treats, to help individuals with gluten intolerance make safe and informed choices.

Key Points

Check for 'Certified Gluten-Free': The safest products carry a clear certification from a third-party organization, guaranteeing minimal cross-contamination.
Read the Label: Always read the ingredients list to check for hidden sources of gluten and be aware of 'may contain wheat' warnings.
Trust Specific Brands: Brands like Katz, Partake, and Tootsie Roll are known for their dedicated gluten-free production or product lines.
Consider Frozen Treats: Many plain ice creams, sorbets, and specialty frozen items from brands like Jolly Llama are safely gluten-free.
Be Wary of Cross-Contamination: Products made on shared equipment are risky for those with celiac disease, so dedicated facilities are best.
Explore Bakery Options Carefully: Some supermarkets and local bakeries offer gluten-free items, but confirm their cross-contamination procedures before buying.
Don't Assume: While many candies are naturally gluten-free, always check the label, as recipes and production facilities can change.

Navigating the Gluten-Free Dessert Aisle

Finding delicious, safe, and convenient packaged desserts is easier than ever for those following a gluten-free diet. The key to success is knowing which brands prioritize allergen-friendly production and reading labels carefully to check for certifications and ingredients. Many companies now offer dedicated gluten-free product lines, while others have always produced naturally gluten-free treats, though cross-contamination is always a risk. This guide will walk you through the various categories of packaged sweets and highlight trusted brands to look for on your next grocery run.

Gluten-Free Cookies and Baked Goods

Cookies and cakes are often the first desserts to be missed on a gluten-free diet, but a growing number of brands are filling this void with tasty alternatives. These products use alternative flours like rice flour, almond flour, and potato starch to replicate the texture and flavor of their gluten-containing counterparts.

Tate's Bake Shop: Offers popular gluten-free varieties of its signature thin and crispy cookies, such as Gluten Free Chocolate Chip and Ginger Zinger.
Nabisco: The iconic brand has released Gluten Free Oreos and Double Stuf Gluten Free Oreos, which are a major win for fans.
Schar: A European brand specializing in gluten-free products, Schar offers a wide array of baked goods, including chocolate-dipped cookies and wafers.
Partake: An allergen-friendly brand that produces crunchy, delicious cookies in flavors like Chocolate Chip and Birthday Cake. Their products are free of many top allergens, including gluten.
Katz Gluten Free: This brand focuses solely on gluten-free products and has a range of nostalgic baked goods, including creme cakes, donuts, and muffins.

Candy and Chocolate

Many simple candies and chocolates are naturally gluten-free. However, complex chocolates with fillings or those made on shared equipment require careful label reading. Several major candy manufacturers provide gluten-free lists on their websites.

Tootsie Roll Industries: All confections from Tootsie Roll, including Tootsie Rolls, Junior Mints, and Charleston Chew, are considered gluten-free.
Hershey's: The company explicitly lists several gluten-free candies, though this can vary by product size and type. Many Kisses and plain chocolate bars are safe, but it's crucial to check for seasonal variations.
Smarties: The original Smarties candies from the Smarties Candy Company (with UPC starting with 0 11206) are gluten-free and made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
YumEarth: This brand specializes in organic, allergy-friendly sweets, including chewy candy, fruit snacks, and chocolates that are all certified gluten-free.
Justin's Nut Butters: Their peanut butter cups are certified gluten-free and made with high-quality ingredients.

Frozen Treats

When it comes to ice cream, plain flavors are often safe, but options with cookie dough or brownies typically contain gluten unless specifically marked otherwise. Many brands now offer delicious gluten-free ice cream and other frozen desserts.

Jolly Llama: Offers vegan and gluten-free frozen cones and ice cream sandwiches.
Abilyn's Frozen Bakery: Specializes in gluten-free frozen desserts like ice cream sandwiches and pies.
Alden's Organic: Features gluten-free dairy-free ice cream sandwiches among its product line.
So Delicious: A well-known dairy-free brand, So Delicious offers a gluten-free and dairy-free Cookies & Cream flavor.

Reading Labels and Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Finding certified gluten-free products is the safest bet. Look for the "Certified Gluten-Free" label from reputable organizations. However, many products without a formal certification may still be safe, but they require extra vigilance. Reading the ingredient list is critical to spot hidden gluten sources like modified food starch (if it doesn't specify the source) or flavorings. Be aware of products that state they are "made on equipment that also processes wheat," as this indicates a risk of cross-contamination. For those with celiac disease, dedicated gluten-free facilities are the gold standard for safety.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Dessert Brands


Brand	Product Type	Certified GF?	Top Allergens Avoided	Key Features
Tate's Bake Shop	Cookies	Yes	Some, read labels	Thin, crispy texture, widely available
Partake	Cookies	Yes	Top 9 (incl. gluten)	Crunchy, vegan, focused on allergens
Katz	Baked Goods (Frozen)	Yes	Nut, dairy, soy free	Nostalgic treats, large product range
Tootsie Roll Ind.	Candy	Yes	No wheat, barley, etc.	Entire product line is GF, according to company
Justin's	Peanut Butter Cups	Yes	Depends on product	High-quality ingredients, certified GF
Jolly Llama	Frozen Treats	Yes	Vegan, Dairy-free	Focus on vegan and GF frozen items
Schar	Baked Goods	Yes	Varies by product	Extensive European range, well-known GF

Gluten-Free Desserts from Your Local Bakery or Grocer's Shelf

Some larger grocery chains and local bakeries are also offering gluten-free options that are pre-packaged for safety and convenience. These vary significantly by location and store. For example, Wegmans and ASDA in the UK offer numerous "Free From" or "Made with No Gluten Containing Ingredients" options in their fresh bakery sections and frozen aisles. It is always important to confirm the bakery's cross-contamination protocols, especially for fresh items. When in doubt, stick to pre-packaged items that carry a clear gluten-free certification.

Conclusion: Enjoying Dessert Safely

The world of packaged desserts for gluten-free diets has expanded dramatically, offering a wealth of delicious and safe options. By focusing on brands that prioritize gluten-free production, checking for certifications, and being mindful of cross-contamination warnings, you can confidently satisfy your sweet cravings. Always read the label, and don't hesitate to reach out to manufacturers with specific questions. A treat is waiting for you, and it's safer and more accessible than ever before.

Resources for Gluten-Free Eating

For additional information and product lists, you can consult reputable sources like Verywell Fit's gluten-free candy list, which provides detailed brand-specific information and cross-contamination warnings. The Celiac Disease Foundation also offers valuable resources for living with celiac disease and finding safe food products.

Verywell Fit - Gluten-Free Candy List

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to Tootsie Roll Industries, all of their confections, including Tootsie Rolls, Junior Mints, and Charleston Chews, are considered gluten-free and do not use any gluten-containing ingredients.

Only the varieties explicitly labeled 'Gluten Free' are safe. Nabisco now produces Gluten Free Oreos and Double Stuf Gluten Free Oreos using a gluten-free flour blend.

Pure chocolate, made from cocoa, sugar, and cocoa butter, is naturally gluten-free. However, chocolate bars with added ingredients, fillings, or those processed on shared equipment may contain gluten. Always check the packaging.

For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, 'may contain wheat' labels should be taken seriously. This warning indicates a risk of cross-contamination, and such products should be avoided to prevent accidental gluten exposure.

Brands like Jolly Llama and Abilyn's Frozen Bakery focus on gluten-free frozen desserts, including ice cream sandwiches and cones. Always check the specific product label for confirmation.

The most reliable method is to look for products with the 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal, which indicates that a third-party organization has verified the product and production process to be safe.

Traditional macarons are made with almond flour and are naturally gluten-free. However, since they can be made on shared equipment, confirming with the bakery or checking for a certified gluten-free label on packaged versions is essential.

No, not all Hershey's products are gluten-free. The company maintains a list of specific gluten-free products on its website, and it is important to check the list and read the label, as formulations can change.