What popular candy bars are gluten-free? A comprehensive guide

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

The gluten-free market is valued at billions, reflecting a growing consumer base seeking safe dietary alternatives. For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, enjoying a sweet treat can be challenging, which is why it is essential to know what popular candy bars are gluten-free.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies popular gluten-free candy bars from major brands like Hershey's and details the importance of reading labels and understanding cross-contamination risks to ensure safe snacking.

Key Points

Check for certification: Certified gluten-free labels are the highest guarantee of safety for those with celiac disease.
Beware of seasonal shapes: Holiday-themed candy bars, even from typically safe brands like Reese's, may contain gluten due to processing on shared equipment.
Understand company policies: Some manufacturers, like Hershey's, maintain gluten-free lists, while others, like Mars, do not certify products due to cross-contamination risks.
Read every ingredient label: Check for hidden gluten sources, including wheat, barley, rye, and malt, especially in non-certified products.
Plain is often safer: The original versions of candy bars like Reese's and Butterfinger are more likely to be gluten-free than their flavored or special-edition counterparts.

Navigating the Candy Aisle for Gluten-Free Options

For many, a chocolate craving can be a simple pleasure, but for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, it requires careful scrutiny. Not all candy is created equal, and ingredients can change without notice, making label reading a crucial habit. While some candy bars are obviously off-limits due to ingredients like wheat wafers, others can contain hidden gluten sources, such as barley malt. The key to safe indulgence is understanding which major manufacturers prioritize transparency and which common products are naturally gluten-free.

Hershey's: Reliable Options with a Clear List

Hershey's is a helpful brand for those on a gluten-free diet because it maintains and publishes a list of its gluten-free products. However, it is essential to remember that this list is subject to change, so always double-check the packaging. Seasonal and limited-edition items, in particular, may be processed on shared equipment, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

Some reliable gluten-free options from Hershey's include:

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: The standard cups are typically gluten-free, but seasonal shapes (like eggs or trees) are not.
Almond Joy and Mounds: These coconut and chocolate classics are generally gluten-free, but always confirm the label.
Heath Bar: This crunchy English toffee and chocolate bar is another dependable gluten-free option.
Plain Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar: Check the size, as only the 1.55 oz bar is typically labeled gluten-free.
York Peppermint Patties: These are generally gluten-free, except for special or seasonal varieties.

Mars Wrigley: Proceed with Caution

Mars Wrigley, the company behind brands like Snickers and 3 Musketeers, has a different labeling policy. They generally do not label their products as gluten-free due to the potential for cross-contamination from shared manufacturing lines. However, they do promise to list any gluten-containing ingredients on the label. For those with severe celiac disease, this potential for cross-contact is a significant risk.

Despite the lack of certification, many people on gluten-free diets successfully consume the following Mars candies, which do not contain gluten ingredients:

Snickers Bars: The original bar is considered gluten-free by ingredients, but they are not certified. Be cautious with variations like the protein bars or ice cream bars, which may contain wheat.
3 Musketeers Bars: The classic fluffy nougat and chocolate bar does not contain gluten ingredients, but again, is not certified gluten-free.
Plain M&M's: Most varieties are gluten-free by ingredients, but avoid crispy and pretzel varieties. Seasonal options should also be double-checked.

The Critical Importance of Label Reading

The FDA requires any product labeled “gluten-free” to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a safe threshold for most people with celiac disease. Reading labels is the most important step for safe snacking.

Here’s what to look for:

"Gluten-Free" Label: Look for an official certification mark, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), for the highest assurance.
Allergen Statement: Many products list major allergens, including wheat. A statement that a product contains wheat is a clear warning.
Ingredient List: Check for any derivatives of wheat, barley, or rye. Be on the lookout for barley malt, malt extract, and certain modified food starches, unless they are specifically labeled gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Note any advisories like “processed in a facility that also processes wheat” or “may contain wheat.” For highly sensitive individuals, this may be an unacceptable risk.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Candy Bars


Candy Bar	Manufacturer	Gluten Ingredients	Certified Gluten-Free?	Cross-Contamination Risk
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Original)	Hershey's	No	Yes, on official list	Low, but higher with seasonal shapes
Snickers (Original)	Mars Wrigley	No	No	Yes, not certified
Almond Joy	Hershey's	No	Yes, on official list	Low, but check for "Pieces" versions
Butterfinger (Original)	Ferrero	No	No	Yes, due to shared equipment
3 Musketeers	Mars Wrigley	No	No	Yes, not certified
Heath Bar	Hershey's	No	Yes, on official list	Low

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Sweet Treats Safely

Finding safe, delicious candy bars while on a gluten-free diet is very possible with a little research and careful label reading. While brands like Hershey's offer a reliable list of products, it's always best to be a vigilant consumer and inspect every package, especially around holidays when manufacturing processes might differ. For those with celiac disease, relying on officially certified gluten-free products is the safest bet to avoid any potential cross-contamination issues. By staying informed, you can enjoy popular candies like Reese's, Snickers (if you tolerate potential cross-contamination), and Almond Joy without worry.

For more detailed guidance on navigating a gluten-free diet, consider visiting the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Original Snickers bars do not contain gluten ingredients, but they are not certified gluten-free by the manufacturer, Mars Wrigley. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment, so they should be approached with caution, especially by those with celiac disease.

Yes, standard-sized Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are on Hershey's official list of gluten-free candies. However, seasonal shapes like eggs or pumpkins are typically not gluten-free and should be avoided.

Some sizes of the plain Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar are listed as gluten-free by the company, including the 1.55 oz version. Always verify the specific size and check the package for the current gluten-free statement.

The original Butterfinger bar is considered gluten-free by ingredients, but it is not officially certified gluten-free due to manufacturing practices. Newer products, like Butterfinger Crisp, do contain gluten.

The original 3 Musketeers bar does not contain gluten ingredients and is generally considered safe for those with sensitivities. However, the manufacturer does not certify it as gluten-free due to cross-contamination risks.

Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free products are made on the same equipment or in the same facility as gluten-containing products. Even without gluten listed in the ingredients, a product can become unsafe for those with high sensitivity due to residue.

Popular candy bars to avoid include Kit Kat, Twix, Whoppers, and 100 Grand, all of which contain wheat or barley malt.