Which chocolates have no gluten? A comprehensive guide for celiacs

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Pure, unsweetened cocoa is naturally gluten-free, but that doesn't mean all chocolate is safe. This is because many commercially available chocolate products contain added ingredients or are exposed to cross-contamination, so you must carefully check labels to find which chocolates have no gluten.

Quick Summary

A guide to finding safe, gluten-free chocolate by identifying certified brands, understanding label claims like 'may contain', and recognizing hidden gluten sources like malt flavoring.

Key Points

Pure cocoa is gluten-free: The base ingredient for chocolate contains no gluten, but additional processing and ingredients can introduce it.
Check for certified seals: The most reliable way to ensure a product is gluten-free is to look for third-party certifications like GFCO, NSF, or the official 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo.
Scrutinize the ingredient list: Look for hidden gluten sources, including malt flavoring, barley malt, and anything containing cookies or wafers.
Be aware of cross-contamination: Labels stating 'May contain traces of gluten' indicate a risk of cross-contamination, which can be problematic for celiacs, even if no gluten ingredients are present.
Trust dedicated facilities: Some brands, like No Whey Chocolate, produce their products in dedicated gluten-free facilities, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination entirely.
Review brand-specific information: While brands like Hershey's and Cadbury offer gluten-free products, their status can vary by specific product, size, or regional market, making individual label checks vital.
Utilize specialty stores and online resources: Health food stores, 'free from' supermarket aisles, and manufacturer websites are excellent places to find reliably safe chocolate options.

Is all chocolate gluten-free? The simple answer is no

While the core ingredient, cocoa, is naturally free from gluten, most chocolate products undergo significant processing and have other ingredients added. Gluten can be introduced in two primary ways: via added ingredients or through cross-contamination during manufacturing. For individuals with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, this makes diligent label-reading essential to avoid adverse reactions.

What to look for on gluten-free chocolate labels

To confidently identify safe chocolate, you must become a savvy label reader. Beyond just the ingredient list, manufacturers provide several clues about a product's gluten status. Being aware of these certifications and disclaimers is crucial for those with strict dietary needs.

Certified Gluten-Free Labels

The most straightforward way to find safe chocolate is to look for a third-party certification seal. This symbol means the product has been tested to meet strict standards for gluten content, typically less than 20 parts per million (ppm). The most common certifications to look for are:

GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)
NSF Certified Gluten-Free
Certified Gluten-Free (often with a symbol)

Ingredients to avoid

Many chocolate products add other ingredients to create different textures and flavors. Some of these are obvious, while others are less so.

Wheat: Found in inclusions like cookies or wafers.
Barley Malt: A common ingredient in many cereals and added for flavor, often in "crispy" chocolate.
Malt Flavoring/Syrup: Derived from barley and contains gluten.
Rice Crispies: While rice is naturally gluten-free, some brands use versions containing barley malt.

Cross-Contamination Warnings

Even if a chocolate bar has no gluten-containing ingredients listed, it may still not be safe for a celiac due to shared equipment. Manufacturers often use 'May contain traces of gluten' or 'Made on equipment that also processes wheat' warnings. The decision to consume these products is based on individual sensitivity, but for those with celiac disease, certified products are the safest option.

Comparison of popular and specialty chocolate brands

This table compares several common chocolate brands, assessing them based on their gluten-free status, risk of cross-contamination, and specific product lines. It highlights why reading the label for every purchase is critical, as a brand's overall safety doesn't guarantee a specific product is safe.


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes	Safe Products	Potential Issues
Hershey's	Select products	Medium	Always check the label, as status depends on the specific product, size, and holiday editions.	Hershey's Kisses (if labeled), Milk Chocolate Bar (specific sizes), Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (specific types).	Many products are made on shared equipment. Always check for a 'gluten-free' label.
Cadbury	Select products	Low to Medium	Some products contain gluten, but many are naturally free of it.	Wispas, Twirls, Flake, and standard milk chocolate bars are often safe in the UK.	Ingredients and formulations can vary by country. The UK is generally safer.
Lindt	Select products	High (Risk)	A significant risk of cross-contamination exists, so caution is needed. Despite this, some products have no gluten-containing ingredients.	Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate (check specific labels).	Confirmed cross-contamination issues have been reported by individuals with severe sensitivities.
Endangered Species	Certified GF	Low	Known for being explicitly certified gluten-free across many products.	Milk Chocolate Bars, Dark Chocolate Bars (look for the GF certification).	Some products have added ingredients, so verification is always a good practice.
No Whey Chocolate	Certified GF	None (Dedicated)	Produced in a dedicated facility free from the top 8 allergens, including gluten.	Milkless Chocolate Bar, Peppermint No No's.	Specialty brand, may not be available everywhere.

Where to find certified gluten-free chocolates

Beyond just reading labels, knowing where to look can significantly improve your success in finding safe chocolate options. Many retailers now offer dedicated sections for specialty diets.

Specialty 'Free From' Aisles: Many supermarkets, especially in the UK and Europe, have a dedicated 'free from' section where you can find certified products.
Health Food Stores: Stores like Planet Organic and Whole Foods are excellent sources for certified organic and allergen-free chocolate brands.
Online Retailers: Websites specializing in allergen-free foods and online marketplaces like Ubuy offer access to international brands with clear labeling.
Manufacturer Websites: For specific information, checking the brand's own website is often the most reliable source for up-to-date information on their gluten-free products and processes.

Conclusion: Navigating the world of gluten-free chocolate

While pure chocolate starts as a naturally gluten-free product, the journey from cacao bean to candy bar introduces numerous risks for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Successful navigation relies on a combination of checking for official third-party certifications, scrutinizing ingredient lists for hidden sources like malt, and being mindful of cross-contamination warnings. By relying on certified gluten-free brands and products made in dedicated facilities, you can enjoy a wide variety of safe chocolate treats without worry.

This article provides general guidance. For specific dietary advice, consult a healthcare professional. For definitive product information, always rely on the most current packaging information from the manufacturer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, dark chocolate is not always gluten-free. While pure dark chocolate made from just cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar is naturally free of gluten, many commercial versions can contain additives, flavorings, or are produced on shared equipment, leading to contamination.

Some Reese's products are considered gluten-free, but you must check the specific label. Celiac.com and Hershey's indicate that certain items, such as the standard Peanut Butter Cups, are gluten-free, but seasonal or different-sized versions might not be.

Barley malt is an ingredient derived from barley, a gluten-containing grain. It is often used for flavor, particularly in 'crispy' or caramel-flavored chocolate products, and should be avoided by anyone on a gluten-free diet.

If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, it is safest to avoid products with this label. This warning means there is a risk of cross-contamination because the product is made on shared equipment.

Many Cadbury products, particularly in the UK, are naturally gluten-free, including Wispas, Twirls, and Flakes. However, not all products are safe, and formulations can differ by country, so always check the specific product label.

Not all types are gluten-free. While the plain milk chocolate Kisses are often cited as gluten-free, different flavors or holiday variations might contain gluten or be at higher risk for cross-contamination. You must check for a 'gluten-free' label.

The most reliable methods are to look for a third-party certification seal on the packaging, read the ingredients list carefully, check for cross-contamination warnings, and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly for confirmation.