Which Popular Candy Bars Are Gluten-Free?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3 million people in the United States have celiac disease, and many more have gluten sensitivities, making the question of which popular candy bars are gluten-free more relevant than ever. Navigating the candy aisle can be challenging due to cross-contamination risks and unclear labeling, but a surprising number of classic treats are made without gluten-containing ingredients.

Quick Summary

A guide detailing many popular candy bars that do not contain gluten ingredients, discussing the risks of cross-contamination, and offering advice for safe consumption. Always check the label for the most accurate ingredient information, especially for those with celiac disease.

Key Points

Check for certification: A certified gluten-free label is the safest choice for individuals with celiac disease, guaranteeing less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Read the label every time: Product formulations and manufacturing processes can change, so always check the ingredient list and allergen warnings before purchasing.
Reese's and Mounds are safe: Classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (excluding seasonal shapes) and Mounds bars are generally considered gluten-free.
Be cautious with Mars Wrigley: Products like Snickers and 3 Musketeers are made without gluten ingredients but may have a cross-contamination risk from shared equipment.
Avoid certain varieties: Always avoid candy bars with pretzels or cookies, like Crispy M&M's and original Milky Way, as these contain gluten.
Consult manufacturer websites: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the manufacturer's website, as many keep dedicated gluten-free product lists.
Avoid seasonal shapes of Reese's: Reese's seasonal shapes are not guaranteed to be gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Gluten-Free Candy Bar Favorites from Major Manufacturers

Many major candy manufacturers offer options that are safe for individuals avoiding gluten. However, it's crucial to understand the difference between a product made with no gluten ingredients and one certified gluten-free, which guarantees minimal cross-contamination. Below is a breakdown of popular choices from major candy companies.

Hershey's Gluten-Free Candy Bars

Hershey's provides an extensive and reliable list of its gluten-free products on its official website. Some of the most well-known are listed below:

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Most varieties are gluten-free, but seasonal shapes (like eggs or pumpkins) are often made in different facilities and are not considered safe.
Almond Joy and Mounds: Both bars are listed as gluten-free, with the exception of Almond Joy Pieces candy.
Heath and Skor: These crunchy toffee bars are both gluten-free treats.
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar: The standard size is considered gluten-free, along with the Milk Chocolate with Almonds variety. It's important to check the specific size and packaging, as some seasonal or special items may differ.
Payday: This candy bar, featuring a core of nougat covered in caramel and peanuts, is also confirmed to be gluten-free.

Mars Wrigley's Gluten-Free Candy Bars

Mars Wrigley has a different approach, encouraging consumers to read labels carefully, as they do not maintain a specific gluten-free list for all products. Many of their products are made without gluten ingredients, but cross-contamination is a possibility.

3 Musketeers: These fluffy, chocolate-covered nougat bars do not contain gluten ingredients and are often considered safe by those who are not highly sensitive.
Snickers: Classic Snickers bars are made without gluten ingredients, but are produced in facilities that also handle wheat, posing a cross-contamination risk. Some varieties, like ice cream bars, may explicitly contain wheat.
M&M's: The plain and peanut varieties are generally considered gluten-free. However, crispy and pretzel varieties contain gluten and should be avoided.
Milky Way Midnight: The dark chocolate version is made without gluten ingredients, unlike the original Milky Way, which contains barley malt.

Other Brands and Important Considerations

While many popular candy bars are naturally free of gluten ingredients, relying solely on ingredient lists can be risky for those with celiac disease. Certification provides the highest level of assurance.

The Importance of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when a food product is exposed to gluten during manufacturing, processing, or packaging. For someone with celiac disease, even a tiny amount of gluten can trigger an autoimmune response. Many manufacturers use shared equipment for both gluten-free and gluten-containing products, and while they may clean the equipment, a risk remains. Looking for a certified gluten-free label is the safest bet.

The Rise of Certified Gluten-Free Brands

Several brands specialize in gluten-free products, ensuring no risk of cross-contamination. Examples include Enjoy Life Foods and Schar, which offer dedicated facilities and rigorous testing protocols.

Gluten-Free Candy Bar Comparison Table


Candy Bar	Manufacturer	Status (as of 2025)	Notes
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	Hershey's	Gluten-Free	Most varieties are safe; avoid seasonal shapes.
3 Musketeers	Mars Wrigley	Gluten-Free by Ingredients	Made without gluten ingredients, but not certified; cross-contamination risk exists.
Snickers	Mars Wrigley	Gluten-Free by Ingredients	Made without gluten ingredients, but not certified; cross-contamination risk exists.
Mounds Bar	Hershey's	Gluten-Free	Confirmed as gluten-free.
Payday	Hershey's	Gluten-Free	Confirmed as gluten-free.
Heath Bar	Hershey's	Gluten-Free	Confirmed as gluten-free.
Hershey's Milk Chocolate (1.55oz)	Hershey's	Gluten-Free	Confirmed for specific sizes; always check packaging.

How to Safely Identify Gluten-Free Candy Bars

To ensure the candy bar you pick is safe for your dietary needs, follow these steps:

Read the label every time: Manufacturing practices can change. The most up-to-date information is on the product packaging.
Look for certified labels: Organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) and the National Celiac Association provide logos for products that have met stringent testing standards.
Check the company's website: Many manufacturers, like Hershey's, maintain a dedicated, updated list of gluten-free products on their websites.
Know the risk: Understand that products labeled “made with no gluten ingredients” have a higher cross-contamination risk than certified products.

Conclusion: Navigating the Candy Aisle with Confidence

Finding a popular candy bar that is gluten-free requires careful reading and an understanding of labeling variations. While many classic candy bars like Reese's and Mounds are safe for those avoiding gluten, others like Snickers pose a risk of cross-contamination. By prioritizing certified products or carefully checking manufacturers' websites and labels, you can confidently enjoy a range of sweet treats without worry. For an extra layer of security, always consult the most current information available from the candy company or a reliable gluten-free resource like Beyond Celiac.

Where to find reliable gluten-free information

For the most dependable and up-to-date lists of safe candy, consult resources from celiac disease organizations or directly from manufacturers. These sources provide the most accurate information regarding potential cross-contamination.

For more information on living a gluten-free lifestyle, visit the official website of Beyond Celiac to see a comprehensive guide to safe candy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Classic Snickers bars are made without gluten-containing ingredients, but they are not officially certified gluten-free by the manufacturer. They are produced in facilities that also process wheat, so there is a risk of cross-contamination. Most individuals with celiac disease should avoid them, but those with less severe sensitivity may tolerate them.

Yes, 3 Musketeers bars do not contain any gluten ingredients in their standard recipe. However, like many products from Mars Wrigley, they are not certified gluten-free, which means there's a potential risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Yes, standard Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are considered gluten-free by the manufacturer, Hershey's. However, seasonal shapes like eggs, pumpkins, or Christmas trees are often produced in different facilities and are not considered safe due to cross-contamination risks.

The 1.55 oz size of the classic Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar is listed as gluten-free. It's important to always check the label, as other sizes or special editions may have different manufacturing conditions.

Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free products come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients during production. For those with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten can cause a reaction. Products not certified gluten-free have a higher risk, especially if made on shared equipment.

Most standard varieties of M&M's, including plain and peanut, are gluten-free by ingredients. However, Crispy M&M's and Pretzel M&M's contain gluten and should be avoided.

Besides the specific Reese's and Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars, other Hershey's products considered safe include Almond Joy, Mounds, Heath bars, Payday, Skor, and many varieties of Hershey's Kisses and Nuggets.