Which Reese's cups are gluten-free? Your comprehensive guide

The creamy, chocolatey combination of a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup is a favorite for millions, but for those with gluten sensitivities, the question remains: which Reese's cups are gluten-free? The simple answer is that most standard, year-round varieties are free of gluten ingredients, while the seasonally-shaped products are not due to cross-contamination concerns during manufacturing.

Quick Summary

Most classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, including miniatures and special editions like Dark Chocolate or Pieces-Stuffed, are considered gluten-free. Seasonal shapes like eggs or pumpkins are not due to production line cross-contamination, requiring careful label checking for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Key Points

• Standard Cups are Safe: The classic, regular-shaped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, in all sizes, are generally gluten-free.

• Avoid Seasonal Shapes: Reese's eggs, pumpkins, trees, and other holiday shapes are NOT gluten-free due to manufacturing cross-contamination risks.

• Take 5 is a No-Go: The REESE'S TAKE 5 bar is not gluten-free because it contains wheat-based pretzels.

• Reese's Pieces are Safe: The popular candy-coated Reese's Pieces are listed as gluten-free.

• Check the Label for Assurance: While most classic products are safe, always check the package for the 'gluten-free' label, especially for new or limited-edition items.

• Not Third-Party Certified: Reese's products are not third-party certified gluten-free, which may be a concern for highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease.

• Alternatives Available: Several certified gluten-free peanut butter cup alternatives exist for those with high sensitivity.

A Sweet Fact: Most Classic Reese's Cups Are Gluten-Free

For fans of the classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, the news is good: the original, full-size, and miniature versions are considered gluten-free. Hershey's states that the ingredients in these products do not contain gluten-containing components. This includes milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white creme varieties, and King Size options. Hershey's adheres to the FDA's standard for gluten-free labeling (less than 20 ppm gluten). Many packages are now marked as gluten-free.

The Crucial Exception: Avoid Seasonal Shaped Reese's

Holiday-themed Reese's, such as eggs, trees, and pumpkins, are not gluten-free. Although ingredients may not contain gluten, they are made on shared equipment that processes gluten-containing products, posing a cross-contamination risk.

Don't Forget the Details: Products to Double-Check

Not all Reese's products are gluten-free. For example, the REESE'S TAKE 5 Candy Bar contains pretzels made with wheat flour, and Reese's Puffs cereal may contain wheat due to cross-contamination. Always check labels, especially for products with added ingredients. The official Hershey's website provides the most reliable information.

Reese's and Celiac Disease: What to Know

For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. While Reese's meets FDA standards, they are not typically certified gluten-free by third parties. Most with celiac can eat standard cups, but those highly sensitive should be cautious. The decision depends on individual sensitivity.

Comparing Reese's Gluten-Free Status

Product Name	Gluten-Free Status	Notes
Classic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	Yes	No gluten ingredients; meets FDA standards.
Reese's Miniatures	Yes	Contains no gluten ingredients; clearly labeled.
Reese's Pieces Candy	Yes	Ingredients are gluten-free.
Seasonal Shapes (Eggs, Pumpkins)	No	Made on shared equipment, high risk of cross-contamination.
REESE'S TAKE 5 Candy Bar	No	Contains pretzels made with wheat flour.
Reese's Puffs Cereal	No	Risk of cross-contamination, explicitly stated on label.
Reese's with Pretzels Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups	Yes	Surprisingly, these are listed as gluten-free. Always check the label to confirm.

A Growing Market: Gluten-Free Alternatives

For those needing stricter gluten-free options, brands like Justin's, Unreal, and Free2b offer certified gluten-free peanut butter cups, often using dedicated lines for higher safety assurance.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Reese's Choices

To determine which Reese's are gluten-free, differentiate between standard and seasonal products. Most regular Reese's are gluten-free, but seasonal shapes should be avoided due to cross-contamination. Always check for the 'gluten-free' label. For those with severe celiac, consider personal risk tolerance or certified alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Reese's eggs gluten-free?

No, Reese's eggs and other seasonal-shaped products like pumpkins and trees are not gluten-free. They are produced on shared equipment with other products containing gluten, leading to a risk of cross-contamination.

Is Reese's Take 5 gluten-free?

No, the REESE'S TAKE 5 candy bar is not gluten-free. It explicitly contains pretzels, which are made with wheat flour.

Are Reese's miniatures gluten-free?

Yes, Reese's miniatures, including both the milk chocolate and white creme versions, are gluten-free. They are made without gluten-containing ingredients and are on the official gluten-free product list from Hershey's.

Are Reese's certified gluten-free?

No, Reese's products are not certified gluten-free by a third-party organization. However, many varieties are designated as gluten-free based on meeting the FDA's standard of less than 20 ppm gluten.

Are Reese's Pieces gluten-free?

Yes, Reese's Pieces candy is considered gluten-free. The ingredients list for this product does not contain any gluten.

Are Reese's Puffs cereal gluten-free?

No, Reese's Puffs cereal is not gluten-free. The product label notes a risk of cross-contamination with wheat ingredients.

Is it safe for someone with celiac disease to eat regular Reese's cups?

For most individuals with celiac disease, the standard Reese's cups are safe, as they meet FDA gluten-free standards. However, because they are not third-party certified, highly sensitive individuals should exercise caution due to the potential for trace gluten.