Why are Reese's shapes not gluten-free?

October 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Hershey Company, most Reese's peanut butter cups are considered gluten-free, yet their holiday-shaped counterparts—the popular eggs, trees, and pumpkins—are explicitly excluded from this list. For many with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this creates a confusing and often disappointing situation.

Quick Summary

Seasonal Reese's peanut butter shapes are not gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing facilities that also handle gluten-containing products. Though their ingredients may be inherently gluten-free, the production process makes them unsafe for individuals on a strict gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Cross-Contamination Risk: The primary reason seasonal Reese's shapes are not gluten-free is the high risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment in manufacturing facilities.
Separate Production: Regular Reese's cups and the seasonal shapes are often made in different facilities or on different production lines.
Ingredents Aren't the Issue: The ingredients for seasonal shapes are typically the same naturally gluten-free components as regular cups, but the production environment is the concern.
No Gluten-Free Claim: Hershey cannot confidently label seasonal shapes as gluten-free due to the risk of trace gluten exposure during production.
Check Labels and Official Lists: For those with Celiac disease, always check the manufacturer's official website or product label for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Certified Alternatives Exist: Brands like Justin's and Unreal offer certified gluten-free peanut butter cups for a safer treat option.

The Core Issue: Cross-Contamination

The fundamental reason Reese's seasonal shapes are not gluten-free, unlike their year-round counterparts, boils down to how and where they are manufactured. While the ingredients themselves are often the same naturally gluten-free components (peanuts, sugar, chocolate), the production environment is different. The seasonal eggs, trees, and pumpkins are typically produced in facilities that also handle products containing gluten, such as wheat.

For individuals with Celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an autoimmune response. A product must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be legally labeled "gluten-free" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because of the shared equipment and facilities, Hershey cannot guarantee that the seasonal shapes meet this stringent standard, making them a significant risk for anyone with a gluten intolerance.

The Ingredients vs. The Process

Many consumers are confused because they read the ingredient label on a Reese's egg or tree and don't see any obvious gluten-containing ingredients. This is a common point of misunderstanding in food allergies. The issue isn't what's in the recipe, but what the product may have come into contact with during manufacturing. This distinction is crucial for those who must avoid gluten completely.

Regular Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: The standard cups are made in a facility and on equipment that allows Hershey to ensure they meet the FDA's gluten-free standard.
Seasonal Shapes: The holiday varieties are often produced in separate, and less segregated, facilities to manage the high volume of seasonal production.

Understanding the Manufacturing Environment

Food manufacturing plants are complex, with multiple production lines and shared equipment for various products. While companies implement cleaning protocols, the risk of residual allergens, including gluten, is real. For seasonal production runs, manufacturers may use different or older equipment, or may outsource to a different facility entirely, which increases the possibility of cross-contact with gluten.

This is why you will see different labeling and statements regarding gluten-free status across the same brand, as the production location and processes vary. The seasonal candy market requires high-speed, high-volume manufacturing, and ensuring strict allergen segregation for limited-run items is not always feasible or cost-effective for companies.

Common Candy Manufacturing Risks

Shared Production Lines: The primary reason for cross-contamination, where equipment is not thoroughly cleaned between runs of different products.
Airborne Particles: Flour and other powdered ingredients can become airborne and settle on other equipment or products.
Supply Chain: Ingredients may be sourced from suppliers that also handle gluten, creating a risk before the ingredient even reaches the factory.

Comparison of Reese's Gluten-Free Status


Product Type	Gluten-Free Status	Reason	Suitable for Celiac?
Regular Reese's Cups	Yes	Ingredients are naturally gluten-free; manufactured on a dedicated line or with strict controls.	Yes, but always check the Hershey website for updates.
Seasonal Shapes (Eggs, Trees, Pumpkins)	No	Risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing facilities with gluten.	No.
Reese's Take 5 Bar	No	Contains pretzels, which are made with wheat flour.	No.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups with Pretzels	Yes	Contains gluten-free pretzels, per Hershey's list, but always confirm the current label.	Best to verify label for latest info.

Alternatives for Safe Enjoyment

For those who must strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet, there are alternatives that offer a similar peanut butter and chocolate flavor experience without the risk. These brands are often certified gluten-free, providing an extra layer of assurance for Celiac patients.

Justin's Organic Peanut Butter Cups: These are a well-regarded certified gluten-free option.
Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Another popular choice that is often certified gluten-free.
Free2b Sun Cups: A top-allergen-friendly option that is certified gluten-free.

Conclusion: Navigating Seasonal Sweets Safely

The reason Reese's shapes are not gluten-free is a critical distinction rooted in the manufacturing process rather than the ingredients themselves. While the delicious seasonal shapes offer a tasty twist, the risk of cross-contamination from shared facilities makes them unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. When enjoying candy, especially seasonal items, it is always best practice to consult the manufacturer's official allergen list and read product labels carefully, as manufacturing practices can change over time. Hershey provides updated lists on their website, which is the most reliable source for the latest allergen information. For a guaranteed gluten-free treat, explore the dedicated brands that offer certified alternatives.

For the latest information directly from the manufacturer, it's a good idea to check the official Hershey's gluten-free product list before consuming seasonal items.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Reese's products are gluten-free. While many standard items like the regular peanut butter cups and Reese's Pieces are considered gluten-free based on their ingredients, seasonal shapes and products containing pretzels are not.

Seasonal production often requires different or increased manufacturing capacity to meet demand, which may involve using different facilities or older production lines that also process gluten-containing products.

No, the seasonal shapes often use the same ingredients as the regular peanut butter cups. The issue is not the ingredients themselves but the risk of cross-contamination from the production environment.

According to Hershey's gluten-free list, the regular peanut butter cups are considered gluten-free. However, individuals with severe gluten sensitivity may still want to exercise caution, as they are not certified gluten-free.

The most reliable source is the official Hershey's website (Hersheyland.com), which maintains a current list of their gluten-free products.

Yes, several brands offer certified gluten-free alternatives, such as Justin's Organic Peanut Butter Cups and Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Because of the risk of cross-contamination, Hershey cannot guarantee that the products contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is the FDA standard for labeling a product as "gluten-free".

Reese's Puffs cereal is also not considered gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing, as it is made in a facility that processes other gluten-containing cereals.