The Ultimate Gluten-Free Candy List

Finding gluten-free candy that’s both tasty and compliant with dietary restrictions is a common hurdle for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It’s not just about avoiding gluten but discovering delicious alternatives that cater to these specific needs. Gluten-free candy isn’t merely an indulgence; it’s necessary for many, ensuring they don’t miss out on the joys of sweet treats.

As someone who has lived with celiac disease and followed a strict gluten-free diet, I understand the challenges that come with this lifestyle. Navigating the candy aisles requires careful label reading and brand knowledge. My journey has equipped me with the expertise to discern which candies are safe, allowing me to share valuable insights and recommendations with others facing similar challenges.

This article is more than a list of gluten-free candies; it’s a guide to help you make informed choices. Understanding your options is empowering, allowing you to enjoy candy without concern. As we delve into the specifics, you’ll find practical tips and trustworthy options, ensuring your gluten-free journey is a little sweeter.

How to tell if candy is gluten-free

Criteria for Gluten-Free Candy

To determine if a candy is gluten-free, you need to consider its ingredients. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. So, any candy that does not contain these grains or their derivatives can be considered gluten-free.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

While some candies may seem harmless, they could still contain hidden sources of gluten. Common ingredients that may contain gluten include malt, dextrin, modified food starch, and certain flavorings. It’s essential to be aware of these ingredients when checking if a candy is truly gluten-free.

Reading Labels and Allergen Warnings

When shopping for candy, always read the labels carefully. Look for allergen warnings or statements about whether the product contains gluten. Manufacturers are required by law to disclose major allergens on their packaging. If a candy has been certified as gluten-free by a reputable organization, it will usually display a certification logo on the packaging.

Online Resources for Verification

If you’re unsure about the gluten-free status of a particular candy brand or product, online resources are available to help verify its status. Visit the manufacturer’s website for detailed ingredient information and any specific statements regarding gluten content. Third-party organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation or Beyond Celiac provide lists and databases of verified gluten-free products.

By following these guidelines and utilizing online resources when needed, you can confidently determine whether a candy is truly gluten-free before indulging in your favorite treats.

Gluten-Free Candy List

Hershey

Hershey is one of the US’s largest and most popular candy manufacturers. They offer many delicious treats, including many gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. Here are some of the gluten-free candy products from Hershey:

• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars
• Hershey’s Kisses (except for the ones with cookies or pretzels)
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (except for the seasonal shapes and Unwrapped Minis)
• Almond Joy Candy (except Almond Joy Pieces)
• Heath Bars
• Hershey’s Nuggets Chocolates
• Hershey’s Milk Duds
• Mounds Bars
• Payday Candy
• Reese’s Pieces (except Eggs)
• Rolo Caramels in Milk Chocolate (all except Minis)
• Sharffen Berger
• Skor Toffee Bars
• York Peppermint Patties (all except York Pieces, Minis, and Shapes)

It’s important to note that not all candy products from Hershey are gluten-free. Some examples of candy that contain gluten include Kit Kat, Whoppers, and Twizzlers. So, if you’re looking for gluten-free options, check the labels or refer to Hershey’s official list.

Mars

According to their website:

“While some Wrigley products may contain gluten, the majority of our products are gluten-free. In general, we avoid using ingredients that contain gluten where they serve no functional purpose or can be replaced by gluten-free alternatives; however, ingredients and formulas may vary between regions. When the use of ingredients containing gluten is critical to the product taste experience, we follow all labeling requirements to allow our consumers to make an informed choice. We always advise consumers who are concerned about food sensitivities to read the label and check with their doctor if they have questions.”

Because of this, no Mars/Wrigley products are labeled gluten-free, so if you have celiac, I would advise against their products. Otherwise, the following list of candies do not contain any gluten ingredients (again, keep in mind they are NOT Certified Gluten Free):

• M&M’s (except for the ones with pretzels or crispy rice)
• Snickers
• Milky Way Midnight and Caramel (Original is NOT gluten-free)
• 3 Musketeers
• Lifesavers
• Skittles
• Starburst
• Dove (except Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Graham and Cookies and Cream)

For more information on Snickers, check out my article: Are Snickers Gluten-Free?

Nestle

Nestle is another major player in the candy industry, offering a wide range of gluten-free candy options. Nestle has got you covered if you’re on a gluten-free diet and craving something sweet. Here are some of their delicious gluten-free candy products:

• Butterfinger (Original flavor ONLY)
• Bit-O-Honey
• Milk Chocolate
• Goobers
• Nips (including both regular and sugar-free)
• Oh Henry!
• Raisinets (including Cranberry and Dark Chocolate flavors)
• Sno-Caps
• Wonka Pixy Stix
• Wonka Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip

While Nestle offers plenty of gluten-free options, there are also some popular candies from their lineup that do contain gluten. These include Crunch bars, 100 Grand bars, Wonka Nerds, and Baby Ruth.

Remember always to read the labels carefully and look out for any potential allergens, such as nuts or dairy products, that may be present in the manufacturing process.

Ferrara

Ferrara is a subsidiary of the Ferrero Group, known for producing iconic candy brands in the US. They’ve got you covered with a variety of delicious treats.

Ferrara offers a wide range of gluten-free candy products catering to different tastes. Some popular gluten-free options from Ferrara include:

• Atomic Fireballs
• All Ferrara Gummies
• All Black Forest Gummies
• All Sathers Gummies
• All Trolli Gummies (except Trolli Sour Brite Bites and Trolli Twisted Sour Brite Crawlers)
• All Jellies (Gum Drops, Orange Slices, etc)
• Bob’s Sweet Stripes
• Boston Baked Beans
• Brach’s Wild ‘N Fruity Gummi Worms
• Brach’s Candy Corn – All Varieties
• Brach’s Chocolates – Peanut Caramel Clusters, Peanut Clusters, Stars, Chocolate Covered Raisins,
• Brach’s Cinnamon Disks
• Brach’s Cinnamon Imperials
• Brach’s Conversation Hearts
• Brach’s Jelly Bean Nougats
• Brach’s Lemon Drops
• Brach’s Halloween Mellowcremes – All Varieties
• Candy Canes (Bob’s, Brach’s, Lemonhead & Friends, Red Hots)
• Cherry Sours
• Fruit Snacks (Ferrara, Black Forest, Trolli)
• Gumballs
• Jawbreakers / Jawbusters
• Jelly Beans
• Juju’s
• Jujy’s
• Lemonheads
• Lemonheads & Friends Conversation Hearts
• Tropical Chewy Lemonhead
• Chewy Lemonhead & Friends
• Berry Chewy Lemonhead
• Cherryhead
• Grapehead
• Now & Later
• Red Hot’s

For a comprehensive list of Ferrara’s gluten-free products and ingredients, you can visit their website here. They provide detailed information on which products are safe for those following a gluten-free diet.

Tootsie Roll

According to their website:

“At this time, all of our confections are gluten-free.” So you’ll be safe with all of their products. Some of their most popular brands include:

• Tootsie Rolls
• Tootsie Pops
• Dots
• Caramel Apple Pops
• Andes

For a complete list of Tootsie Roll’s gluten-free products and ingredients, you can visit their website here.

Just Born

According to their website:

“We offer many gluten-free products under the MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES®, PEEPS®, GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®, TEENEE BEANEE®, and JUST BORN® brands, and we are in the process of updating package labels to include gluten-free statements where appropriate.  The modified food starch that we use in our candies is corn starch.  However, because some of our products may be manufactured and/or packaged in a facility that may also handle non-gluten-free products, we encourage consumers to read the labels carefully for the most up-to-date ingredient and allergen information.”

What this all means is while the products listed above do not contain gluten ingredients, they are NOT certified gluten-free! If you suffer from celiac, I would not recommend any of their candies. Better to be safe than sorry.

Smarties

According to their website, “All Smarties® products are gluten-free and safe to eat for people with Celiac Disease,” so even with celiac, the following will be safe:

• Smarties: All flavors and sizes
• Smarties Lollies
• Smarties Mega Lollies

To get more details about their gluten-free products and ingredients, you can visit Smartie’s website, with a dedicated page listing all their gluten-free options.

Welch’s

• Welch’s Fruit Snacks

• Welch’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Snacks
• Welch’s Fruit Rolls

Spangler

According to their website: 

“Spangler Candy Company is dedicated to making quality products. This is especially important given the rise in recent years of food allergies, food intolerances, and cases of celiac disease.”

The following Spangler products are free of gluten:

• Dum Dums 
• Spangler Candy Canes
• Saf-T-Pops

For more information, check their allergen page here.

The Bottom Line

With the insights from our gluten-free candy list, you’re now better equipped to select treats that align with your dietary needs. We’ve discussed various brands, from Hershey to Nestle, providing essential details to make your candy choices easier and safer.

Encouraging others about these gluten-free options can make a big difference. Share this knowledge with friends and family who may also benefit. Let’s spread the joy of safe, gluten-free indulgence together!

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