Are Twizzlers gluten-free? If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you might be wondering about the availability of gluten-free candies. The good news is that many of your favorite candies may actually be gluten-free. In this guide, we’ll explore some popular candy brands and their gluten-free offerings. Please note that specific ingredients and formulations may change over time, so it’s essential to read labels carefully before consuming any candy. Always consult with your doctor if you have specific concerns.
Hershey’s
Hershey’s offers an extensive list of gluten-free candies. The list, last updated in September 2015 and evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), includes 147 different products. To earn the gluten-free designation, candies must contain less than 20 parts per million of prohibited proteins or derivatives.
Gluten-free candies from Hershey’s include:
- Almond Joy (all types except Almond Joy Pieces)
- Heath Bars
- Hershey’s Filled Kisses (milk chocolate filled with caramel, milk chocolate filled with cherry cordial creme, vanilla creme, and dark chocolate filled with mint truffle)
- Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate, special dark, Hugs, pumpkin spice, carrot cake, meltaway, and deluxe)
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar (1.55 oz. size only)
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar with Almonds (1.45 oz. size only)
- Hershey’s Milk Duds
- Hershey’s Nuggets (milk chocolate, milk chocolate with almonds, special dark, special dark with almonds, and extra creamy milk chocolate with toffee and almonds)
- Mounds bars
- Payday
- Reese’s Fast Break bar
- Reese’s Nutrageous bar
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (all except unwrapped minis and any seasonal shapes)
- Reese’s Pieces (all except Reese’s Pieces eggs)
- Rollo Caramels in Milk Chocolate (all except minis)
- Skor Toffee bars
- York Peppermint Patties (all except York Pieces, York Minis, and York Shapes)
Hershey’s also offers a range of gluten-free baking bars, baking chips, and cocoas. Some candies, such as 5th Avenue bars, Take 5 bars, and Whoppers, likely contain gluten. Always check the labels for detailed information.
MARS Chocolate
MARS does not provide a specific list of gluten-free candies on its website. Instead, the company emphasizes the importance of reading labels. Packaging labels clearly indicate any proteins or cross-contamination risks, using easily recognizable terms like wheat, barley, and rye.
Gluten-free candies from MARS include:
- 3 Musketeers bars
- M&Ms (all except pretzel, crispy, and certain holiday varieties)
- Milky Way Midnight and Caramel bars
- Dove (all except Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Graham and Cookies and Cream varieties)
- Snickers bars
Certain candies from MARS, such as Pretzel M&Ms, Crispy M&Ms, and certain holiday M&Ms, may contain gluten. Always read the labels carefully and watch out for any cross-contamination risks mentioned.
Nestlé
Nestlé offers some candies with special labeling indicating that they are gluten-free. These candies have undergone testing by the FDA, ensuring that any gluten protein or derivatives are below 20 parts per million. However, some candies from Nestlé may have been processed on equipment that could potentially expose them to gluten.
Gluten-free candies from Nestlé include:
- Baby Ruth
- Bit-O-Honey
- Butterfinger (original flavor bar only, not Crisp or Giant bars)
- Crunch bars (regular size, but not fun-size)
- Raisinets (all flavors)
- Sno-Caps
- SweeTarts (regular and mini chewy)
Nestlé advises consumers to read the labels carefully and reach out to their customer service for the most up-to-date information regarding gluten-free status and potential cross-contamination risks.
Skittles and Starburst
Skittles and Starburst, both manufactured by Wrigley, are generally considered gluten-free. However, Wrigley advises consumers to check the packaging for any specific gluten-related information, as ingredients and manufacturing processes may vary.
Jelly Belly
Jelly Belly jelly beans are gluten-free. The company states that all their flavors, including their iconic buttered popcorn flavor, are free from gluten. However, it’s crucial to note that Jelly Belly does produce other products that contain gluten, so cross-contamination is possible. Always check the packaging for detailed information.
Tootsie Roll Industries
Tootsie Roll Industries offers a variety of gluten-free candies. Some popular options include:
- Tootsie Rolls (original, flavored, and fruit chews)
- Tootsie Pops
- Junior Mints
- Charleston Chew (original and flavored varieties)
- Dots
- Sugar Daddy
- Andes mints
Tootsie Roll Industries recommends checking the packaging for any allergen-related information and reaching out to their customer service if you have specific concerns.
Conclusion
While this guide provides an overview of gluten-free options from popular candy brands, it’s crucial to remember that formulations and ingredients can change. Always read the labels carefully and look for any specific gluten-related information. If you have severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and recommendations.
