Gluten, a protein in many wheat, rye, and barley products, can put a damper on your sweet tooth if you are allergic to it or have celiac disease. Health magazine’s list of gluten-free products is perfect for those extra-sweet times of the year like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. These treats are also perfect for stashing on your desk or placing next to the office coffee pot for a pick-me-up.
But please remember, if you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, don’t take any chances. Manufacturers can sometimes change their recipes and methods, so if there’s any doubt, always read the ingredients list to make sure that your candy does not contain gluten. Also avoid treats that list wheat, rye, barley, or triticale on the label.
Ferrara Candy Company
Ferrara Candy Company does not offer an official list of gluten-free products. Some candies might be manufactured and packaged at sites that do not separate gluten-containing and gluten-free products. Instead, the company urges customers to contact Ferrara Consumer Relations to inquire about gluten-free options. Make sure that you refer to the label to see what ingredients the candy contains. Here’s a list of possible gluten-free candies made by Ferrara Candy Company:
- Fun Dip
- Laffy Taffy
- Nips
- Oh Henry!
- Raisinets
- Pixy Stix
Ferrero
Ferrero acquired Nestlé-branded candies, such as Butterfinger, in 2018. The company does not provide a list of gluten-free candies, so ensure that you check the label. Some variations of different candies, such as Butterfinger Crisp, might not be gluten-free. Here’s a list of possible gluten-free candies and treats made by Ferrero:
- Butterfinger
- Nutella
- Sno-Caps
- Tic Tacs
Hershey’s
Hershey’s provides a list of gluten-free candies on its site. Double-check the label for wheat, rye, barley, or triticale. Certain variations of candies may contain those ingredients. Here’s a list of gluten-free candies made by Hershey’s:
- Almond Joy
- Brookside Dark Chocolate
- Heath Bars
- Kisses
- Nuggets
- Milk Chocolate Bar
- Milk Duds
- Mounds
- PayDay
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- Reese’s Pieces
- Rolo Caramels
- Skor Toffee Bits
- York Peppermint Patties
Just Born
Just Born manufactures several gluten-free candies and provides a list on its site. Still, some candies might be manufactured and packaged at sites that handle gluten-containing products. Here’s a list of gluten-free candies made by Just Born:
- Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews
- Hot Tamales
- Just Born
- Mike and Ike
- Peeps
- Teenee Beanee
Sprangler Candy Company
According to Sprangler Candy Company, gluten-free candies are manufactured and packaged separately from gluten-containing products. Here’s a list of gluten-free candies made by Sprangler Candy Company:
- Candy Canes
- Circus Peanuts
- Dum Dums
- Saf-T-Pops
Other Gluten-Free Candies
There are several other companies that produce or specialize in gluten-free products. Here are other possible gluten-free candies and sweet treats:
- Annie’s Homegrown Fruit Snacks
- Boston Fruit Slices
- Enjoy Life Candies
- Gimbal’s Jelly Beans
- The Ginger People Candies
- Goobers
- Jelly Belly
- Pez
- See’s Candies
- Sour Patch Kids
- Tootsie Rolls
- Wrigley’s Gum
Tips for Finding Gluten-Free Treats
Many candies contain gluten, so it might be difficult to figure out what you can eat and what you must avoid. Here are some tips for choosing gluten-free candy:
- Contact the manufacturer: They can let you know whether the candy is made and packaged with gluten-containing products.
- Double-check the label: Look for wheat, rye, barley, or triticale. Remember that wheat-free does not always mean gluten-free.
- Limit your refined sugar intake: Fruits, dairy products, some grains, and vegetables are naturally gluten-free and have many essential nutrients.
- Talk to a healthcare provider: Let them know if you have undiagnosed gluten allergy or celiac disease symptoms. They can assess your symptoms and help you learn to avoid gluten-containing products.
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