What Candy Is Gluten-Free? The Complete Guide

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you already know to avoid foods like bread, pasta, and cereals that contain wheat and other glutenous grains. But what about when you’re craving something sweet? You may be wondering, “What candy is gluten-free?”

Surprisingly, many popular candies are naturally gluten-free. However, some processed candies may contain gluten, either as a direct ingredient or due to cross-contamination during manufacturing. So, how can you ensure your sweet treats are safe? This guide will help you identify which candies are gluten-free and which to avoid, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without worry.

Key Takeaways

• Most major candy brands like Hershey, Wrigley, Nestle, and Ferrero offer gluten-free options.
• Cross-contamination can occur in candy manufacturing, so always check labels.
• You can also make your own gluten-free candy at home, including hard candy, gummies, and candy bars.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a class of proteins found naturally in grains like wheat, barley, rye, and derivatives such as durum, semolina, and triticale. It helps foods maintain their shape and texture, which is why it’s often used in bread and other baked goods.

In the candy industry, gluten is sometimes added for its textural benefits. However, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues for people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies. To maintain a gluten-free diet, it’s essential to be vigilant about the ingredients in your candy.

Gluten-Free Candy List

Whether you’re looking for natural gluten-free options or processed candies that don’t contain gluten, here’s a comprehensive list of safe-to-eat sweets.

Naturally Gluten-Free Candies

• Pure Chocolate: Chocolate in its pure form is gluten-free. However, always check for added flavorings or emulsifiers that may contain gluten.
• Gummies: While many gummies contain glucose syrup derived from wheat, several brands like Ferrara and Bob’s Sweet Stripes offer gluten-free versions.
• Hard Candies: Look for gluten-free hard candies like mint and butterscotch varieties, as some brands use gluten for structural purposes.

Gluten-Free Versions of Popular Candies

• Twizzlers: Unfortunately, traditional Twizzlers contain wheat. However, alternatives like Clif Strawberry Fruit Ropes and Yum Earth Organic Licorice are excellent gluten-free options.
• Skittles: Manufactured by Wrigley, Skittles are gluten-free, and the brand indicates this clearly on their packaging.
• M&Ms: Most M&M varieties are gluten-free, including Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Peanut, Almond, Hazelnut Spread, Fudge Brownie, and Coffee Nut.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: These are typically gluten-free, except for seasonal shapes like Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, which may contain gluten due to cross-contamination.

Related: What Cereals Are Gluten Free? From Oatmeal to Cornflakes

Tips for Buying Gluten-Free Candy

When shopping for gluten-free candy, consider the following tips:

• Read Labels Carefully: The FDA requires food manufacturers to disclose if a product contains gluten. Look for a gluten-free label or check the ingredient list for any wheat, barley, or rye derivatives.
• Check for Cross-Contamination: Even if a candy doesn’t contain gluten, it may be produced on equipment that processes gluten-containing foods. If you have celiac disease, it’s best to choose candies labeled as certified gluten-free.
• Be Wary of Ingredient Changes: Candy manufacturers often update ingredients without notice. Always double-check the label before purchasing.
• Explore New Brands: If a beloved brand introduces gluten into their products, consider trying one of the many alternative gluten-free candy brands available.

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Making Your Own Gluten-Free Candy

Making your own gluten-free candy ensures you control all the ingredients and avoid cross-contamination. Here are a few easy-to-follow recipes to get started:

Gluten-Free Chocolate Candy Recipe

Here are the steps to make your own gluten-free chocolate candy:

1. Put one cup of dark chocolate chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips into a bowl.
2. Mix one cup of heavy cream, four tablespoons of butter, and two tablespoons of honey, then heat the mixture.
3. Stir the mixture to dissolve the honey and help the butter to melt. Don’t let it boil; instead, bring it to a simmer.
4. Pour the hot mixture into the chocolate chip bowl and stir until it forms a smooth dark paste.
5. Add two tablespoons of vanilla to the mixture and continue stirring.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
7. Using a cooking scoop, make small balls and coat them with a topping of your choice. The candy is now ready to eat.

Homemade Gluten-Free Gummies Recipe

Making gummy candy is straightforward if you follow these steps. First, you’ll need a gummy bear mold or any other shaped mold to shape your candy.

1. Add three ounces of flavored gelatin and one and a quarter ounces of unflavored gelatin in a bowl.
2. Add cold water to the mixture and stir.
3. Leave the mixture at room temperature for ten minutes, then heat the mixture in the microwave for one minute to dissolve any remaining sugar.
4. Rub the mold with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Pour the mixture into the mold cavities and refrigerate for ten minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy the candy.

DIY Gluten-Free Hard Candy Recipe

Here are the steps to make hard candy at home:

1. Pour a tablespoon of sugar and corn syrup, and water into a saucepan and stir.
2. Heat the mixture to dissolve the sugar until it reaches 260º F. You can use a candy thermometer to help you with this.
3. Add flavoring to the mixture after boiling and stir.
4. Pour the syrup onto a pre-prepared mold or a flat pan lined with a cookie sheet.
5. Let the syrup cool slowly at room temperature until it hardens. Don’t refrigerate.
6. Break the candy into small pieces and store it in air-tight containers to serve.

Other DIY Candy Ideas: Gluten-Free Candy Bars

To make gluten-free candy bars, follow these steps:

1. Line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.
2. Add one and ¾ cups of gluten-free cake flour, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, and half a cup of sugar, then mix with a stirring whip.
3. Create a well in the mixture and add eight tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature and two tablespoons of lukewarm water.
4. Knead the mixture until it becomes smooth.
5. Flatten the knead, then cut it into three-and-a-half-inch long and a-half-inch wide slices of dough. Repeat this process with one pound of premade soft caramel.
6. Make holes in the dough with a toothpick and place in a 325° preheated oven. Bake for ten minutes.
7. Join the baked dough slices with the caramel slices and dip them in melted chocolate.
8. Dry at room temperature and serve.

Hershey’s Gluten-Free List

Hershey’s is a well-known brand offering a variety of gluten-free options. Visit the Hershey website for a comprehensive list of gluten-free products.

Related: The Ultimate Guide on How to Go Dairy and Gluten Free

Gluten-Free Candy FAQs

What Candy Is Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free?

The following candies are both gluten-free and dairy-free: Enjoy Life, Jelly Belly, Jolly Rancher, Life Savers, Mike and Ike's, Necco Wafers, No Whey Chocolates, Skittles, Smarties, Sour Patch Kids, Starburst, Surf Sweets, Swedish Fish, SweeTARTS, Welch’s Fruit Snacks, YumEarth Lollipops, YumEarth Sour Beans, Zollipops.

Are Tootsie Rolls Gluten-Free?

Yes, Tootsie Rolls do not contain gluten and are made in a facility that prevents cross-contamination.

Are Starburst Gluten-Free?

Yes, Starburst candies are gluten-free in the United States. However, be cautious when purchasing abroad, as ingredients may vary by country.

Related: What Chips Are Gluten-Free? Make Your Own at Home

Final Thoughts

Eating candy should be an enjoyable experience, not a cause for concern. Understanding which candies are gluten-free and how to identify them ensures that you can indulge safely. With the knowledge shared in this article, you can confidently choose candies that suit your dietary needs.

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References: Healthline, Celiac.org, FDA