For many chocolate and peanut butter fans, Reese's is the ultimate treat. But for people who are sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, one big question comes up: Are Reese's gluten free? In this blog, we will explore the gluten status of different Reese's products, their ingredients, and safe alternatives for those on a gluten free diet.
What Are Reese's?
Reese's is a popular brand owned by The Hershey Company, best known for its iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Over time, the brand has expanded to offer a wide variety of products, including Reese's Pieces, Reese's Sticks, Big Cups, holiday shapes, and more.
Are Reese's Gluten Free?
The Short Answer: Many Reese's products are gluten-free, but not all. Hershey states that some Reese's candies are gluten-free, while others are produced in facilities where cross-contamination may occur or contain gluten ingredients. It's crucial to check the packaging of each product before consuming.
Reese's Gluten Free Certified Products
The following Reese's products are labeled gluten-free:
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (classic and miniatures, except seasonal shapes)
- Reese's Pieces Candy
- Reese's Fast Break Bar
- Reese's Big Cup
- Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers Cups
These products are considered safe for gluten-free diets as they contain no gluten ingredients and are manufactured under gluten-free standards.
Reese's Products to Avoid
Some seasonal and specialty Reese's items may not be gluten-free due to added ingredients or production on shared equipment. Examples include:
- Reese's Eggs
- Reese's Hearts
- Reese's Trees
- Reese's Crunchy Cookie Big Cups
These may contain trace amounts of gluten from cross-contamination.
Ingredients in Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Typical ingredients include:
- Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, milk)
- Peanuts
- Sugar
- Dextrose
- Salt
- TBHQ (to preserve freshness)
No gluten-containing grains are listed in most classic Reese's candies.
Gluten Free Alternatives to Reese's
If you want to avoid cross-contamination risks, here are certified gluten-free peanut butter chocolate candies:
- Justin's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (certified gluten-free)
- Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (certified gluten-free)
- Free2b Sun Cups (gluten free, nut free option)
Conclusion
Many Reese's candies are safe for people on a gluten-free diet, but seasonal shapes and certain variations may not be gluten-free. Always check the ingredient label or Hershey’s website for updated gluten information before consuming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are all Reese's gluten-free?
No, not all varieties are gluten free. Seasonal and specialty shapes may be at risk for cross-contamination.
2. Are Reese's Miniatures gluten free?
Yes, classic Reese's Miniatures are gluten free, but holiday-shaped miniatures may not be.
3. Are Reese's Pieces gluten-free?
Yes, Reese's Pieces do not contain gluten ingredients and are labeled gluten free.
4. Are Reese's Eggs gluten-free?
No, Reese's Eggs are not guaranteed gluten-free due to possible cross contamination.
5. What is the safest gluten-free alternative to Reese's?
Brands like Justin’s and Unreal offer certified gluten-free peanut butter cups for those who need to avoid gluten completely.
