Understanding Gluten and Why It Matters?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While harmless to most, it poses significant health issues for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. For them, even tiny amounts can trigger digestive problems, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms.
In the context of chocolate, gluten may not be an obvious ingredient. However, it's often hidden in additives, flavorings, or manufacturing environments.
Gluten Sensitivity vs. Celiac Disease
There are two primary reasons people avoid gluten:
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where gluten damages the small intestine.
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): A condition with symptoms similar to celiac, without the intestinal damage.
Both groups must be cautious of gluten, even in trace amounts, including in candy bars and chocolate products.
What Ingredients in Chocolate Might Contain Gluten?
Pure chocolate is naturally gluten free. However, mass produced chocolates often include the following gluten-containing ingredients:
- Malt flavoring (from barley)
- Cookie or pretzel inclusions
- Wheat-based thickeners or stabilizers
- Artificial flavorings made from gluten grains
That’s why checking the label is vital, even for your favorite chocolate bar.
Does Hershey's Label Gluten Free Products?
Yes, Hershey’s does label certain products as gluten free. According to their official food allergen information, items labeled “gluten-free” contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the FDA standard.
They also list gluten containing ingredients on their packaging, so always double-check.
Official Statement from The Hershey Company
Hershey's publicly states:
“We offer a wide variety of gluten-free products. We carefully manage our manufacturing process to avoid cross-contamination. Products explicitly labeled gluten-free meet FDA standards.”
You can find Hershey’s gluten-free list on their official site: Hershey land Gluten Free Products
Gluten Free Hershey’s Products List
Many of your favorite Hershey’s products are certified gluten-free. Here's a breakdown:
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
Original bars are gluten free (plain only). Variants like “Cookies ‘n’ Creme” are not gluten-free.
Hershey’s Kisses
Most classic flavors (milk chocolate, dark, almond) are gluten-free. Be cautious of seasonal or flavored varieties.
Hershey’s Special Dark
Standard bars and Kisses versions are gluten free. Always check for add-ins.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Standard size cups are gluten free. Miniatures and seasonal shapes may contain gluten due to shared lines.
Hershey’s Cocoa Powder
100% pure and gluten free, perfect for baking.
Products to Avoid That May Contain Gluten
Some Hershey’s products contain gluten or are produced in facilities that also process gluten:
- Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme
- Kit Kat (contains wafers)
- Whoppers
- Twizzlers (contains wheat flour)
- Brookside Chocolates (check individual labels)
Shared Facilities and Cross Contamination Risk
Even gluten-free labeled products can come from facilities that also handle gluten. While Hershey’s maintains cleaning protocols, cross contamination is always a possibility.
Tip: If you're highly sensitive, contact Hershey’s customer care for batch specific information.
How to Identify Gluten Free Labels?
Look for these on packaging:
- “Certified Gluten-Free” seal
- “Gluten-Free” statement under nutritional facts
- Avoid ambiguous terms like "natural flavors" unless clarified
Hershey’s vs Other Chocolate Brands Gluten Free Comparison
Brand | Gluten Free Options | Cross Contamination Risk | Labeling Clarity |
Hershey’s | High | Moderate | Good |
Lindt | Low | High | Poor |
Enjoy Life | Very High | Very Low (dedicated GF) | Excellent |
Nestlé | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Ghirardelli | Moderate | High | Poor |
Enjoy Life is safest for strict gluten free diets, but Hershey’s balances taste and clarity well.
Safe Practices for Gluten Free Chocolate Lovers
- Stick to labeled gluten free products
- Avoid bulk bins or unsealed items
- Wash hands before eating to avoid cross-contact
- Avoid seasonal items unless verified
Gluten Free Baking with Hershey’s Products
Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips are great for gluten-free baking.
Gluten Free Brownie Tip: Use almond flour and Hershey’s cocoa powder for rich, chewy brownies.
Tips for Reading Ingredient Labels
- Avoid: barley malt, wheat starch, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Be cautious with: "natural flavors" or “modified food starch”
- Look for: certified gluten free symbols
Customer Reviews and Celiac Community Feedback
Most celiac consumers report positive experiences with Hershey’s classic chocolate lines. However, reviews warn against seasonal variations, which often don’t follow the same labeling standards.
Conclusion
Hershey’s offers a variety of safe, delicious options for gluten free consumers. With clear labeling, mindful manufacturing practices, and plenty of gluten free treats, it's easy to indulge confidently. Just remember to always check labels and stay informed for peace of mind.
FAQs
1. Is Hershey’s Milk Chocolate gluten free?
Yes, the classic bar is gluten free, but varieties with cookie or wafer add ins are not.
2. Are Hershey’s Kisses safe for celiacs?
Most standard Kisses are gluten free, but avoid seasonal ones unless labeled.
3. Is cocoa powder gluten free?
Hershey’s 100% cocoa powder is naturally gluten-free.
4. What about Reese’s Cups?
The standard size is gluten-free. Minis and seasonal shapes may contain gluten.
5. How does Hershey’s handle cross contamination?
They follow standard cleaning procedures, but some products are made on shared lines.
