Shopping for gluten free Valentine’s Candy shouldn’t be as hard as it is sometimes. Manufacturers have come up with so many different food labels to describe (or not, as the case may be) the manufacturing environment and other risks involved with cross-contamination, that it can be complicated to find safe candy.
I’ve done the hard work for you in this Gluten Free Valentine’s Candy List, identifying great gluten free candy options to make your shopping trip much simpler.
I’m also giving you the tools below so you know what to look for and how to identify and interpret what these manufacturers are saying about their foods. This information is applicable not just to candy, but to any other packaged foods, so take it to heart. Find out more about shopping for safe gluten free products and what a gluten free certification means in this linked post.
Go here for an updated safe Gluten Free Halloween Candy List
Go here for an updated safe Gluten Free Easter Candy List
Go here for an updated safe Gluten Free Passover Candy List
Are Reese’s Gluten Free?
One of the most popular candies for every holiday are Reese’s Cups. Unfortunately, if you spend any time on social media at all, the information about whether Reese’s are gluten free is a little muddled.
Here’s the scoop: Reese’s is part of the Hershey’s Company, which always directs consumers to their packaging for the most updated allergen information, however, the Reese’s site also says that “All varieties of REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups are gluten-free except for seasonally shaped items.”
So why are seasonal Reese’s not gluten-free? It’s because the seasonal shapes are made in other manufacturing facilities where gluten is present.
To be safe, stick with traditional Reese’s shapes, and look for the Hershey’s gluten-free claim on those packages.
Are Candy Hearts Gluten Free?
The most iconic Valentine’s Day candy is the classic conversational candy heart box. So, which candy hearts are gluten free and which are not?
The original — Sweethearts Candies made by Spangler — do not say gluten-free on their packaging, but the website makes a gluten-free claim and there are no gluten free ingredients listed.
In contrast, Sweetarts Brand (Ferrara Candies) makes a claim that their conversational hearts are made in a facility which also handles wheat. The website does not offer additional information.
Brach’s conversational hearts are also manufactured by Ferrara Candies. They make a similar “made a facility” claim, however the website does not list wheat as a potential cross-contact allergen. In cases like this, always rely on the packaging of the product in your hand.
An inquiry with the Ferrara company yielded no insight into the gluten-free status of their candies. Saying that their candies are not certified gluten free is obvious; tell me more about whether you are doing anything to keep gluten out of an otherwise gluten free product.
It’s up to you whether such a “made in a facility” claim is concerning or not. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything, as there is no standard for this statement.
Instead, you could opt for a newer “conversational” candy from Hershey’s, if you’d like. These Hershey’s Conversation Kisses have messages on the bottom of each chocolate kiss.
They contain dairy and soy, but there is a clear “gluten free” claim on the packaging.
Which Valentine’s Day Chocolates are Gluten Free?
Like other products, look for gluten free labels on Valentine’s Day chocolates. Here are some examples from the Hersheys’ company, not all of which are gluten free.
York Peppermint Patties are always a good choice for gluten free chocolate candies. Here, you can see the clear gluten free label, even on the seasonal heart shapes.
In contrast, these Hershey’s Meltaways are NOT labeled gluten free. According to Hershey’s, if their candies are gluten free, they will be labeled as such on the packaging and on the product page on their site. Hershey’s also maintains a listing of their gluten free products which is linked here.
Other Hershey’s Valentine’s Day candies like their Cookies and Cream chocolates are also not labeled as gluten-free, despite having no gluten ingredients.
Other brands of Valentine’s Day chocolates to consider …
Tootsie Roll candies are always gluten free, and a great choice for sharing at Valentine’s Day! Their packaging prominently displays both a gluten-free and a peanut-free claim.
Are Heart Shaped Chocolate Boxes Gluten Free?
The classic Russell Stover or Whitman’s Sampler Boxes are always full of mixes of chocolates (you never know what’s inside, right?). From the Russell Stover site (they make both brands),
The classic heart-shaped box chocolates will vary, but this one has no allergen statement, for example …
While others, may bear something like this one:
Bottom line: read every package, and avoid altogether if you’re concerned about wheat being used on the same equipment.
What Kind of Gummies are Gluten Free?
When looking for gummy candy, it’s important to know which gummy candy is gluten free, as not all gummies are gluten free. In fact, the most recognizable brand — Haribo Gummi Bears — are no longer gluten free.
In contrast to a “made in a facility claim,” a “may contain wheat” claim is one that everyone should take seriously when looking for gluten free products. Instead look for Alabanese Gummi Bears which are labeled gluten free.
For other types of gummy candies, look for Frooties brand, Yum Earth (also makes gluten free gummy bears candy), or the Torie and Howard brand, displaying a clear gluten-free label.
Welch’s also makes seasonal and evergreen packaging for gluten-free fruit snacks.
Starburst and Skittles candies are also gluten-free and have gluten-free claims on their packaging. These Valentine’s Day classroom-sized exchange bags are super handy!
Lifesavers is another go-to gluten-free candy option.
Charms candies are also a safe gluten-free bet. They display a clear gluten-free and peanut-free label.
Sour Patch Kids products don’t bear a gluten free claim, but when I inquired with the company, this is what I was told:
There is no allergen disclosure on these labels.
Safe Gluten Free Brands for Valentine’s Day
It’s always nice to find brands whose business is gluten-free, and when they make special seasonal items, it’s all the more fun!
Here are a few you may find at this time of year.
Yum Earth makes chocolates as well as fruity/gummy candies that are all Top 9 and gluten-free.
Partake Cookies are all Top 9 allergen-free and certified gluten free, but made with oats.
Made Good Bars are also Top 9 allergen-free and certified gluten free, but made with oats.
Siete Foods makes certified gluten free grain-free, paleo, soy-free, vegan foods like these yummy cinnamon churro strips.
For a savory option, these certified gluten free sharable snack bags of Garden Veggie Sea Salt-Flavored Veggie Chips offer 30% less fat than leading regular potato chips with no artificial preservatives or flavors.
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