Following a gluten-free diet means navigating the candy aisle with care. While many candies are naturally gluten-free, others contain hidden gluten from ingredients like wheat, barley malt, or cookie mix-ins. Cross-contamination during manufacturing can also be a concern, especially for people with celiac disease.
The good news: there are plenty of delicious gluten-free candies you can enjoy confidently once you know what to look for.
How to Find Safe Gluten-Free Candy Options
Most candy is made from sugar, dairy, chocolate, fruit, or gelatin, which are naturally gluten-free.
The risk comes from:
- Barley malt (common in chocolate candies)
- Cookie or wafer pieces
- Wheat-based glucose syrup
- Shared manufacturing equipment
Gluten-Free Candies Worth Trying
Below are some of the most reliable types of gluten-free candy, along with what to watch for when shopping.
1. Gluten-Free Caramel
Caramel is one of the best gluten-free candy options because traditional caramel is made from sugar, butter, and dairy, which contain no gluten.
Béquet Gourmet Caramel is a standout in this category. Our caramels are certified gluten-free, made in a nut-free facility, and slow-cooked in Montana using all-natural ingredients like tapioca syrup, antibiotic-free dairy, and pure brown sugar.
Some favorites include:
- Classic Vanilla (soft, buttery, and timeless)
- Celtic Sea Salt® (balanced sweetness with a clean salt finish)
- Salted Butterscotch (warm, nostalgic flavor with sophistication)
- Salt-Chocolate (dark chocolate caramel finished with sea salt)
If you love caramel, this is one category where gluten-free doesn’t feel like a compromise
2. Gluten-Free Hard Candies
Many hard candies are naturally gluten-free, especially simple varieties like:
- Mints
- Lollipops
- Butterscotch discs
- Fruit drops
The key is to check the ingredient list for barley malt or wheat-based glucose syrup, which some brands use for texture. Hard candy is often one of the easiest gluten-free candy categories to shop for, as long as you read labels carefully.
3. Gluten-Free Gummies and Fruit Snacks
Gummies can be gluten-free, but they are not always safe by default.
Look for gummies made with:
- Gelatin
- Pectin
- Fruit juice concentrates
Avoid gummies that include cookie pieces, sour coatings made with questionable starches, or may contain wheat warnings.
If you are highly sensitive, choose gummies that are clearly labeled gluten-free or certified gluten-free.
4. Pure Chocolate (Without Mix-Ins)
Plain chocolate is naturally gluten-free.
The problems start when brands add:
- Wafer pieces
- Cookie crumbs
- Malted crispies
- Brownie bits
If you want a safer option, choose:
- Plain dark chocolate
- Plain milk chocolate
- Simple chocolate truffles without cookie layers
Always double-check ingredient lists, because barley malt is surprisingly common in chocolate candies.
5. Gluten-Free Taffy and Chewy Candy
Taffy and chewy candy stay naturally gluten-free without added thickeners or binders. Chewy strips provide satisfying texture and vibrant flavor while maintaining ingredient simplicity, making them a reliable choice for gluten-conscious snacking.
Reading Labels for Gluten-Free Confidence
If you are shopping for gluten-free candy, ingredient lists matter more than branding.
Look for red flags like:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt (often barley malt)
- May contain wheat
- Processed in a facility that also processes wheat
For the highest confidence, choose candy that is certified gluten-free or made in a dedicated
gluten-free facility.
The Sweet Takeaway
Finding gluten-free candy takes a little extra attention, but the reward is worth it. The best choices are made by brands that value transparency, simple ingredients, and careful manufacturing.
Béquet Gourmet Caramel is a great example of what gluten-free candy should be: certified gluten-free, slow-cooked in Montana, made with all-natural ingredients, and recognized with 12 national awards.
When candy is made the right way, gluten-free is not a limitation. It is simply peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is caramel naturally gluten-free?
Yes. Traditional caramel made from sugar, butter, and dairy contains no gluten. However, always verify the brand, because some use additives or shared manufacturing equipment.
2. What ingredients commonly hide gluten in candy?
Barley malt, cookie or wafer pieces, wheat-based glucose syrup, and certain crunchy mix-ins are some of the most common sources of hidden gluten.
3. Are hard candies always gluten-free?
Not always. Many are naturally gluten-free, but some use wheat-based glucose syrup or barley malt. Always check labels.
4. Can I trust gluten-free labels on candy packaging?
A gluten-free label is helpful, but third-party certification is stronger. If you have celiac disease, certified gluten-free options usually provide greater confidence.
5. What is the difference between gluten-free and certified gluten-free?
Certified gluten-free products are tested and verified to meet strict standards, typically below 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.