Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or personal preferences. For those who need or want to avoid gluten, checking labels and researching products can be important. One popular candy that often comes up in gluten-free discussions is 3 Musketeers. So, are all 3 Musketeers gluten-free?
Quick Answer
Yes, all 3 Musketeers candy bars are certified gluten-free according to the manufacturer, Mars Wrigley. The standard milk chocolate 3 Musketeers contains no gluten ingredients. The other varieties, including 3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp, 3 Musketeers Mint, and 3 Musketeers Raspberry Crème, are also gluten-free.
Ingredients in Original 3 Musketeers
According to the Mars Wrigley website, the ingredients in a standard 3 Musketeers candy bar are:
- Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, milk, soy lecithin, vanillin)
- Corn syrup
- Whipped nougat (sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, vanilla extract)
None of these ingredients contain gluten. The milk chocolate coating and whipped nougat filling are both free of gluten sources. Mars Wrigley states that all their chocolate products are gluten-free.
No Barley or Wheat Sources
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. 3 Musketeers bars do not contain any ingredients derived from these grains. The corn syrup in a 3 Musketeers is made from corn and does not contain gluten. The nougat is whipped egg whites and sugar, without any gluten-containing ingredients.
Mars Wrigley avoids using any wheat, barley, rye, or oat sources in their gluten-free candy products. The equipment and facilities used to produce 3 Musketeers bars are kept free of gluten sources as well.
Other Varieties of 3 Musketeers
In addition to the original 3 Musketeers bar, Mars Wrigley produces several other flavors and variations:
- 3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp – Milk chocolate, truffle cream, and crisp rice
- 3 Musketeers Mint – Milk chocolate and mint-flavored nougat
- 3 Musketeers Raspberry Crème – Milk chocolate and raspberry-flavored nougat
- 3 Musketeers BIG – Larger bar with more nougat
- 3 Musketeers Max – Caramel and nougat covered in milk chocolate
According to Mars Wrigley’s website, all these different 3 Musketeers products are gluten-free. They adhere to the same strict production procedures to avoid cross-contamination. The mint, raspberry, and caramel flavors are produced on shared equipment, but this equipment is thoroughly cleaned between products.
Certification and Testing
Mars Wrigley has their gluten-free products certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO tests products to less than 10 parts per million of gluten. Anything under 20 ppm is considered gluten-free.
Mars Wrigley also notes that their gluten-free products may contain traces of milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, egg and soy due to shared equipment and facilities. The levels are kept well below FDA and GFCO standards through diligent production procedures.
No Risk of Cross-Contamination
Some candy products that contain no gluten ingredients are still at risk of containing traces of gluten due to cross-contamination. This could happen through shared equipment or facilities.
Mars Wrigley avoids this risk altogether for 3 Musketeers by producing them in dedicated gluten-free facilities. The equipment used for 3 Musketeers is thoroughly cleaned and free of gluten. So there is no risk of gluten cross-contamination from other products.
Special Diets and Allergies
In addition to being gluten-free, 3 Musketeers candy bars are:
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Vegetarian (contain milk and egg)
- Halal and Kosher certified
However, they are not vegan as they contain milk chocolate and egg whites. People with milk, chocolate, corn, or egg allergies need to avoid 3 Musketeers as well.
Where to Buy 3 Musketeers
3 Musketeers bars can be found at most grocery stores, convenience stores, vending machines, concession stands, and large retailers that sell candy and snacks. They are produced by Mars Wrigley, one of the largest candy manufacturers.
Some specialty health food stores or smaller natural grocers may not carry 3 Musketeers bars. But they are widely available at most mainstream retailers. The full size 1.86 ounce bars are easy to spot in the candy aisle.
Online Shopping Options
For convenience, 3 Musketeers bars can also be purchased online. Here are some options:
- Amazon – Sold individually or in bulk boxes.
- Walmart – Order online and pick up in store.
- Target – Free 2-day shipping on orders over $35.
- Candy Warehouse – Wide assortment of Mars Wrigley candies.
- FreshDirect – Order along with grocery delivery.
The 3 Musketeers brand also has an online store with merchandise like apparel, gifts, and novelty items. But candy bars must be purchased through retailers.
Are They Healthy or Good for You?
3 Musketeers bars are gluten-free, but that doesn’t necessarily make them a healthy or nutritious choice. Here are some things to consider:
- High in sugar – A standard bar contains 36g total sugars. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25g added sugars per day for women and 36g for men.
- Lots of calories – One bar provides 260 calories, which is 13% of a 2,000 calorie diet.
- Minimal protein – Only 2g protein per serving.
- Lack of nutrients – No significant source of vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
- Non-GMO – The corn syrup is made from non-GMO corn.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
While gluten-free, 3 Musketeers are considered an indulgent treat or snack due to their high sugar and saturated fat content. Those looking for a healthy gluten-free candy would be better off choosing an option with less sugar, like dark chocolate.
Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease
For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it’s essential to avoid even small amounts of gluten. Consuming 3 Musketeers bars that are certified gluten-free is a safer option than candy with uncertain gluten cross-contamination risk.
Some celiacs or gluten sensitive individuals may react to oats as well. 3 Musketeers don’t contain oats, another benefit for strict gluten avoidance.
Anyone with celiac disease or thinking they may have gluten sensitivity should consult their doctor and get testing done. Following a strict gluten-free diet without medical advice is not recommended.
Other Candy Options
For those who need or prefer to avoid gluten, 3 Musketeers bars are a nice option to still be able to enjoy chocolate candy. Here are some other gluten-free candy choices:
| Candy | Company |
|---|---|
| M&M’s (plain) | Mars Wrigley |
| Snickers | Mars Wrigley |
| Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups | Hershey’s |
| Kit Kat | Hershey’s |
| Twix | Mars Wrigley |
| Milky Way | Mars Wrigley |
| York Peppermint Patties | Hershey’s |
Most major chocolate bar brands offer gluten-free options. Licorice, sour candies, gummies, and jelly beans are other good gluten-free choices. Always check labels since gluten sources can be hidden in flavorings, binders, or colors.
Homemade Gluten-Free Candy
Making homemade candy is an alternative for those wanting to control ingredients. Here are some recipe ideas:
- Chocolate bark – Melt chocolate chips with nuts, coconut, fruit, peppermint extract, etc.
- Chocolate truffles – Combine chocolate with cream and roll into balls.
- Peanut butter cups – Fill silicone molds with peanut butter and drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Caramels – Make chewy caramels with corn syrup, sugar, butter, and cream.
- Marshmallows – Whip gelatin, sugar, and corn syrup for fluffy homemade marshmallows.
When choosing ingredients, avoid malt extracts, malt flavorings, malt vinegar, wheat flour, barley malt, rye, couscous, soy sauce, and beer or ale as these contain gluten.
Traveling Gluten-Free
When traveling or on-the-go, having gluten-free snack options can be crucial for those avoiding gluten. A standard size 3 Musketeers bar contains 1.86 ounces and easily fits into a purse, bag, car, or travel case.
The individually wrapped bars make 3 Musketeers a portable choice requiring no preparation or utensils. Unlike some snacks, they won’t crumble or leak in a bag. The packaging protects the bars from getting smushed as well.
Road trips, flights, and general travel raise the risk of accidental gluten exposure. Having trustworthy gluten-free snacks like 3 Musketeers bars removes some of the stress and uncertainty around eating safely.
Kids’ Parties and School Snacks
3 Musketeers bars are a popular candy for many kids and adults. Keeping a stash of mini or fun size bars on hand can be helpful for school events, kids’ birthday parties, snacks, lunch boxes, and trick-or-treating.
Since they are free of major allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, and eggs, 3 Musketeers mini bars can be a safer option for classroom treats. They also don’t get messy or sticky like some candies.
For kids with celiac disease or food allergies, having a few gluten-free and safe treats at parties helps them feel included. Mini or snack size 3 Musketeers are handy for on-the-go eating.
In Conclusion
Checking labels and understanding ingredients is important for gluten-free living. 3 Musketeers bars by Mars Wrigley are a gluten-free candy option based on their ingredient list and production procedures. The original milk chocolate bars as well as other flavors are certified gluten-free to less than 10ppm.
While not the most nutritious choice, 3 Musketeers can be a tasty gluten-free treat in moderation. They provide a quick bite for travel, school, parties, or an afternoon pick-me-up without the uncertainty of gluten cross-contamination risk. Enjoy gluten-free snacking with the classic combination of chocolate, nougat, and caramel.
