Reese’s Puffs are a popular chocolate and peanut butter flavored puffed corn cereal made by General Mills. With their combination of sweet and salty flavors in an airy, crunchy puff, they have become a breakfast staple for many. However, for those with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or who follow a gluten-free diet, knowing whether Reese’s Puffs are gluten-free is an important consideration. In this article, we will examine if Reese’s Puffs contain gluten and provide a detailed ingredient analysis of this cereal.
Are Reese’s Puffs Gluten-Free?
The simple answer is yes, Reese’s Puffs are gluten-free. General Mills states that this cereal is gluten-free on both their website and packaging. For those strictly adhering to a gluten-free diet, Reese’s Puffs can be safely consumed without concern over gluten content.
General Mills takes care to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients when producing their gluten-free cereals. Reese’s Puffs are produced on dedicated gluten-free production lines and the company conducts thorough equipment cleaning procedures and product testing to verify no gluten.
Ingredients in Reese’s Puffs
To understand why Reese’s Puffs are gluten-free, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:
Corn
The primary ingredient in Reese’s Puffs is corn. Specifically, the cereal is made from corn meal and corn bran. Corn does not naturally contain gluten, so these corn-based ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets.
Sugar
Reese’s Puffs contain sugar which provides the cereal’s sweet taste. Table sugar derived from sugar beets or sugarcane does not contain gluten.
Cocoa
Cocoa powder gives Reese’s Puffs their chocolate flavor. Pure cocoa powder is simply made by crushing cacao beans and does not contain gluten.
Dextrose
Dextrose is a glucose sugar made from corn starch. Since it is derived from corn, it is gluten-free.
Salt
Table salt or sea salt does not contain gluten. The salt in Reese’s Puffs provides flavor.
TBHQ
TBHQ (tert-Butylhydroquinone) is an antioxidant preservative. It is a synthetically produced chemical, not derived from grains, so it is gluten-free.
Natural Flavors
The natural flavors in Reese’s Puffs provide additional chocolate and peanut butter taste. Natural flavors can be derived from a variety of gluten-free sources like fruits, vegetables, herbs, roots, and animal products. However, those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should note that some natural flavor ingredients may rarely contain gluten. General Mills states their natural flavors do not contain gluten.
Peanut Butter
Finely ground peanuts provide the peanut butter flavor and aroma in Reese’s Puffs. Peanuts do not contain gluten, so peanut butter is safe for gluten-free diets.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is used to coat the puffed corn cereal. Canola oil is extracted from rapeseed, which does not contain gluten.
Folic Acid
This B vitamin (Vitamin B9) is added to help enrich the cereal’s nutritional value. Folic acid is not derived from grains, so it is gluten-free.
Vitamin C
Also called ascorbic acid, this vitamin is also added to enrich Reese’s Puffs. Vitamin C is not derived from grains and does not contain gluten.
Reduced Iron
Reduced iron is a form of iron where the oxidation state is lowered, increasing iron’s absorbability. It is an inorganic mineral, not derived from grains, so reduced iron is gluten-free.
Niacinamide
Also known as nicotinamide or Vitamin B3, this vitamin is added to the cereal. Niacinamide can be derived from grains or produced synthetically. General Mills likely uses a synthetic production method to obtain gluten-free niacinamide.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
This is a form of Vitamin B6 used to enrich foods. Pyridoxine hydrochloride can be made from corn gluten, but General Mills uses non-corn derived pyridoxine to ensure Reese’s Puffs are gluten-free.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin, also called Vitamin B2, is another grain-free vitamin added to boost the cereal’s nutrition.
Thiamin Hydrochloride
Thiamin hydrochloride is a gluten-free form of Vitamin B1 used for food enrichment.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is added to provide nutrition. This essential vitamin is not derived from grains or gluten sources.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is added to Reese’s Puffs. This fat-soluble vitamin is not derived from grains and is gluten-free.
Testing for Gluten
In addition to evaluating the ingredient list, General Mills routinely tests finished products to validate they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This level of gluten is considered negligible and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Products certified gluten-free by third-party organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) also adhere to a <20ppm gluten threshold through rigorous testing. Reese's Puffs boxes feature the GFCO's gluten-free certification logo, further verifying the cereal's gluten-free status.
Manufacturing Process
General Mills implements stringent practices during manufacturing to prevent Reese’s Puffs from coming into contact with gluten:
- Dedicated gluten-free production lines are used to make Reese’s Puffs. No gluten-containing ingredients are handled on these lines.
- Thorough cleaning procedures are conducted before production of gluten-free cereals. All equipment is disassembled and cleaned to remove residue.
- Separate storage is used for gluten-free raw ingredients.
- Gluten controls are implemented during processing to prevent cross-contact.
- Finished products are tested to verify gluten levels are below 20ppm.
These controlled manufacturing practices provide assurance that Reese’s Puffs avoid exposure to allergenic sources of gluten.
Nutrition Information
Reese’s Puffs provide the following nutrients per 1 cup serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Total Sugars | 12 g |
| Added Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
Reese’s Puffs provide mostly carbohydrates, with 3 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein per serving. The cereal is low in fiber and high in added sugars. The fortification with vitamins and minerals boosts the cereal’s micronutrient profile. Those on gluten-free diets can enjoy Reese’s Puffs as an occasional sweet treat without concern about gluten exposure.
Finding Reese’s Puffs Gluten-Free
Reese’s Puffs can be readily found gluten-free in several sizes at most major grocery stores, retail chains, and online:
- Grocery stores – Sold in the breakfast cereal aisle. Find individual cereal boxes or larger bags.
- Online retailers like Amazon – Order Reese’s Puffs for home delivery through Prime or other online grocery services.
- Mass merchandise chains like Target and Walmart – Carried in the grocery section.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club – Often sold in multi-pack boxes or large bags for savings on bulk orders.
- Dollar stores – Small single-serving boxes are often stocked.
- Convenience stores – Individual cereal boxes are commonly sold.
When purchasing Reese’s Puffs, check the packaging to verify it is labeled gluten-free and has the GFCO certification symbol. Also check ingredients for any changes when buying new packages, as formulations can change over time. Contact the manufacturer if you ever have any uncertainty over the gluten-free status.
Varieties of Reese’s Puffs
General Mills produces several different varieties of Reese’s Puffs, all of which are gluten-free:
- Reese’s Puffs – The original chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
- Reese’s Puffs Big Cup – Larger peanut butter cups and puffs.
- Reese’s Puffs Birthday Cake – Birthday cake flavor.
- Reese’s Puffs Pumpkin Spice – Seasonal pumpkin spice flavor.
- Reese’s Puffs Double Chocolate Crunch – Darker chocolate flavor.
FAQs
Are Reese’s Puffs safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, Reese’s Puffs are considered safe for people with celiac disease based on the cereal’s lack of gluten-containing ingredients and stringent manufacturing processes. General Mills states the cereal contains less than 20ppm of gluten. However, celiacs should discuss incorporating Reese’s Puffs into their diet with their healthcare provider.
Can people with gluten intolerance eat Reese’s Puffs?
Reese’s Puffs are suitable for people with gluten intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, provided they can tolerate trace amounts of gluten. General Mills adheres to a <20ppm gluten standard for the cereal through extensive finished product testing. However, gluten sensitivities can vary, so individuals should evaluate how they respond to the cereal.
Are Reese’s Puffs processed in a facility with wheat?
No. General Mills produces Reese’s Puffs only on dedicated gluten-free production lines in facilities that do not handle wheat or gluten. This avoids any chance of cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Can celiacs eat Reese’s Puffs produced in facilities with wheat?
This is not a concern with Reese’s Puffs, as General Mills does not produce them in facilities that process wheat. The company uses dedicated gluten-free facilities and lines for their gluten-free cereals. General Mills performs extensive testing to ensure finished products contain less than 20ppm of gluten.
Do Reese’s Puffs contain barley or rye?
No, Reese’s Puffs do not contain any gluten-containing grains like barley, rye, or wheat. The cereal is produced entirely from gluten-free ingredients.
Can I find Reese’s Puffs gluten-free outside the United States?
General Mills indicates that Reese’s Puffs are also gluten-free in Canada. However, formulations and manufacturing processes can vary between countries. Those following gluten-free diets should check with General Mills customer service about the gluten-free status of Reese’s Puffs if purchasing them outside the U.S. or Canada. Contact information for General Mills is provided on the cereal boxes.
Contacting General Mills
General Mills provides excellent customer service support to help answer any questions about their gluten-free products:
- Phone: Call 1-800-248-7310. Their customer service team can verify if Reese’s Puffs are gluten-free in your location.
- Email: Fill out the contact form at https://www.generalmills.com/contact-us.
- Mail: Write to – General Mills Consumer Services P.O. Box 9452 Minneapolis, MN 55440
General Mills maintains stringent standards and transparency for their gluten-free cereals. Their customer service team is happy to address any questions or concerns.
The Bottom Line
Reese’s Puffs provide a delicious option for those who need or prefer to follow a gluten-free diet. The cereal contains no gluten-based ingredients and General Mills implements rigorous controls during manufacturing to prevent gluten cross-contact. Both General Mills and third-party certifications confirm Reese’s Puffs contain less than 20ppm of gluten. People with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those avoiding gluten for other reasons can enjoy Reese’s Puffs as a gluten-free breakfast cereal. Just be sure to check labels for the gluten-free certification symbols and verify ingredient lists for any changes when purchasing new packages.
