Are Reese’s White Thins gluten free?

Reese’s White Thins are a popular peanut butter cup candy made by The Hershey Company. With their creamy peanut butter filling and thin white chocolate coating, Reese’s White Thins offer a lighter take on the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. But are Reese’s White Thins gluten free?

Quick Answer: Yes, Reese’s White Thins are certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

Many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity wonder if popular candy brands like Reese’s are safe to eat on a gluten free diet. For those who need to avoid gluten, identifying truly gluten free sweets can be challenging. Thankfully, Reese’s White Thins have been tested and confirmed to contain less than 10 ppm of gluten. This makes them a gluten free treat that can be enjoyed without concern over cross contamination.

What Does Gluten Free Mean?

Gluten free refers to foods and products that do not contain the protein gluten. Gluten is a substance found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape. While gluten poses no issues for most people, those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity experience negative reactions when they ingest it.

For a product to be considered gluten free, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This strict cut-off ensures that trace amounts do not trigger adverse reactions. Certification programs like the GFCO test products to verify they fall under the gluten free threshold before allowing them to display a gluten free label.

Do Reese’s White Thins Contain Gluten?

No, Reese’s White Thins do not contain any gluten containing ingredients. According to the ingredient list, Reese’s White Thins contain:

Ingredients: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Chocolate, Nonfat Milk, Milk Fat, Lactose, PGPR, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Vanillin), Palm Oil, Sugar, Dextrose, Peanuts, Maltodextrin, TBHQ and Citric Acid (Preservatives), Color Added, Artificial Flavor.

None of these ingredients are derived from gluten-containing grains. As a result, Reese’s White Thins are free of barley, rye, wheat and their derivatives. This makes them safe for people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Are Reese’s White Thins Processed in Facilities with Wheat?

Yes, Reese’s White Thins are processed in facilities that also handle wheat products. Their label states:

“Manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat (gluten) and milk.”

This means there is a chance of cross contamination occurring on shared equipment. However, thorough cleaning and batch testing ensures that any traces of gluten are below the allowable limit. Independent certification verifies that finished Reese’s White Thins products contain less than 10 ppm of gluten. This strict monitoring makes them safe for gluten free diets.

Are Reese’s White Thins Certified Gluten Free?

Yes. Reese’s White Thins are certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), a leader in advocacy and education for people with gluten-related disorders.

To receive certification, the GFCO analyzes products, inspects manufacturing facilities, and reviews testing protocols. Reese’s ingredients, processing lines, and final products are rigorously vetted to guarantee they meet the requirements for gluten free status. Only products passing this extensive process can display the GFCO’s certified gluten free logo on their packaging.

Benefits of Choosing Certified Gluten Free Foods Like Reese’s White Thins

Opting for certified gluten free products like Reese’s White Thins offers several advantages:

Reliable Safety

The GFCO certification provides added assurance that Reese’s White Thins are dependably gluten free. Even if the ingredients look safe, certification verifies that testing upholds their gluten free claims. This takes the guesswork out of product selection.

Peace of Mind

Due to the risk of trace gluten exposure, people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity must be vigilant about the foods they eat. GFCO certification allows for safely enjoying Reese’s White Thins without constantly second guessing their gluten content.

Support Reputable Brands

Buying certified items shows manufacturers that customers value meaningful gluten free verification. This encourages more companies to pursue proper certification for their gluten free offerings. In turn, this increases options for safe, trustworthy products.

Avoid Misleading Labels

No regulations exist around using simple “gluten free” claims on food packages. Certification provides third-party validation that gluten free statements are legitimate. Choosing certified foods like Reese’s White Thins helps avoid products making questionable or unreliable claims.

How Reese’s White Thins are Manufactured to Avoid Gluten

Maintaining gluten free status during manufacturing requires carefully controlled procedures. Here are some of the ways Reese’s White Thins are produced to prevent gluten cross-contact:

Segregated Ingredients

Reese’s stores its gluten free ingredients, like sugar and cocoa butter, separately from any wheat-based materials. Keeping all components separated ensures no gluten exposure occurs before production.

Dedicated Equipment

Reese’s uses dedicated machinery to mold the peanut butter cups before coating them in chocolate. No gluten containing products come into contact with this equipment.

Sanitation Procedures

Workspaces and equipment undergo thorough cleaning between production runs. This removes any traces of wheat that could remain from prior products made on shared lines.

Finished Product Testing

Before packaging, final Reese’s White Thins batches are sampled and tested for the presence of gluten. Only products shown to have undetectable levels receive the certified gluten free seals.

Segregated Packaging

Once cleared through testing, Reese’s White Thins are packaged on dedicated gluten free lines. This prevents any exposure to gluten from external sources after verifying the finished candies are gluten free.

Reese’s White Thins Nutrition Facts

In addition to being gluten free, Reese’s White Thins have a lighter nutrition profile compared to original Reese’s Peanut Butter cups. Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 package (1.4oz/40g) serving of Reese’s White Thins:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 200
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 6g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg
Sodium 105mg
Carbohydrates 21g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 16g
Protein 4g

Compared to regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, the White Thins version contains fewer calories, less fat, and less sugar. The thin white chocolate coating helps create a lighter candy while still providing that classic Reese’s taste.

Where to Buy Reese’s White Thins

Reese’s White Thins are sold at many major grocery stores, mass retailers, drug stores, and online merchants including:

Grocery Stores

– Kroger
– Safeway
– Publix
– Whole Foods
– Trader Joe’s

Mass Retailers

– Walmart
– Target
– Walgreens
– Rite Aid
– CVS Pharmacy

Online

– Amazon.com
– Instacart
– Peapod
– Fresh Direct
– Vitacost

Be sure to check the label and verify it states “Certified Gluten Free” when purchasing Reese’s White Thins. Avoid variety packs or holiday shapes that do not have gluten free certification.

For convenience, Reese’s White Thins can be ordered online and delivered directly to your door. Purchasing online helps ensure you get the certified gluten free version, especially during seasonal times when packaging frequently changes.

Other Certified Gluten Free Candy Options

In addition to Reese’s White Thins, many other sweet treats are certified gluten free:

Chocolate Bars

– Hershey’s Milk Chocolate
– Hershey’s Special Dark
– Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme
– Kit Kat
– Twizzlers
– Rolo
– York Peppermint Patties

Jelly Beans

– Jelly Belly
– Starburst
– Skittles
– Lifesavers
– Mike and Ike

Other Candies

– Swedish Fish
– Red Vines
– Smarties
– Tootsie Rolls
– Laffy Taffy
– Peeps Marshmallow Treats

Always verify gluten free status when purchasing candy products, even if buying established brands. Formulations and manufacturing processes can change over time. Only purchase treats marked certified gluten free to ensure safety.

Enjoying Reese’s White Thins on a Gluten-Free Diet

When starting a gluten free diet, having go-to snacks you can eat without worry provides comfort. Reese’s White Thins offer a tasty peanut butter candy fix you can feel good about enjoying. Keeping a bag on hand makes it easy to squash any spontaneous candy craving.

Here are some tips for incorporating Reese’s White Thins into your gluten free lifestyle:

Travel Snack

Pack Reese’s White Thins in your purse, gym bag, carry-on or backpack for a portable snack. The single serve cups are handy for eating on the go.

Dessert Topping

Crush Reese’s White Thins and sprinkle over ice cream, brownies or other gluten free desserts for added flavor and crunch.

Party Treat

Keep a stash of Reese’s White Thins to serve at gluten free birthday parties and gatherings. They make great favors or goody bag items.

Workplace Treat

Bring single serve Reese’s White Thins packs to keep in your office drawer. They’re handy when you need a no-prep afternoon pick me up.

Kid’s School Snack

Toss mini Reese’s White Thins in your kid’s packed lunch for a peanut safe treat other classmates can also enjoy.

Is Reese’s Peanut Butter Gluten Free?

Beyond the White Thins version, you may wonder if regular Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are also gluten free. Currently, original Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups do not carry gluten free certification. While they do not contain gluten ingredients, cross contamination risks during manufacturing prevent them from meeting the strict standards required for gluten free status.

Those with celiac disease or wheat allergy should be cautious and avoid non-certified Reese’s products. However, some people with mild gluten sensitivity can tolerate trace amounts and may be able to safely eat small servings of regular Reese’s cups. It is best to check with your doctor to determine your individual level of sensitivity.

Overall, for confidence in strict gluten free safety, stick with certified products like Reese’s White Thins. When in doubt, contact Reese’s customer service for their latest manufacturing details to assess your personal comfort level with possible cross contamination.

Are Other Reese’s Products Gluten Free?

Currently, Reese’s White Thins are the only Reese’s variety that is certified gluten free. Other Reese’s candies, like Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Take 5, Reese’s Outrageous, and seasonal products do not carry the GFCO certification seal.

Again, without certification testing, these other Reese’s candies may contain traces of gluten due to shared equipment. Stick with certified gluten free versions like Reese’s White Thins to stay safest within a gluten free diet. Check back for updates, as more Reese’s products may pursue certification in the future based on consumer demand.

Is White Chocolate Naturally Gluten Free?

Yes, white chocolate is naturally gluten free. White chocolate contains just cocoa butter, sugar, milk, flavorings, and emulsifiers. It does not contain any actual chocolate liquor or cocoa powder. This means white chocolate does not have contact with barley or wheat products during processing.

Be aware that some brands add fillers like wheat flour to their white chocolate to cut costs. Always check the ingredients and look for certification to confirm white chocolate products are gluten free. When enjoyed in its pure form, as found in Reese’s White Thins, white chocolate poses no issues for gluten free diets.

Conclusion

Finding satisfying sweet treats that fit into a gluten free lifestyle can feel limiting at times. Fortunately, Reese’s White Thins deliver the great taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups in a version confirmed as gluten free. With thorough manufacturing precautions and GFCO certification, Reese’s White Thins offer people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance a delicious candy option they can enjoy without worry. Keep a bag on hand for when a peanut butter chocolate craving strikes.

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