Quick Answer
Yes, snack size Milky Way bars are gluten-free according to the manufacturer Mars Inc. Milky Way bars do not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye or any other gluten-containing grains.
Ingredients in Milky Way Bars
The main ingredients in a Milky Way bar are milk chocolate, nougat, and caramel. According to the Milky Way nutrition facts label and ingredient list, the candy bar does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye.
Here are the main ingredients in a Milky Way bar:
- Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, skim milk, lactose, milkfat, soy lecithin, PGPR, artificial flavor)
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Partially hydrogenated soybean oil
- Skim milk
- Palm oil
- Whey (milk)
- Salt
- Egg yolks
- Natural and artificial flavor
As you can see, none of the ingredients are derived from gluten-containing grains. The chocolate, nougat and caramel in a Milky Way are all naturally gluten-free.
Are All Milky Way Products Gluten-Free?
Most Milky Way products are gluten-free, but there are a few exceptions:
- Original Milky Way bars (all sizes) – Gluten-free
- Milky Way Midnight – Gluten-free
- Milky Way Simply Caramel – Gluten-free
- Milky Way Caramel Apple – Contains wheat, not gluten-free
- Milky Way Marshmallow – Contains barley malt, not gluten-free
- Milky Way Crispy Rolls – Contains wheat, barley malt, not gluten-free
So in summary, the original Milky Way, Midnight, and Simply Caramel varieties are gluten-free. But some of the specialty flavors contain gluten ingredients like wheat or barley malt. It’s important to double check the ingredients before consuming.
Are Fun Size or Snack Size Milky Ways Gluten-Free?
Yes, fun size and snack size Milky Way bars that are the original variety are gluten-free.
The fun size and snack size Milky Way bars contain the same gluten-free ingredients as the regular size bars. They are made without any wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients.
So if you see a fun size or snack size Milky Way bar that is the original milk chocolate, nougat and caramel variety, it is safe to eat on a gluten-free diet.
Why Milky Way Bars Are Gluten-Free
There are a few reasons why regular Milky Way bars are considered gluten-free:
- The ingredient list does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye.
- The manufacturing facilities and equipment are kept gluten-free. Mars Inc states that allergen cross-contamination risks are carefully controlled.
- Milky Way bars are tested to verify they contain less than 20ppm of gluten. This is the cutoff for gluten-free certification in many countries.
- The bars are certified gluten-free by GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization).
So not only do Milky Way bars not contain any gluten ingredients, but Mars Inc also takes steps to avoid cross-contamination with gluten and confirms through testing that the final products are gluten-free.
Manufacturing Processes
Mars Inc. states that they implement strict allergen controls at their manufacturing facilities to avoid cross-contamination. Here are some of the processes they use:
- Use separate equipment and production lines for products that contain gluten ingredients
- Thorough cleaning procedures between product changeovers
- Enforce stringent equipment and facility maintenance programs
- Employee training on allergen handling procedures
- Clean room garments required in manufacturing areas
These manufacturing processes help ensure no trace amounts of gluten end up in the gluten-free candy bar varieties.
Testing Procedures
In addition to strict manufacturing processes, Mars Inc. also tests their products to verify gluten levels:
- Routine end-product testing to confirm no gluten protein
- Rigorous product validation testing when launching new products
- Testing to ensure less than 20 ppm of gluten, the cutoff for gluten-free claims in many regions
The combination of these testing procedures provides added assurance that Milky Way bars are gluten-free as claimed.
GFCO Certification
Milky Way bars carry the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) certification mark.
The GFCO is a leader in gluten-free certification for food products. For a product to earn GFCO certification, the organization requires:
- Rigorous quality assurance testing to 10 ppm of gluten or less
- Annual inspections of manufacturing facilities
- Product testing up to 4 times per year
Earning GFCO certification provides an added layer of oversight and assurance that Milky Way bars are gluten-free.
Are There Any Gluten-Free Concerns with Milky Way Bars?
There are no major gluten-free concerns with regular size or snack size original Milky Way bars based on the manufacturer’s claims and certifications. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the ingredients list to make sure you have an original bar without specialty ingredients that may contain gluten
- Watch out for cross-contamination if buying Milky Ways from bulk bins
- Be extra careful if you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive to trace gluten
As long as you verify the ingredients and purchase pre-packaged bars, Milky Way candy bars are considered a safe and gluten-free treat option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some Milky Way products gluten-free while others contain gluten ingredients?
The original Milky Way formula is gluten-free. However, some of the product line extensions like Caramel Apple and Crispy Rolls were formulated to contain ingredients like wheat and barley malt to achieve a different flavor profile or texture. So it comes down to the specific ingredients chosen in the recipe.
Where are Milky Way bars produced?
Milky Way bars sold in the U.S. are produced in Mars Inc. facilities located in the United States. The main manufacturing site is in Waco, Texas. Mars also operates facilities in many other countries that produce Milky Way bars for their regional markets.
Are Milky Ways processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing products?
No, Mars Inc. uses separate equipment and production lines for their gluten-free and gluten-containing candy products. They also have rigorous cleaning and testing procedures in place to avoid cross-contamination with allergens like gluten.
Are snack size Milky Ways safe for my child with celiac disease?
Yes, according to Mars Inc., the original Milky Way formula is gluten-free to at least 20 ppm. This makes them generally safe for those with celiac. However, it’s still wise to verify celiac-safe status with your child’s doctor.
What candy bars are gluten-free besides Milky Way?
Some other popular gluten-free candy bars include Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Twix, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Baby Ruth, Almond Joy, Mounds, Kit Kat, Rolos, PayDay, andHERSHEY’s products such as Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars and Kisses.
The Bottom Line
Snack size and regular size original variety Milky Way bars that contain just milk chocolate, nougat and caramel are gluten-free according to the manufacturer, testing procedures, and GFCO certification. They do not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye or other gluten sources. You can enjoy Milky Way candy bars as a gluten-free treat as long as you verify the ingredients and avoid specialty flavors that may contain gluten.
