As an SEO writer providing quick answers upfront, Butterfinger does contain some flour in the original recipe. However, newer Butterfinger products may use a different recipe without flour for allergy or dietary concerns.
What is Butterfinger?
Butterfinger is an iconic candy bar made by Nestle. The original Butterfinger contains a crisp peanut butter-flavored center covered in chocolate. According to Nestle, the original ingredients in a Butterfinger are milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, nonfat milk, milk fat, lactose, soy lecithin, PGPR), corn syrup, sugar, peanut butter (roasted peanuts, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oil (cottonseed, soybean and rapeseed oil) salt), milk ingredients, salt, TBHQ and citric acid.
Does Butterfinger contain flour?
Yes, the original Butterfinger recipe contains some flour. Specifically, the peanut butter filling contains flour as a binding agent. Flour helps hold the peanut butter filling together and keeps it from crumbling apart. The use of flour allows Nestle to achieve the proper texture of crunchy, crispy layers in the Butterfinger bar.
Why do some Butterfinger products not contain flour?
In recent years, Nestle has introduced new Butterfinger products without flour, such as Butterfinger Bites and Butterfinger Minis. These products are designed to be free of major food allergens, including wheat. By avoiding flour in the recipe, Nestle can market these Butterfinger products as gluten-free and wheat-free for consumers with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Nestle has also introduced Butterfinger with alternative recipes to appeal to consumer preferences for fewer artificial ingredients. Some newer Butterfinger products use modified corn starch instead of flour to bind the peanut butter filling. While the original Butterfinger relies on flour for the proper texture, Nestle has reformulated versions of the candy bar without it.
Reading Butterfinger Ingredient Lists
When purchasing Butterfinger products, be sure to check the ingredients list closely, especially if avoiding flour or wheat. The traditional Butterfinger made with flour lists “wheat flour” clearly in the allergen statement. Meanwhile, gluten-free Butterfinger products only list ingredients like sugar, peanuts, and corn starch.
Examples:
- Butterfinger original bar – Contains wheat and soy
- Butterfinger Fun Size – Contains wheat and soy
- Butterfinger Inside Out – Contains wheat and soy
- Butterfinger Minis – Gluten-free, wheat-free
- Butterfinger Bites – Gluten-free, wheat-free
Carefully check all Butterfinger packages since flour may be included in some varieties but not others. When in doubt, contact Nestle Consumer Services for the most updated information on exact ingredients.
Why does Butterfinger contain flour?
There are a few key reasons why the original Butterfinger recipe relies on flour as an ingredient:
Binding properties
Flour acts as a binder and adds structure to the peanut butter filling. Without flour, the filling would be overly greasy and lack the crisp, layered texture. The gluten in wheat flour gives the Butterfinger its crunchy bite.
Flavor and texture
Flour improves the flavor and texture of the peanut butter center. The added grains provide carbohydrates and starch to balance out the high fat content from the peanuts and vegetable oil. Flour gives the filling a thick, substantial texture.
Adhesion
Flour helps the peanut butter filling adhere to the chocolate coating. As an adhesive ingredient, flour prevents separation of the filling from the chocolate exterior.
Cost effectiveness
Flour is an inexpensive binding agent. Using a small amount of flour allows Nestle to hold production costs down versus more expensive nut pastes or gums.
Manufacturing processes
Wheat flour fits into the manufacturing equipment and processes used to make Butterfinger. Alternative gluten-free flours may not hold up as well in high-volume candy production.
What are the alternatives to flour in candy bars?
Candy bar manufacturers have several options to replace flour for gluten-free recipes:
Corn starch
Corn starch can mimic some binding and thickening abilities of flour without containing gluten. Modified corn starch is used in place of flour in gluten-free Butterfinger products.
Rice flour
For candy bars that still need that wheat flour flavor, rice flour makes a good substitution. Rice flour contains starch without gluten. However, rice flour does not bind quite as well in candy fillings.
Nut flours
Nut meals and flours like almond flour can provide flavor and protein. However, nut flours can be much more expensive than traditional wheat flour.
Gums
Food gums like xanthan gum, guar gum, or locust bean gum can effectively replace the binding powers of gluten. Gums help improve moisture retention in candy fillings.
Chocolate filling
Using more chocolate or cocoa butter in place of flour can add richness and flavor to a candy bar. Chocolate acts as a binder without needing gluten-based flour.
Nutrition facts for Butterfinger with and without flour
Here is a nutrition comparison between classic Butterfinger made with flour versus gluten-free Butterfinger Bites without flour:
Butterfinger Nutrition Facts (Contains wheat flour)
| Serving Size | 1 bar (45g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Sugar | 21g |
| Protein | 3g |
Butterfinger Bites Nutrition Facts (Gluten-free)
| Serving Size | 1 pouch (39g/1.4 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 3g |
The two Butterfinger products are fairly comparable in macronutrients. The gluten-free Butterfinger Bites contain slightly fewer calories, carbs, and sugar due to smaller serving size. Both candy products provide protein from peanut butter but minimal other nutrients.
What health concerns are linked to flour?
There are some health considerations to keep in mind related to flour consumption:
Gluten-related disorders
For those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy, consuming gluten flours like wheat can cause adverse reactions. Gluten intake damages the intestines in those with gluten disorders.
Blood sugar spikes
Flour is a refined carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar levels rapidly after eating. This is a concern for diabetics or pre-diabetics.
Nutrient deficiencies
Since flour is refined, it lacks the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in whole grains. Over-relying on refined flour products can contribute to nutrient deficiencies long-term.
Obesity and chronic disease
Diets high in refined carbohydrates from white flour are linked to increased risks of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
Gut health
Refined flours lack the gut-healthy fiber of whole grain products. Diets low in fiber can negatively impact digestive health over time.
Is Butterfinger safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?
The traditional Butterfinger recipe containing wheat flour is not safe for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Consuming gluten triggers intestinal damage and adverse reactions in those with these conditions.
However, some newer Butterfinger products without wheat flour provide gluten-free options. When shopping, check labels carefully for ingredients and allergen warnings. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions about gluten content. Some Butterfinger products like the bites and mini sizes are labeled gluten-free and wheat-free.
What about peanut allergies?
All Butterfinger products contain peanut-based ingredients. Individuals with peanut allergies must avoid Butterfinger entirely due to potential anaphylaxis risks from peanut exposure. There are no peanut-free Butterfinger products available.
Are there vegan Butterfinger options?
No, there are currently no vegan varieties of Butterfinger candy bars. All Butterfinger products contain milk chocolate, which is not vegan. Some dark chocolate candy bars may provide vegan alternatives, but none of the Butterfinger brand bars are vegan or dairy-free at this time.
Conclusion
In summary, while the original Butterfinger recipe does contain wheat flour, Nestle has introduced flour-free versions to appeal to gluten-free diets. Carefully read ingredient labels since flour may be included in some varieties but not others. For those with peanut or dairy allergies, all Butterfinger products should be avoided. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer for the most accurate gluten and allergen information.
