Mr. Goodbar is a popular chocolate candy bar made by the Hershey Company. It contains peanuts, chocolate and sugar, but some consumers wonder if it also contains wheat or gluten. This article will examine the ingredients in Mr. Goodbar and look at how the product is made to determine if it contains wheat.
Ingredients in Mr. Goodbar
According to the Hershey Company, the ingredients in a standard Mr. Goodbar candy bar are:
- Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, nonfat milk, milk fat, lactose, soy lecithin, PGPR)
- Peanuts
- Sugar
- Dextrin
- Salt
- TBHQ (preservative)
The key ingredients are milk chocolate, which contains cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, milk products, and sugar, and peanuts. None of the listed ingredients indicate the presence of wheat, wheat flour, or gluten.
Allergen Information for Mr. Goodbar
In addition to the ingredients list, the Hershey Company provides allergen information for Mr. Goodbar due to major food allergens identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The two allergen warnings for Mr. Goodbar are:
- Contains milk and soy ingredients
- Manufactured on shared equipment that processes peanuts and tree nuts
Notably absent from the allergen warnings is any mention of wheat. Food manufacturers are required to clearly disclose the presence of major food allergens like wheat on the label. The lack of a wheat allergen statement indicates Mr. Goodbar does not contain wheat ingredients.
Manufacturing Process
Hershey utilizes separate manufacturing lines and equipment for products that contain wheat versus products that are wheat-free. Their gluten-free chocolate products are produced in specific facilities.
Mr. Goodbar is made on lines shared with peanuts and tree nuts only, not any gluten-containing ingredients. This approach helps avoid cross-contamination with allergens like wheat. All equipment and lines are thoroughly cleaned between production runs of different products.
Verification using Third-Party Testing
For consumers with celiac disease or severe wheat/gluten allergies, third-party testing provides further verification of whether products contain gluten. The Gluten Intolerance Group, an independent certification organization, has tested Mr. Goodbar and confirmed it to be gluten-free to less than 10 parts per million.
Other celiac support groups like Beyond Celiac also indicate that Mr. Goodbar is free of gluten-containing ingredients. Both the ingredients list and manufacturing process back up these third-party assessments.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While Mr. Goodbar does not contain wheat ingredients, there is a possibility of cross-contamination through shared manufacturing equipment. The allergen statement indicates it is produced on lines that also process peanut and tree nut products.
For most people avoiding wheat for reasons other than celiac disease or wheat allergy, the minute levels of potential cross-contact are not an issue. But for those with higher sensitivity, this may still pose a risk.
Conclusion
Based on the ingredients list, allergen information, manufacturing process, and third-party testing, Mr. Goodbar chocolate bars do not contain wheat as an intentional ingredient. The use of separate equipment and facilities makes cross-contamination with wheat unlikely, though there is still a small possibility due to production on shared lines.
For consumers wishing to be extra cautious, other Hershey chocolate products made in dedicated gluten-free facilities would be the safest option. But Mr. Goodbar remains a good choice for the majority of people avoiding wheat who are not highly sensitive. Checking labels for up-to-date ingredient and manufacturing details is always advised for those with food restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mr. Goodbar contain wheat?
No, Mr. Goodbar does not contain wheat. The ingredients list for the chocolate bar does not indicate the presence of wheat, wheat flour or gluten. It is produced on equipment shared with peanuts and tree nuts only.
Why doesn’t Mr. Goodbar have an allergen warning for wheat?
Mr. Goodbar does not contain wheat as an ingredient, so no allergen warning for wheat is required on the label by law. The company does declare allergens like milk and soy that are intentionally added.
Can people with celiac disease eat Mr. Goodbar?
Most people with celiac disease can tolerate Mr. Goodbar, since third-party testing shows it contains less than 10 ppm of gluten. However, there is a slight chance of cross-contamination that highly sensitive individuals may want to avoid.
Does Hershey make any products with wheat?
Yes, some Hershey products like cookies, pretzels and baked goods do contain wheat as an ingredient. But chocolate bars like Mr. Goodbar are produced on separate wheat-free lines to prevent cross-contact.
Is Mr. Goodbar vegan?
No, Mr. Goodbar is not vegan because it contains milk ingredients. Hershey’s makes some vegan chocolate bars, but standard Mr. Goodbar contains milk chocolate and is not dairy-free.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional profile of a standard 1.5 ounce Mr. Goodbar candy bar:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Protein | 5g |
Mr. Goodbar provides a significant amount of calories, fat, and sugar with little protein or fiber. The saturated fat and sugar contents are quite high, so Mr. Goodbar is considered more of an occasional treat rather than an everyday health food.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
Those with common food sensitivities or restrictions may want to note the following ingredients when consuming Mr. Goodbar:
- Milk – Contains milk chocolate and milk ingredients, so not suitable for vegans or those avoiding dairy
- Soy – Includes soy lecithin, so should be avoided by those with soy allergies
- Peanuts – Processed on equipment shared with peanuts, risky for those with peanut allergies
- Added sugar – A high amount of added sugar at 20g per serving
Apart from these common allergens and additives, Mr. Goodbar does not contain any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. But the chocolate bar is high in calories, fat and sugar compared to many other treats.
Alternatives to Mr. Goodbar
For those looking to avoid the allergens and additives in Mr. Goodbar, here are some alternative chocolate bar options:
- Alter Eco Dark Blackout Bar – Organic, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan
- Endangered Species Extreme Dark Chocolate – Gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and vegan
- Enjoy Life Rice Milk Chocolate Bar – Gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and vegan
- Equal Exchange Dark Chocolate – Gluten-free, soy-free and vegan
There are many specialty chocolate brands that exclude common allergens like dairy, soy and nuts. Brands that are certified gluten-free are safest for avoiding cross-contact with wheat. Going for darker chocolate with higher cacao content will also limit sugar content.
The Bottom Line
Mr. Goodbar is a popular chocolate bar that does not contain wheat as an ingredient. While it is made on shared equipment with nuts, risk of cross-contamination with wheat is low based on the allergen labeling and manufacturing process. People with celiac disease or wheat allergy can likely eat it, though the most sensitive individuals may want to avoid.
Check the label of any Mr. Goodbar product before consuming to ensure accurate, up-to-date ingredient and allergen information. Those with other food restrictions will also want to note the presence of milk, soy, added sugar and peanuts. Overall, Mr. Goodbar remains a good option for chocolate candy lovers wanting to avoid wheat.
