Is Reese’s Easter candy gluten-free?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and other Reese’s Easter candy varieties are wildly popular seasonal treats. With their creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate flavors, Reese’s Eggs, Bunnies, and Trees are a delicious part of many Easter celebrations. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining if Reese’s Easter candy is gluten-free is an important consideration.

In the opening section of this article, we’ll provide quick answers to common questions about the gluten content of Reese’s Easter candy. Further details will then be provided in the sections that follow.

Quick Questions and Answers

Is Reese’s Easter candy gluten-free? Yes, Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Bunnies, Trees, and other Reese’s Easter candy varieties are considered gluten-free.

Does Reese’s Easter candy contain wheat? No, Reese’s Easter candy does not contain wheat or wheat-derived ingredients.

Is Reese’s made in a facility with wheat? Yes, Reese’s Easter candy is made in facilities that also process wheat-containing products. There is a chance of cross-contamination.

Is Reese’s Peanut Butter gluten-free? Yes, Reese’s peanut butter filling is gluten-free.

Is Reese’s chocolate gluten-free? Yes, the chocolate coating used on Reese’s Easter candy is gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Status of Reese’s Easter Candy

Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Bunnies, Trees, and other Reese’s Easter candy shapes do not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains according to the ingredient lists provided by Hershey’s, the manufacturer[1]. The two main ingredients in these popular treats are sweetened peanut butter and milk chocolate[2]. Neither peanut butter nor chocolate typically contains gluten. Therefore, Reese’s Easter candy can be considered gluten-free.

However, it is important to note that Reese’s Easter candy products are manufactured in facilities that also process wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients[3]. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Individual sensitivity levels vary when it comes to gluten cross-contamination. The amounts of gluten present due to cross-contamination are usually small, but some individuals who are highly sensitive may react. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about trace gluten intake.

Reese’s Peanut Butter

Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients in Reese’s Easter candy. First up is Reese’s famous peanut butter filling.

The ingredient list for Reese’s peanut butter indicates that it does not contain wheat, barley, rye or gluten-containing ingredients[4]. Reese’s peanut butter contains just a few simple ingredients:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Ingredients

  • Roasted peanuts
  • Sugar
  • Vegetable oils (palm, canola, rapeseed, and/or sunflower oil)
  • Salt
  • Mono and diglycerides (emulsifiers)

The roasted peanuts and vegetable oils used to produce Reese’s peanut butter are naturally gluten-free. The other minor ingredients like sugar, salt, and emulsifiers do not contain gluten either. So Reese’s peanut butter can be considered gluten-free.

Of course, due to manufacturing processes, the risk of cross-contamination with wheat-based products exists in facilities that produce multiple products. As we already discussed, Reese’s Easter candy is made in facilities that also process wheat-containing products. Proper cleaning and batch separation procedures are put in place to help avoid cross-contamination between products. However, the possibility always remains for trace amounts of gluten to be present.

Those with celiac disease or sensitivities to trace gluten should take this into consideration. Consulting with a doctor may help in determining individual tolerance levels for traces of gluten. However, Reese’s peanut butter itself does not intentionally contain any gluten sources according to the ingredient list.

Reese’s Chocolate

Let’s now examine the delicious chocolate coating used on Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and other Reese’s Easter candy.

According to Hershey’s, their chocolate coatings, including those used on Reese’s products, do not contain wheat, barley, rye or gluten-based ingredients[5]. Here is a look at the ingredients that go into Hershey’s chocolate:

Hershey’s Chocolate Coating Ingredients

  • Sugar
  • Cocoa butter
  • Chocolate
  • Skim milk
  • Lactose
  • Milkfat
  • Soy lecithin (emulsifier)
  • PGPR (emulsifier)
  • Vanillin (artificial flavor)

Like Reese’s peanut butter, the ingredients that make up Hershey’s chocolate coatings are gluten-free. However, because they are made in facilities that also process wheat-containing items, the potential for cross-contamination exists. Proper precautions are taken by Hershey’s to prevent cross-contact with allergens, but trace amounts may still be present.

Those with celiac disease or sensitivity to traces of gluten will need to evaluate their own tolerance levels when consuming Reese’s chocolates and make personal choices regarding consumption. But in general, Hershey’s chocolate coatings can be considered free of intentional added gluten.

No Wheat on the Label

In addition to evaluating the ingredient lists, we can also find clues about Reese’s Easter candy’s gluten-free status from the product packaging itself.

Food labels in the United States must identify if any of the top 8 food allergens (including wheat) are intentionally added to a product. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires this[6].

When checking Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Trees, Bunnies and other Reese’s Easter candy, you will not find wheat or any wheat-derived ingredients called out. This further verifies that these products do not contain intentional sources of gluten. However, FALCPA labeling rules do not require identifying potential cross-contact risks. Keep this in mind for those with celiac disease or sensitivities.

No Gluten-Free Label

You may have noticed that Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and other Reese’s Easter candy do not bear a gluten-free label on the packaging. This is primarily because they are made in facilities that also handle wheat-based products, so trace amounts of gluten could be present.

Foods labeled as “gluten-free” must meet certain regulations:

  • No ingredients that are gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, barley)
  • No ingredients derived from these gluten-containing grains
  • Must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) gluten

Since facilities that produce Reese’s Easter candy also process wheat-based products, Hershey’s cannot guarantee with 100% certainty that trace gluten will never be present. Therefore, they do not label these products as gluten-free. Nonetheless, Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and other Easter candy are considered gluten-free to most consumers who do not have a high sensitivity.

No Oats, Barley or Rye

In addition to being free from wheat, Reese’s Easter chocolates also do not contain three other common sources of gluten:

  • Oats – Some individuals with celiac disease react to a protein found in oats called avenin. Reese’s products do not contain oat-derived ingredients.
  • Barley – Barley is a gluten-containing grain that is unsuitable for gluten-free diets. Reese’s Easter candy does not include barley.
  • Rye – Rye is closely related to wheat and contains gluten proteins harmful to those with celiac disease or sensitivities. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and other Easter candy varieties do not contain rye.
  • So in addition to being wheat-free, Reese’s chocolates avoid all other common sources of gluten like oats, barley, and rye.

    Choosing Gluten-Free Easter Candy

    For those who need or wish to eat gluten-free Easter candy, some tips include:

    • Check the ingredient lists and look for wheat, barley, rye or oats
    • Look for gluten-free labels from trusted certifications like GFCO
    • Call the manufacturer if you have any questions
    • Look for dedicated gluten-free brands
    • Shop at gluten-free specialty stores
    • Evaluate your individual sensitivity if consuming items made on shared lines

    In addition to Reese’s brand treats, other gluten-free Easter candy options include:

    • Cadbury Eggs
    • Hershey’s chocolate bars
    • Russell Stover chocolates
    • Lindt chocolate bunnies
    • Dark chocolate coins wrapped in foil
    • Jelly beans and jelly beans eggs
    • Gummy bears, peach rings, worms, etc.
    • Licorice
    • Dum Dum lollipops

    Always check labels and take individual sensitivities into account when choosing gluten-free Easter baskets goodies. When in doubt, call the manufacturer for the most up-to-date information.

    Enjoying Reese’s Easter Candy Gluten-Free

    Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Bunnies, Trees and other Reese’s Easter candy shapes can be considered gluten-free. They do not contain wheat, barley, rye or other intentional sources of gluten according to the ingredient labels and manufacturer. However, they are produced in facilities that also process wheat-based products. This means trace amounts of gluten could potentially be present due to cross-contact.

    Most people who follow a gluten-free diet can safely eat and enjoy Reese’s Easter candy without issue. However, those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive should exercise caution and evaluate their individual tolerance levels. When in doubt, contact your doctor.

    For gluten-free Easter treats, be sure to check all labels carefully and look for gluten-free certifications from trusted organizations. With so many tasty options, you can still enjoy a delicious holiday while maintaining your gluten-free needs. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and other Reese’s candies remain a popular gluten-free choice for many on Easter.

    Conclusion

    Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Bunnies and Trees are gluten-free versions of classic Reese’s candies offered for Easter. While they do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or gluten-based ingredients, cross-contamination with trace gluten is possible since they are manufactured on shared equipment. Most people who follow a gluten-free diet can eat Reese’s Easter candy without issues. However, those with celiac disease should evaluate individual tolerance levels and exercise caution. When choosing gluten-free Easter basket goodies, be sure to check all labels carefully and look for dedicated gluten-free items if highly sensitive. With some care taken during selection, you can safely enjoy delicious and gluten-free Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs and other Reese’s Easter candy.

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