Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects around 1% of the population worldwide. It causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine when gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, is consumed. The only treatment for coeliac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, avoiding all foods and products containing gluten.
For coeliacs, checking labels and researching products is a necessary part of life. It can be difficult to find mainstream, widely available sweets and treats that are guaranteed gluten-free. Toblerone, the famous Swiss chocolate brand, is one such product where coeliacs may be unsure about its safety.
What is Toblerone?
Toblerone is a triangular-shaped chocolate bar made of chocolate and honey nougat, featuring the distinctive shape of the Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland on its packaging. It is produced by US confectionery company Mondelēz International and Kraft Foods. Toblerone originated in Bern, Switzerland in 1908.
The original milk chocolate Toblerone contains the following ingredients:
– Sugar
– Cocoa mass
– Cocoa butter
– Skimmed milk powder
– Whey powder
– Emulsifier (soy lecithin)
– Natural vanilla flavouring
Variations have been introduced over the years, including plain/dark chocolate, white chocolate, praline, fruit and nut, honeycomb and chocolate-filled bars. Seasonal flavours are often released especially around Christmas.
Toblerone is now sold in over 120 countries worldwide. It is one of the most famous and widely available Swiss chocolate brands.
Gluten in Toblerone
The key consideration for coeliacs is whether any gluten ingredients are present in Toblerone’s range of products.
According to the brand’s frequently asked questions page on their website, their milk, dark and white chocolate Toblerone products are all gluten-free. They do not contain any barley, rye, wheat or oat ingredients.
However, some seasonal, limited-edition and fruit/nut/honeycomb varieties may contain gluten. The brand advises checking the product labels carefully.
Ingredients Analysis
Analyzing the regular Toblerone milk chocolate ingredients list confirms that none of the core ingredients are of concern for coeliacs:
– Sugar – no gluten
– Cocoa mass – no gluten
– Cocoa butter – no gluten
– Skimmed milk powder – no gluten
– Whey powder – no gluten
– Emulsifier (soy lecithin) – no gluten
– Natural vanilla flavouring – no gluten
The same applies to the ingredients for standard Toblerone dark and white chocolate.
Therefore, Toblerone’s classic chocolate bars which contain cocoa mass, cocoa butter, milk products, sugar and flavorings appear to be gluten-free as claimed. They do not contain any gluten-based grains.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Whilst the core ingredients may be gluten-free, there is always a risk of cross-contamination during food production and manufacturing. Trace amounts of gluten could make their way into the Toblerone bars unintentionally via:
– Shared equipment e.g. conveyor belts
– Shared storage facilities
– Airborne particles
– Equipment cleaning processes
However, Mondelēz state that their products are produced in gluten-free environments. They implement procedures to minimise cross-contamination risks.
If very sensitive, coeliacs who react to trace gluten may wish to contact the company directly to discuss their production processes and policies.
Certifications
Toblerone’s gluten-free status is supported by recognized accreditations:
Coeliac UK
Coeliac UK is the national charity for people affected by coeliac disease. They provide guidance, services and information for coeliacs in the UK.
Coeliac UK have endorsed the standard Toblerone milk, dark and white chocolate products as gluten-free. The Toblerone range is included in their Food and Drink Directory which lists products certified as meeting their gluten-free standards.
Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
The US-based Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) has certified the majority of Toblerone products as gluten-free through their GIG’s Gluten Free Certification Program.
This includes their 50g, 100g and 200g milk, dark and white chocolate bars.
Certified products will display the GIG’s gluten-free symbol on packaging.
Verdict
Based on the ingredient lists, manufacturing assurances, and recognized endorsements from Coeliac UK and GIG, Toblerone’s classic milk, white and dark chocolate bars can be considered gluten-free and safe for coeliacs.
As with any product, coeliacs should check packaging on each purchase for the gluten-free symbols and wording. Other flavoured Toblerone products may contain gluten from added ingredients.
Toblerone have strong precautions in place to avoid cross-contamination with gluten, although traces cannot be 100% ruled out. The most sensitive coeliacs may wish to contact the company directly before consuming.
Overall, Toblerone offers coeliacs a widely available and affordable gluten-free chocolate option to enjoy. With care taken to buy only the endorsed standard Toblerone bars, it can be a tasty gluten-free treat.
Toblerone Range Summary
| Toblerone Product | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Milk Chocolate | Gluten-free |
| Dark Chocolate | Gluten-free |
| White Chocolate | Gluten-free |
| Fruit and Nut | May contain gluten – check labels |
| Honeycomb | May contain gluten – check labels |
| Praline | May contain gluten – check labels |
| Chocolate Filled | May contain gluten – check labels |
| Seasonal Range | May contain gluten – check labels |
Advice for Coeliacs on Toblerone Consumption
Here are some tips for coeliacs looking to enjoy Toblerone gluten-free:
– Stick to regular milk, dark or white chocolate Toblerone bars in the 50g, 100g or 200g sizes. Avoid larger gift pack sizes or flavoured ranges.
– Check product packaging and ingredients labels carefully before purchasing. Look for the certified gluten-free symbols.
– Be aware that recipes, manufacturing processes and facilities can change over time. Check labels on every purchase, even if buying a previously confirmed gluten-free product.
– If highly sensitive to gluten, consider contacting the manufacturer for extra reassurance on their procedures to avoid cross-contamination.
– When opening the pack, watch out for crumbs from other non gluten-free chocolate bars which may have been stored alongside Toblerone.
– Opt for individually foil-wrapped portions where available to further minimise any cross-contamination risks.
– Enjoy Toblerone as an affordable, widely available gluten-free treat, but be sure to maintain a balanced, healthy gluten-free diet overall.
Cooking and Baking with Toblerone
The gluten-free status of Toblerone milk, dark and white chocolate makes it a useful ingredient for anyone following a gluten-free diet who wants to bake and cook at home.
Here are some tips for using Toblerone in your gluten-free recipes:
– Choose plain chocolate Toblerone bars and chop into chunks to add into cakes, brownies, cookies, muffins and more to lend extra chocolate flavor.
– Melt down Toblerone chocolate to use as a dip, sauce or ganache – delicious drizzled over gluten-free desserts.
– Use chopped Toblerone in place of chocolate chips when baking.
– Grate or shave Toblerone over ice creams and desserts for a chocolatey garnish.
– Add melted Toblerone to frostings and icings to make them extra chocolatey.
– Mix crushed up Toblerone with nuts and dried fruit for a simple gluten-free trail mix.
– Get creative decorating cakes and cupcakes with chopped or shaved Toblerone pieces.
When cooking with any product, always check the label to ensure no additional ingredients containing gluten have been added to the specific Toblerone you are using. Avoid flavoured, fruit/nut and gift pack Toblerone products as these may contain gluten. Stick to the certified gluten-free plain milk, dark or white chocolate bars only.
With so many recipes calling for chocolate, Toblerone is a handy gluten-free staple to keep stocked in your pantry.
Snack and Lunchbox Ideas
Finding quick, tasty snacks to pack for school or work lunches can be challenging when you’re gluten-free. Toblerone offers a safe lunchbox option:
– Pack a whole Toblerone chocolate bar or individual portion for a sweet treat.
– Chop up Toblerone and mix with nuts and dried fruit for an energy-packed trail mix.
– Add chunks of Toblerone to sliced apples or banana for a chocolatey fruit salad.
– Grate Toblerone over natural yogurt and fresh berries for an instant dessert.
– Melt Toblerone and dip strawberries or marshmallows into the liquid chocolate.
– Use melted Toblerone as a drizzle over gluten-free crepes or pancakes and roll up.
– Stir chopped Toblerone through into rice pudding.
– Mash a sliced banana and stir through melted Toblerone for a sweet dip.
– Make chocolate bark by spreading melted Toblerone over a lined baking tray with your choice of nuts, dried fruits or gluten-free crisped rice then set in the fridge.
Having a stash of gluten-free Toblerone bars means you always have a tasty chocolate component to add to lunchboxes, snacks and desserts for a quick chocolate hit!
Travel Tips
Toblerone’s iconic triangular chunks make it perfect for travel. It avoids messy melty moments! Here are some tips for travelling with Toblerone when gluten-free:
– Pick individual foil-wrapped portions which are useful for packing in bags and lunchboxes while travelling. The individual wrapping helps minimize cross-contamination risk.
– Keep a Toblerone bar or two in your hand luggage as a reliable gluten-free snack during airport layovers and flights.
– Melt down Toblerone and pour into mini silicon moulds then set in the fridge before travelling for bite-sized gluten-free chocs on-the-go.
– If hiring a holiday home, pack some Toblerone bars so you know you’ll have at least one gluten-free treat waiting for you when you arrive.
– Chop up larger bars and pack into jars or containers to sprinkle over yoghurts, fruit salads and desserts while self-catering.
– Consider buying one of Toblerone’s gift tins and using it to store other gluten-free snacks and treats when travelling.
With delicious Toblerone chocolate, coeliacs do not have to miss out on one of the simple joys of travel – enjoying a chocolatey treat! Toblerone serves as a handy portable gluten-free snack.
Is Cadbury Dairy Milk gluten free?
No, standard Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate bars are not gluten-free. They contain barley malt extract as an ingredient which contains gluten. Cadbury states that a number of their products contain gluten ingredients, including wheat flour and barley malt extract.
However, Cadbury does produce a range of certified gluten-free milk chocolate bars, sold under their Cadbury Milk Chocolate Gluten Free brand. These are produced on a separate gluten-free production line and are certified as having less than 20ppm gluten by Coeliac UK.
So for coeliacs, while regular Cadbury Dairy Milk must be avoided, Cadbury does provide specially made gluten-free alternatives to choose instead. Always check the labeling and ingredients carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toblerone gluten-free?
Standard Toblerone milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate bars are certified gluten-free. Other flavoured Toblerone products may contain gluten from added ingredients. Check the labels carefully.
Is Toblerone made in a gluten-free facility?
According to the manufacturer, Toblerone products are made in gluten-free environments with procedures in place to avoid cross-contamination with gluten.
What ingredients make Toblerone unsafe for coeliacs?
Toblerone’s classic milk chocolate bars do not contain any gluten-based ingredients. It is the flavoured ranges that may include glutenous additions e.g. cookie chunks, cereals etc.
Does Toblerone contain wheat?
No, Toblerone’s core chocolate products do not contain wheat as an ingredient.
Can coeliacs eat Toblerone chocolate?
Yes, coeliacs can safely eat Toblerone’s standard milk, dark and white chocolate bars only. Other products may be unsuitable. Check all labels carefully.
The Takeaway on Toblerone
In conclusion, Toblerone’s classic milk, dark and white chocolate bars offer coeliacs a delicious gluten-free alternative to enjoy. With care taken to avoid flavoured or seasonal ranges with potential glutenous ingredients, Toblerone provides a safe, affordable option.
The iconic triangular prism shape makes it perfect for travel and gifting. For coeliacs, Toblerone delivers peace of mind that a trusted gluten-free chocolate treat is available in stores worldwide. Check those labels, then enjoy snapping off a crisp chunk of Swiss chocolate goodness, gluten-free!
