Easter is a fun holiday filled with egg hunts, family gatherings, and of course – candy! For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating the candy aisles can be tricky. Thankfully, many classic Easter treats are naturally gluten-free or have gluten-free versions available.
The Most Common Gluten-Free Easter Candy
Here are some of the most popular gluten-free Easter candy options:
- Jelly beans – Most major brands like Jelly Belly, Starburst, and Skittles are gluten-free. Always check labels for wheat-based ingredients.
- Marshmallow treats – Marshmallow Peeps, bunnies, and chicks are gluten-free. Same goes for marshmallow eggs.
- Dark chocolate – Look for bars and coins made with at least 70% cocoa. Many mainstream brands offer gluten-free options.
- Gummy candy – Gummy bears, worms, and other gummies are naturally gluten-free. Watch out for brands that use wheat-based starch.
- Licorice – Red Vines and Twizzlers are two gluten-free licorice brands. Others may use wheat flour.
As long as you read the ingredients carefully and avoid candies with risky ingredients like malt flavoring, most major candy brands offer gluten-free Easter basket goodies.
Checking Labels on Easter Candy
Reading the fine print is an absolute must for gluten-free Easter candy. Watch out for these common ingredients that contain gluten:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
- Malt flavoring/extract
- Malt vinegar
- Modified food starch (unless specified gluten-free)
- Dextrin (unless specified gluten-free)
Candy that contains these ingredients should be avoided. For example, malted milk balls contain gluten even though the name doesn’t suggest it. Thankfully, many brands now clearly label products “gluten-free” – when in doubt, look for this label.
Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Brands
Chocolate is a chocolate lover’s favorite Easter treat. Here are some of the top gluten-free chocolate brands to fill Easter baskets:
Dark Chocolate
- Endangered Species
- Ghirardelli
- Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa and above
- Theo
- Alter Eco
- Equal Exchange
- Hu Kitchen
- Lily’s
Milk Chocolate
- Enjoy Life
- Godiva (check labels)
- Chocolove
- Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Caramel Filled Squares
As a rule of thumb, dark chocolate that’s 70% cocoa or higher is naturally gluten-free. Milk chocolate and candy with inclusions like caramel or cookies require closer inspection to ensure gluten-free status.
Gluten-Free Easter Candy by Type
Here’s an overview of popular gluten-free Easter candy options organized by type:
Chocolate Bunnies and Eggs
- Ghirardelli Solid Milk Chocolate Bunny
- Lindt Gold Bunny
- Russell Stover Pecan Eggs
- Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Eggs
- Endangered Species Dark Chocolate Bunny
Jelly Beans
- Jelly Belly
- Starburst
- Skittles
- Albanese Gourmet Jelly Beans
Marshmallow Treats
- Peeps
- Marshmallow bunnies and chicks
- Marshmallow eggs
Gummies
- Haribo Gold Bears
- Albanese Gummi Bears
- Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers
- Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears
Licorice
- Twizzlers
- Red Vines
This list just scratches the surface – there are tons of specialty and artisanal candy companies making gluten-free goodies for Easter. Don’t be afraid to explore your options!
Gluten-Free Easter Candy Recipes
Making your own gluten-free Easter treats ensures you can control every ingredient. Here are some delicious recipes to try:
Gluten-Free Easter Fudge
Ingredients:
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1⁄8 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
- Add chocolate chips, condensed milk, and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla, salt, and nuts if using.
- Pour into prepared pan and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
- Lift fudge out using parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Gluten-Free Marshmallow Crispy Eggs
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 10 oz marshmallows
- 1⁄4 cup butter
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring
Instructions:
- Put marshmallows and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds until melted. Stir until smooth.
- Add food coloring and vanilla and stir to combine.
- Add Rice Krispies and gently fold together until combined.
- Grease your hands with butter or oil. Grab handfuls of the mixture and shape into oval “eggs.”
- Place on wax paper and let cool completely before serving.
Purchasing Gluten-Free Easter Candy
You can find gluten-free Easter candy in multiple places:
- Grocery stores – Many mainstream brands carried at grocery stores label gluten-free items. Look on endcaps for seasonal treats.
- Drug stores – Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens often have gluten-free candy sections.
- Specialty shops – Candy stores and gourmet chocolatiers may offer gluten-free options.
- Online – Tons of smaller gluten-free companies sell candy online. Great for hard-to-find specialty items.
- Discounters – Check stores like Marshall’s, TJMaxx, and Ollie’s for discounted name-brand gluten-free candy.
Talk to the candy manager at your grocery store or search “gluten-free candy” online to unlock all kinds of Easter basket options.
Best Gluten-Free Easter Candy for Kids
Kids with celiac disease deserve the fun of hunting for their favorite candy-filled Easter basket just like their peers. Here are some of the best gluten-free Easter candy options for kids:
- Smarties – Classic colorful candy tablets kids love
- Jelly Belly jelly beans – Fun flavors like buttered popcorn in a gluten-free treat
- Peeps marshmallow chicks – A must-have for Easter!
- Hershey’s chocolate bars – Select milk chocolate and Kisses products are gluten-free
- Skittles – Rainbow candy perfect for Easter baskets
- Airheads – Chewy fruit-flavored candy
- Swedish Fish – Gummy red fish candy
- Haribo gummy bears – Cute mini versions exist for Easter
- Annie’s chocolate bunnies – Adorable gluten-free milk chocolate treat
Call ahead to verify ingredients, but most kids’ Easter favorites like Skittles and chocolate coins come in gluten-free versions. Getting the same candy as classmates makes kids with celiac feel included.
Being Inclusive with Gluten-Free Easter Candy
If hosting an Easter egg hunt or candy swap, be sure to provide options for any guests who may be gluten-free. Here are some tips:
- Ask guests to notify you ahead of time about any food allergies
- Purchase name-brand candy that labels gluten-free status
- Check bulk or homemade candy ingredients carefully
- Group gluten-free and regular candy separately
- Consider non-food items like stickers or bubbles for egg hunts
- Remind kids not to trade candy with food allergies
Providing allergy-friendly candy helps gluten-free guests feel welcome. Kids with celiac disease will appreciate being able to enjoy Easter candy just like their friends.
Traveling for Easter with Gluten-Free Candy
For those with celiac disease, traveling with gluten-free Easter candy helps ensure you’ll have safe treats no matter where you celebrate. Here are some tips for travel:
- Pack gluten-free candy or treats from home
- Call ahead to confirm candy at relative’s houses is gluten-free
- Research gluten-free candy brands at your destination
- Bring extra Easter candy as backup
- Verify candy exchanged in Easter egg hunts
- Scope out gluten-free options at stores once you arrive
- Politely pass on unsafe looking Easter treats
Traveling can make reliable gluten-free food tricky. Bringing your own Easter candy ensures you’ll have something safe to enjoy.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Easter Candy
Homemade candy lets you control ingredients and avoid cross-contamination. Here are some gluten-free recipes to try:
Gluten-Free Caramel Corn
Ingredients:
- 10 cups plain popped popcorn
- 12 oz bag caramel candies, unwrapped
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
Instructions:
- Pop popcorn according to package directions. Remove any unpopped kernels.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add caramel candies and stir constantly until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda until light and foamy.
- Pour caramel over popcorn and stir with a spatula to evenly coat.
- Spread on wax paper and let cool. Break into clusters once set.
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Eggs
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 1 1⁄2 cups gluten-free crisped rice cereal
- 1⁄4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together peanut butter and honey until smooth.
- Stir in crisped rice cereal until fully coated.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch egg shapes with your hands.
- Melt chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
- Spoon melted chocolate over eggs and let set on wax paper. Refrigerate until firm.
Get creative with your own gluten-free candy recipes this Easter. Personalized treats make memorable gifts for family and friends.
Conclusion
Easter is an occasion for reconnecting over food, family and fun. With an array of gluten-free candy options now available, those with celiac disease or sensitivities can participate without worry. Major candy brands offer allergy-friendly versions of classics like chocolate eggs, jelly beans, and marshmallow treats. Homemade recipes allow for customization too. By reading labels vigilantly and finding dedicated gluten-free brands, you can fill Easter baskets with all the best candy to share with everyone.
