Chocolate, in its purest form, is suitable for a gluten free diet (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder don't naturally contain any gluten), but unfortunately, this does not mean that all chocolate bars on our shelves are gluten free.
Many chocolate bars have extra ingredients in them, and these may contain gluten. Extra ingredients, like wheat flour, mean that not all chocolate is safe to eat, even though pure chocolate is gluten free.
Also, if manufacturers also produce a gluten containing product, they can't always guarantee there is no gluten cross contamination, so these may be labeled as 'may contain gluten'.
But don't worry, many popular chocolate brands do have gluten free products, so you can still enjoy delicious treats. If you have coeliac disease, it's always best to check the ingredients label carefully to ensure your safety.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a naturally occurring protein that's found in barley, rye, and wheat. Many people are cutting out gluten ingredients due to dietary requirements like intolerances or coeliac disease.
Ingredients to Look Out for
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Barley Malt / Barley Malt Extract
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Wheat-based Ingredients
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Malt
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Cereal Fillers or Crispy Rice
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Cookie / Biscuit / Brownie Pieces
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Flavorings (Natural or Artificial)
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Oats / Oat Flour (cross contamination)
Gluten Free Chocolate Bars
Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons
Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons are made without any gluten-containing ingredients, making them a generally safe option for those following a gluten-free diet. However, they are produced in facilities that handle wheat, so there is a risk of cross-contamination. Cadbury does not label them as gluten-free, so individuals with celiac disease should exercise caution and check the packaging for any “may contain” warnings.
Galaxy Minstrels
Galaxy Minstrels do not contain any gluten ingredients and are often enjoyed by those avoiding gluten. However, Mars (the manufacturer) does not certify them as gluten-free, and they may be produced on shared lines with gluten-containing products. Always check for allergen information on the chocolate product label before consuming.
Daim Bar
Daim Bars, with their crunchy almond caramel center coated in chocolate, don’t contain gluten-based ingredients and are often enjoyed by those on a gluten-free diet. While they’re not labeled gluten-free, many find them suitable. Just check the packaging for any advisory statements depending on where you buy them.
Kinder Chocolate
Kinder Chocolate is a smooth and creamy treat that doesn’t include gluten ingredients, making it a good option for many avoiding gluten. It’s a well-loved choice, especially for kids and families. As always, it’s smart to glance at the label for allergen info.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Good news for Reese’s fans, in the U.S., classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are labeled gluten-free and safe to enjoy! Just keep an eye out for special seasonal shapes (like hearts or eggs), which may be produced on different lines. Outside the U.S., ingredients can vary slightly, so it’s best to double-check the label depending on where you are.
Aero
Aero’s bubbly chocolate bars are a delightful option and don’t contain any gluten ingredients in their main varieties, like milk chocolate and peppermint.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is often a safe and satisfying choice for gluten-free eaters, especially when you stick to high-quality bars with simple ingredients like cocoa, cocoa butter, and sugar. Many brands also offer certified gluten-free dark chocolate.