As I was shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts today, I was reminded that it is very important to diligently read labels on all candy, even candy that is gluten-free in it’s original form. I picked up a bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts and flipped it over to read the ingredients and found wheat flour was on the list. I am writing this because I know that it can be easy to become complacent & think that because you have checked something before, it is okay to eat or feed to your child who is gluten-free.
Before buying any candy, reference an updated gluten-free candy list. Here is one that is maintained by Melonie Katz of The Silly Yaks Group on Yahoo. Remember that ingredients and/or suppliers may change, so always read the label.
There are plenty of candies that are made by gluten-free companies or are marked “gluten-free”:
- Surf Sweets
- Enjoy Life
- Dagoba Chocolate
- Skittles
- Green and Black’s Organic Chocolate
- Endangered Species Chocolate
- Snickers
- Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
- M & M’s
- See’s (most varieties)
If there is something in particular that you have in mind that you can find referenced, give the company a call. Most of the companies have phone numbers or emails listed on their websites.
Another idea is to make your Valentine’s Day treats at home, in your own kitchen. You can make your own candy. You can make sugar cookie cut-outs or cupcakes. There are so many great gluten-free cake & cookie mixes out there now. If you are interested in fudge – here is a recipe that was my Grandmother’s. Valentine’s Day morning breakfast? Heart shaped pancakes (Pamela’s are a hit in our house)! Top with maple syrup & strawberries with a few dark chocolate chips.
Bottom line here is to always remember to double check your food. You can never be too safe when it comes to label reading. It is that one time that you don’t check that something will have changed.





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