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 its 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. 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
- 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 the reference, give the company a call. Most 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.
The 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.
And don’t forget Peep’s…they say ‘gluten-free’ on the packaging.
good list, helps a lot
Oh, yes, how could I have forgotten the Peeps! 🙂 Thank you.
Kim
Hi Kim,
Thanks so much for this reminder … I’m sending the link to my support group in my weekly email right now!
You are doing a terrific job here at celiac-disease.com–thanks so much for all your articles!
Shirley Braden
Great info Kim! There are a lot of candies that are gluten free but for Valentine’s Day, I think it’s unfortunate that Godiva and Lindt won’t state that any of the products are gluten-free. Since Russell Stover now lists allergen info on their site, I might try a variety box if I find one with gluten items in it. I’m now addicted to Surf Sweets, after trying them in a Go Picnic box last year – best gummies ever!
Thanks Shirley! 🙂
Tiffany – those Surf Sweets gummies are awesome! I currently have a Lindt bar that has no obvious gluten in it, but I am scared to eat it because of their policy on gluten-free. I think it will get given to my daughter for Valentine’s Day. 🙂
Kim – based on the info Lindt gave Triumph Dining, it seems like the company has an overzealous legal dept. They state due to cc issues, they can not say anything they make is gluten-free. That does not mean that everything in their line has gluten in it…I like to support companies that go the extra mile for our business and neither Godiva or Lindt are worried about our market at all….yet. 😉
Tiffany,
I agree about supporting companies that go the extra mile for us. I always like to promote & support those they help and label or have policies that they won’t hide any gluten.
Kim