* Updated October 2026 *
Halloween is almost here! For those of us living gluten-free, however, choosing gluten-free Halloween candy can sometimes be tricky. Some familiar favorites contain wheat or barley, and certain fun-size candies and seasonal varieties may have different ingredients from their full-size counterparts.
The good news? There are plenty of candy options to explore. So, whether you’re filling trick-or-treat bags, shopping for classroom parties, or stocking up on your favorite seasonal sweets, there’s no reason a gluten-free diet should take the fun out of Halloween.
Here’s your guide to checking labels, finding gluten-free Halloween candy, and making October 31 a little less spooky for everyone who needs to avoid gluten.
Gluten-Free Halloween Candy: Where to Start
Many popular candy brands offer products that are labeled gluten-free or have ingredient lists that do not include gluten-containing ingredients. The important distinction is that not every product from a particular brand is necessarily gluten-free.
Here are some popular brands and product lines worth checking as you plan your Halloween candy shopping.
1. Hershey’s
Hershey’s offers a variety of candies identified as gluten-free in its product guidance. Examples include certain Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s chocolate bars, Almond Joy, York Peppermint Patties, Milk Duds, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Halloween shopping tip: Pay particular attention to seasonal shapes and miniatures. Reese’s seasonal-shaped candies and some miniature products may differ from the regular products you know and love. Don’t assume a pumpkin, ghost, or assorted Halloween bag has the same gluten-free status as a standard package.
Check the Hershey’s official website and the package you’re purchasing for the latest information.
2. Mars Wrigley
Mars Wrigley makes several familiar candy brands, including M&M’s, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Skittles, and Starburst.
Their gluten-free status should be checked product by product. For example, a plain chocolate candy may have a different ingredient profile from a pretzel-filled or crispy variety. Some products may have no gluten-containing ingredients without being explicitly labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer.
For the latest product information, visit Mars.
3. Ferrero North America
Ferrara makes many popular candies, including Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, Laffy Taffy, and other familiar Halloween treats.
Don’t assume that all candies from the same manufacturer have the same gluten-free status. Check the specific product’s ingredient list and allergen information, especially when buying seasonal packages or assorted bags.
Visit Ferrara for manufacturer information.
4. Smarties, Dum-Dums, and Tootsie Roll Candies
Hard candies and lollipops can be convenient options for Halloween treat bags.
Smarties, Dum-Dums, Tootsie Rolls, and Tootsie Pops are examples of familiar products to investigate. Their manufacturers provide information about gluten-free products, but you should still check the exact variety and package before purchasing.
For more information, visit Smarties, Spangler Candy, and Tootsie Roll Industries.
5. Gummies, Jelly Beans, and Other Fruity Treats
Gummies, jelly beans, and fruit-flavored candies can offer alternatives to chocolate, wafers, and cookie-filled sweets.
However, don’t rely on the candy category alone. Ingredients, flavorings, manufacturing practices, and seasonal packaging can vary. Check the individual product rather than assuming all gummies or jelly beans are gluten-free.
Three Tips for a Gluten-Free Halloween
1. Read Every Label
Even if you’ve purchased a candy many times before, check its label again. Recipes, manufacturing processes, and packaging can change.
In the United States, foods labeled “gluten-free” must meet the FDA’s standard of containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten, subject to the applicable labeling requirements.
If a product doesn’t carry a gluten-free claim, don’t automatically assume it is suitable for someone with celiac disease just because you can’t see wheat in the ingredient list.
2. Remember That Fun-Size Isn’t Always Full-Size
This is especially important at Halloween. A regular candy bar, a miniature version, a seasonal shape, and an assortment containing several varieties may not have identical ingredients or manufacturing conditions.
Check the actual package in your shopping cart, not just the brand name.
If you’re uncertain about a particular product, consult the manufacturer’s current gluten-free information or contact the company directly.
3. Be Mindful of Cross-Contact
For people with celiac disease, avoiding gluten-containing ingredients is only part of the picture. Cross-contact during manufacturing or handling may also matter.
Look for gluten-free labeling or recognized third-party certification when available. If the manufacturer’s information doesn’t answer your questions, reach out before purchasing.
Making Trick-or-Treating Easier
If your child has celiac disease or follows a gluten-free diet, a little planning can make Halloween much more enjoyable.
- Talk before trick-or-treating. Agree that candy will be checked by a parent or trusted adult before it’s eaten.
- Plan a candy swap. Set aside unsuitable treats and let your child exchange them for verified gluten-free candy, a small toy, or another special surprise.
- Keep a few favorites at home. Having familiar, safe treats available can make it easier to handle unexpected candy choices.
- Consider non-food treats. Stickers, pencils, glow sticks, and small toys can be fun alternatives for Halloween parties and trick-or-treaters.
- Check treats from school and parties, too. Individually wrapped candy still needs to be checked before eating.
Want More Help Choosing Gluten-Free Halloween Candy?
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. These resources are useful starting points when checking candy and understanding gluten-free labeling:
- Celiac Disease Foundation: Gluten-Free Candy List
- Beyond Celiac: Is Candy Gluten-Free?
- Gluten Intolerance Group: Halloween Candy Safety
- U.S. FDA: Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods
These resources can help you make more informed choices, but always confirm the current ingredients and labeling on the product you’re buying.
Have a Happy Gluten-Free Halloween!
Halloween should be about costumes, pumpkins, fun, and a little bit of magic—not worrying about every piece of candy in the trick-or-treat bag.
With some advance planning, careful label reading, and a few favorite treats on hand, you can make Halloween a sweet celebration for the whole family.
Happy Halloween from Gluten Free Retail HQ!
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