Give the Easter Bunny a hand with this curated gluten-free Easter candy list, followed by a clear list of candies to avoid for any child who needs to stay gluten-free.

Gluten Free Easter Candy List

A quick overview of good gluten-free candy options to consider for Easter:

• Hershey’s Kisses — not all varieties are guaranteed gluten-free, so check labels. Varieties currently labeled gluten-free include: Egg Hunt, Mildly Sweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Special Dark, Giant Kiss.
• Other Hershey’s candies that are often gluten-free include:
  • Almond Joy
  • Mounds
  • Reese’s (note: special seasonal shapes may not be included on gluten-free lists; always check the packaging)
  • Reese’s Pieces
  • Rolo
  • York
  • Payday
  • Heath

• Jelly Belly Jelly Beans — Jelly Belly states that all Jelly Belly jelly bean flavors are free of gluten and their modified food starch is cornstarch. Check packaging and avoid Jelly Belly licorice and malted products, which are not gluten-free.
• YumEarth Licorice — some YumEarth products are labeled gluten-free, but the company has updated packaging on certain items to disclose wheat. Read labels carefully, especially if avoiding wheat entirely.
• Candy Tree Licorice Shoestrings — a good gluten-free licorice alternative.

• Mars Wrigley products — many do not contain gluten ingredients, but the company does not broadly claim gluten-free status due to possible cross-contamination. Popular items that often do not contain gluten ingredients include:
  • Examples:
  • 3 Musketeers
  • Dove Chocolate (some flavors and novelty shapes may contain gluten; check labels)
  • Lifesavers
  • M&M’s (pretzel and crispy varieties contain gluten)
  • Milky Way Midnight Dark Chocolate (original Milky Way contains barley malt)
  • Skittles
  • Snickers
  • Starburst

• • Tootsie Company — many Tootsie-made candies are gluten-free. Popular gluten-free options include:
    • Tootsie Roll candies and seasonal Easter eggs
    • Pops
    • DOTS
    • Junior Mints
    • Andes
    • Sugar Babies
    • Sugar Daddy
    • Dubble Bubble
    • Charms

• Marshmallow Peeps — generally gluten-free (avoid Oreo-flavored varieties; always read labels).
• Kraft Jet-Puffed Bunny Marshmallows — while not specifically labeled gluten-free, Kraft lists gluten ingredients on packaging and reports these marshmallows are not subject to gluten cross-contamination. Still, check labels if you are concerned.

• UNREAL candies — many UNREAL products are certified gluten-free. Options include:
  • Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups
  • Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
  • Dark Chocolate Crispy Peanut Butter Cups
  • Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars
  • Chocolate Gems
  • Chocolate Covered Pretzels (check for gluten-free certification)

• That’s It. dark chocolate truffles — a paleo-friendly option.
• Organic fruit leather from brands such as Wacky Apple.
• Zolli Candy — offers gluten-free and sugar-free choices.
• Annie’s Organic Fruit-Flavored Snacks — free from artificial flavors, artificial colors, and high fructose corn syrup; check labels for gluten-related statements.

• The Natural Candy Store — a retailer that sorts gluten-free candy options for easier shopping.
• Surf Sweets — vegan, top-8-allergen friendly, dye-free gummies and candy (check product labels for specifics).

Easter Candy to Avoid — Not Gluten-Free

Always avoid Whoppers and other malted milk candies — they contain malt and are not gluten-free.

Avoid any candy listing barley, malt, or barley malt as an ingredient; these are not gluten-free.

Avoid Cadbury products if you are relying on Hershey’s gluten-free evaluations — Cadbury products are not included on Hershey’s gluten-free list and therefore are not recommended without additional verification.

Although some Cadbury items may not list gluten ingredients, manufacturers sometimes exclude seasonal or specially shaped products from gluten-free claims due to different production lines and possible cross-contamination. If in doubt, avoid or contact the manufacturer for clarification.

2026 YumEarth Update:

YumEarth has historically marketed many items as top-9 allergen-free, but recent packaging changes disclose the use of gluten-free wheat starch in some jelly products. The company has removed the “wheat-free” claim from certain items and now includes a statement that processed wheat starch is used in molding for some jelly candies. If you have celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or severe gluten sensitivity, read product labels carefully and avoid products that disclose wheat-derived ingredients.

Avoid Holiday-Shaped Candies

Many otherwise safe candies are produced in special holiday shapes using different facilities or processes, so manufacturers may not extend gluten-free claims to those shaped items. Examples include some seasonal Reese’s shapes. Always check packaging and manufacturer guidance for seasonal or novelty items.

Licorice

Licorice often contains gluten. Twizzlers and similar mainstream licorice products are generally not gluten-free. Look for certified gluten-free licorice from specialty brands like Candy Tree or other labeled gluten-free twists. Be cautious: some brands that advertise gluten-free may still use wheat-derived ingredients in certain products.

If you’re crafting treats (for example, Easter basket cupcakes), consider using safe gluten-free licorice alternatives as decorative handles or accents.

For thorough candy shopping guidance year-round, consult dedicated gluten-free holiday candy guides such as gluten-free Halloween and Valentine’s Day candy lists from reputable gluten-free resources and manufacturers. Always read ingredient labels and manufacturer statements before purchasing or gifting candy for anyone with celiac disease, wheat allergy, or gluten sensitivity.