Gluten-Free Candies: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Sweet Treats

Introduction

For individuals with gluten intolerance, satisfying a sweet tooth can be challenging, as many candies contain gluten in the form of wheat, barley, or rye. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free candies available that offer the same great taste without compromising on safety. In this article, we will explore some popular gluten-free candies, as well as recipes for homemade treats that are free from gluten. We will also help you make informed decisions about which gluten-free candy brands to choose.

Listicle: 10 Popular Gluten-Free Candies

Here is a list of ten popular and widely available candies that are gluten-free:

1. Skittles – These colorful fruit-flavored candies are gluten-free and perfect for sharing.
2. Sour Patch Kids – These tangy gummies are also gluten-free and come in a variety of flavors.
3. Jelly Belly Jelly Beans – These classic jelly beans are gluten-free and come in a variety of fun flavors, including cotton candy and popcorn.
4. Hershey’s Kisses – These iconic chocolate candies are gluten-free and perfect for snacking on or adding to baked goods.
5. M&Ms – Whether you prefer milk chocolate or peanut butter, both varieties of M&Ms are gluten-free and make a great snack any time of day.
6. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – These peanut butter and chocolate cups are a classic and are also gluten-free.
7. Mike and Ike – These chewy fruit-flavored candies are gluten-free and come in a variety of fun flavors, including cherry and watermelon.
8. Pop Rocks – These fizzy popping candies are gluten-free and make a fun addition to any candy collection.
9. Lifesavers – These hard candies come in a variety of flavors and are also gluten-free, making them a perfect treat to share.
10. Starburst – These chewy fruit-flavored candies are gluten-free and come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry and orange.

When buying these candies, be sure to check the label to ensure that they are certified gluten-free and produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility to avoid any cross-contamination.

Personal Experience: Discovering Gluten-Free Candies

As someone with gluten intolerance, discovering safe and delicious gluten-free candies was a process of trial and error. I remember feeling frustrated when I would buy a candy, only to discover that it contained gluten. However, I soon learned that many popular candy brands are in fact gluten-free, making it easy to satisfy my sweet tooth without compromising on safety.

One of my favorite gluten-free candy brands is Endangered Species Chocolate. This brand of chocolate bars is not only gluten-free, but also uses sustainably sourced ingredients and donates proceeds to animal conservation efforts. I love the rich and creamy texture of their chocolate, and the fact that it’s also doing good in the world is an added bonus.

Recipe: Homemade Gluten-Free Candies

If you’re craving something sweet and don’t want to rely on store-bought options, try making your own gluten-free candies at home. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Easy Peanut Butter Cups

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

1. In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
2. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Place a spoonful of melted chocolate in the bottom of each liner, then add a spoonful of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate. Cover the peanut butter mixture with another spoonful of chocolate.
4. Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for at least an hour, or until they are set.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

• 1 pint strawberries
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Sprinkles (optional)

1. Wash and dry the strawberries well. Leave the stems on for a more decorative finish.
2. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Dip each strawberry into the melted chocolate, then add sprinkles if desired.
4. Place the strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until the chocolate is set, approximately 30 minutes.

Comparison: Gluten-Free Candy Brands

When shopping for gluten-free candies, it’s important to know what to look for. Here is a comparison of some popular gluten-free candy brands:

1. Unreal Candy

Unreal Candy offers a variety of gluten-free candy options, including chocolate-covered gems, peanut butter cups, and chocolate bars. Their candies are made with natural ingredients and are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. While they are a bit more expensive than some other brands, they offer a guilt-free indulgence that is still 100% gluten-free.

2. Enjoy Life Foods

Enjoy Life Foods is a company that specializes in making snacks that are free from common allergens, including gluten. They offer a variety of gluten-free candy options, including chocolate bars, minis, and chewy bars. Their products are also certified vegan and Non-GMO Project verified, making them a safe and healthy choice for anyone with food sensitivities.

3. YumEarth

YumEarth offers a variety of organic, gluten-free, and vegan candy options. Their candies include gummy bears, sour beans, and lollipops, all of which are made with natural ingredients and without any artificial colors or flavors. Their candies are also free from the top eight allergens, making them a safe choice for those with multiple food sensitivities.

Expert Interviews: Insights and Recommendations

We reached out to Madelyn Osten, a registered dietitian, for her insights on the gluten-free candy industry: “The gluten-free market has exploded in recent years, and candy is no exception. It’s important to note that just because a candy is gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s healthy. I always recommend that my clients look for candies that are made with natural ingredients, without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.”

We also spoke with Alexis Kornblum, the founder of Lexi’s Clean Kitchen and author of the cookbook of the same name. “When it comes to gluten-free candies, my go-to is always dark chocolate. Not only is it naturally gluten-free, but it’s also packed with antioxidants and may even improve cardiovascular health. I love using it in baked goods, mixing it with nuts for a tasty snack, or just enjoying a square after dinner.”

Conclusion

Gluten-free candies are a great way to indulge your sweet tooth without compromising on safety. With many popular candy brands now offering gluten-free options, it’s easier than ever to find a tasty treat that is free from gluten. Whether you’re buying store-bought options or making your own homemade candies, it’s important to always read the label and ensure that the candies are certified gluten-free. With this guide, you can find a variety of safe and delicious gluten-free candies to satisfy any craving.