The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food manufacturers to include accurate information about food allergens in their product labels. This is especially important for people with celiac disease, who must avoid gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat flour. Many popular candy brands produce their gluten-free candies in a separate, alternative processing facility or baking facility to minimize contamination with gluten. However, it's always important to read the allergen statement on the box of treats to ensure that it meets your needs.
Since I'm gluten-free, I understand how challenging it can be to find Valentine's Candy that is both gluten-free and free from other common allergens such as dairy and peanuts. While many candy giants claim to have gluten-free statements on their products, there's always a risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing process. This is why it's important to choose brands that take these food allergies seriously and invest in alternative processing facilities.
In this blog post, I'll be discussing some of my favorite gluten-free Valentine's Day candies and providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision about the box of treats you give to your loved ones. Plus, I'll walk you through how I make the Ultimate Valentine's Day Candy Board. Whether you're looking for chocolates, gummies, or other Original Flavor candies, I've got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of gluten-free Valentine's Day candy.
Looking for more gluten free recipes? Check out How to Make the BEST Oven Dried Orange Slices, Easy No-Knead Gluten Free Bread, and No Bake Chocolate Pomegranate Bites.
What is a candy board?
A candy board is a delicious treat that's similar to a charcuterie board, but with candy. It's a curated list of candy that's presented on a platter or board. It can include a mix of gluten-free Valentine's Candy like Milk Chocolate Kisses, Candy Buttons, and a Milk Chocolate Bar. This is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite sweets and indulge in a variety of candies without the worry of gluten ingredients. Whether you're looking for a Peanut Free or Dairy Free option, a candy board offers a variety of options for candy consumption. It's a fun and easy way to create a delicious and festive treat.
What Valentine's Day Chocolate is Gluten Free?
Plain Dove Chocolate Hearts
Plain Dove Chocolate Hearts are gluten-free! All Dove Chocolate flavors and seasonal items, including the Milk Chocolate Bar, do not contain gluten ingredients. However, it's important to note that Dove Chocolate is not Dairy Free. To confirm the gluten content of a particular product, always refer to the allergen statement on the packaging. Keep in mind that the only exceptions to the gluten-free policy are the Cookies & Creme and the Dove Cinnamon Graham Cookies in Milk Chocolate, which contain gluten.
Enjoy Life Foods
Enjoy Life Foods is a brand that offers a wide range of gluten-free and allergen-friendly products, including Dairy Free and Peanut Free options. All their products are free of gluten ingredients and contain no wheat flour. They are dedicated to providing high-quality, delicious, and safe treats for those with food allergies or sensitivities. So if you're looking for gluten-free Valentine's Day candies, Enjoy Life Foods is a great option to consider.
Milk Chocolate Hershey's Kisses
Milk chocolate Hershey's Kisses are gluten-free! According to Hershey's website, they do not include gluten ingredients in their products. The following types of Kisses are gluten-free: KISSES Milk Chocolate, KISSES Milk Chocolate with Almond, and KISSES Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate. The chocolate wrappers do not contain gluten, making these candies a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities. Keep in mind that Hershey's Kisses are not dairy-free, so if you have a dairy allergy, you'll need to choose a different option.
No Whey Chocolate
The brand No Whey Chocolate offers gluten-free Valentine's Day chocolate boxes! All their products are 100% Milk Free, Peanut Free, Tree Nut Free, Gluten Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free, and free of the top 9 common allergens. Additionally, their chocolates are Vegan and Kosher. Their heart-shaped box of chocolates is filled with creamy, rich chocolate that's free from gluten ingredients and free from gluten cross-contamination risks. If you're looking for an allergy-safe option for Valentine's Day, No Whey Chocolate is a great choice. They offer a range of assorted chocolates that are Dairy Free and Peanut Free, making them the perfect gift for anyone who has food allergies or sensitivities.
Junior Mints
Junior Mints are gluten-free! All flavors and sizes of Junior Mints, including seasonal items, contain no gluten ingredients. This means that they are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to consume without the risk of gluten cross-contamination. Junior Mints are a delicious and creamy chocolate treat, making them a great option for Valentine's Day. They are also Peanut Free and Dairy Free, making them a safe option for those with food allergies or sensitivities (be wary of cross contamination). If you're looking for allergy-safe and gluten-free chocolate for Valentine's Day, Junior Mints are a great choice!
Almond Joy
Almond Joys are gluten-free! According to the Hershey website, all varieties of Almond Joy except for the Almond Joy Pieces are gluten-free and do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. This means that if you're looking for a chocolate treat with a crunchy almond center for Valentine's Day, you can enjoy Almond Joys without worrying about gluten. So, if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, be sure to check the label before you indulge in this delicious chocolate almond treat.
Plain Chocolate M&M's
Plain Chocolate M&Ms are gluten-free! Most plain chocolate M&Ms are considered gluten-free, as they contain no gluten-containing ingredients like wheat. The creamy chocolate center is made from milk chocolate, skim milk, cocoa butter, lactose, soy lecithin, and other gluten-free ingredients, so you can enjoy them without worrying about gluten. However, it's important to note that some M&M flavors, such as Pretzel and Crispy M&Ms, contain wheat, so be sure to check the allergen statement for any gluten-containing ingredients. Additionally, if you have a dairy allergy, it's important to note that M&Ms are not dairy-free. Keep an eye out for cross-contamination risks and always check the gluten-free statement before indulging in these delicious candies.
What Valentine's Day Candy is Gluten Free?
Yum Earth
Yum Earth is a brand known for its gluten-free and all-natural candy products. All their candies are free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and artificial flavors. Yum Earth offers a variety of Valentine's Day treats, from lollipops to gummies, made with real fruit juice and no artificial colors. Enjoy a delicious and allergy-safe Valentine's Day with Yum Earth.
Smarties Candy Company
Smarties Candy Company's products, including their original flavor Smarties, are gluten-free. The company uses gluten-free ingredients and there is no risk of cross-contamination with gluten in their facilities. Enjoy a sweet, gluten-free treat this Valentine's Day with Smarties candies.
Tootsie Rolls
Tootsie Roll candies are gluten-free according to their official website. No wheat, barley, rye, oats, triticale, spelt, or their components are used. They use corn and soy in production and have measures to prevent gluten cross-contamination.
Laffy Taffy
Check the labels, but both regular Laffy Taffy Chews and Laffy Taffy Ropes (all flavors) are gluten-free. Enjoy candy and jokes on the wrapper!
Wonka Lik-M-Aid
Willy Wonka's Lik-M-Aid is gluten-free, confirmed by Celiac.com.
Pixy Stix
Wonka Pixy Stix are gluten free according to Nestle, but check the label for other allergens.
What candy isn't gluten free?
Pretzel M&M's
Pretzel M&M's contain gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour, making them not gluten-free. Check package labels for more information.
Many boxes chocolates
Many boxed chocolates are not gluten free because of cross-contamination risks. During the production process, chocolates can come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients, leading to gluten cross-contamination. For example, cherry cordials or chocolate pieces that have been produced in the same facility as gluten-containing products are at risk for contamination. To ensure that you are eating gluten-free chocolate, it is important to double-check the package labels. This includes reading the ingredient list and allergen information, as well as contacting the manufacturer if necessary. While it may be tempting to indulge in rich, creamy chocolate products, like Lindt Lindor Truffles, if you have a gluten intolerance it is important to be vigilant and make sure that the chocolates you eat are actually gluten-free.
Nerds Ropes
Nerd Ropes, like many other packaged foods, contain gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye. Additionally, cross-contamination with gluten during manufacturing can occur if the same equipment is used to produce both gluten-free and gluten-containing products. Therefore, it's important to always double-check the package labels to ensure that the product you are purchasing is indeed gluten-free.
Sweet Tarts
Sweet Tarts are technically gluten-free, but they are at high risk for cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients during their production process. It is important to double-check the package labels to ensure that they have been manufactured in a gluten-free facility or to contact the manufacturer for further information. Cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients can occur due to shared equipment or storage, which can pose a risk to those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is best to opt for gluten-free alternatives or confections that have been specifically labeled as gluten-free.
Items Needed for Candy Board
To make a candy charcuterie board, you will need:
- Containers: You will need small containers to hold individual candies that don't come in packages, such as M&Ms. These containers will keep the candies separate and organized on the board.
- Candies: Choose a variety of candies with different textures, shapes, and colors. Consider including gummy candies, hard candies, chocolates, and more. You can also include a mix of classic candies and unique or novelty candies.
- Decorative elements: To make the board visually appealing, you can add decorative elements such as fruit, nuts, or sprinkles. These elements can add color and texture to the board and provide a contrasting background for the candies.
- Serving platters or boards: Choose a serving platter or board that is large enough to accommodate all of your candies and decorative elements. Consider using a board with a neutral color or pattern that will not compete with the colors of the candies.
Assembly Instructions
To make an amazing candy charcuterie board:
- Gather supplies: board, small containers for loose candies, individually packaged candies, and festive decorations.
- Arrange board: Place the small containers in the center and arrange individually packaged candies around the edges.
- Add decorations: Use festive decorations like ribbon or confetti to enhance the presentation.
- Gift it: Present your candy charcuterie board as a gift in a gift box for a fun and unique gift option. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any day!
Serving Ideas
Serve a candy charcuterie board as a perfect gift for a candy lover. Offer a variety of candy options with diverse candy packaging. Put candies in a gift box for special occasions like birthdays or Valentine's Day.
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