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Gluten-Free Chocolates: A UK Shopper’s Guide

Discover the best gluten-free chocolates available in the UK. From major brands to supermarket options, find your perfect treat today.

Hello, all with Easter just around the corner, let’s have a natter about chocolate, shall we?

Now, I know you’re all wondering, “Is chocolate gluten-free?”. Well, pull up a chair, my Coeliac friend, and let’s dive in!

The short answer is: mostly, yes! Pure chocolate is naturally gluten-free, made from those lovely cocoa beans that are as gluten-free as they come.

But here’s the kicker – it’s not always that simple, is it?

Some cheeky manufacturers like to sneak in a bit of gluten here and there, or they might make their chocolate bars right next to gluten-containing treats.

So, we’ve got to be a bit savvy when we’re picking out our choccy fixes. Don’t worry, though!

I’ll give you the lowdown on how to spot the gluten-free goodies and which ones might be trying to pull a fast one on us.

Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be a proper chocolate detective!

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Disclaimer

Alright, chocolate fans, before you dive headfirst into the chocolate aisle, a little note from your friendly neighbourhood chocolate guide!

Important Chocolate Disclaimer (aka the “Don’t Blame Me If…” Clause):

I’ve done my best to give you the lowdown on which chocolates are likely to be gluten-free, based on the info I could gather as of February 2025. However, chocolate companies are sneaky little devils sometimes, and recipes can change.

So, please, pretty please, with chocolate sprinkles on top: ALWAYS double-check the label yourself!

I’m not a doctor, a nutritionist, or a chocolate-label-reading robot.

I’m just a person who loves chocolate and wants to help you enjoy it safely. If you have coeliac disease or are seriously sensitive to gluten, chat with your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Basically, I’m here to point you in the right direction, but the ultimate responsibility for your chocolate-eating choices lies with you.

Now go forth, be informed, and eat responsibly! Happy chocolate-ing! 😉

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Key

• ✅ Gluten-free
• ⚠️ May Contain Gluten
• ❌ Contains Gluten

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Cadburys

Craving that classic Cadbury taste but need to avoid gluten? You’re in luck! Cadbury offers a surprisingly wide range of gluten-free chocolates, from the bubbly Wispa to the iconic Flake. Just be sure to double-check those labels, as some family favourites contain sneaky gluten.

✅ Twirl & Twril Orange: Two sticks of flake-like milk chocolate covered in a smooth layer of milk chocolate.
✅ Chomp: A chewy caramel centre coated in milk chocolate.
✅ Turkish Delight: Rose-flavoured Turkish delight covered in milk chocolate.
✅ Wispa & Wispa gold: A velvety, bubbly milk chocolate bar wrapped in creamy Cadbury chocolate.
✅ Flake: Known for its light and flaky texture, this bar crumbles in your mouth and melts quickly.
✅ Crunchie: This bar has a honeycomb toffee centre surrounded by smooth milk chocolate.
✅ Curly Wurly: A chocolate bar with a caramel centre.
✅ Dairy Milk Buttons: Flat, circular, button-shaped bites of Cadbury milk chocolate.

❌ Freddo Caramel: A treat-size bar of Cadbury milk chocolate with a caramel centre.
❌ Dairy Milk Caramel: A soft caramel filling within Dairy Milk chocolate.
❌ Picnic: Features crispy cereal, chewy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and dried grapes covered in milk chocolate.
❌ Caramilk: A golden caramel chocolate bar made from a blend of white chocolate and caramelized milk powder.
❌ Boost: A bar with a chocolate centre packed with biscuits and rolled in chewy caramel, covered in milk chocolate.

⚠️Dairy Milk In Standard Sizes:  It has a smooth, velvety texture due to its high milk content.

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Mars-Galaxy

Galaxy, a brand under Mars, Inc., offers a variety of chocolate bars and related products.

✅ Smooth Milk Chocolate Bars: The classic Galaxy bar, is known for its creamy texture.
✅ Smooth Dark  Milk Chocolate Bars: The classic Galaxy bar, is known for its creamy texture
✅ Ripple: Fine pleats of smooth chocolate.
✅ Minstrels: Buttons of Galaxy chocolate with a crispy shell.
✅ Bubbles: Aerated Galaxy chocolate, similar to Cadbury’s Wispa or Nestlé Aero.
✅ Vegan Chocolate Bars: Available in Smooth Orange, Crumbled Cookie, and Caramel & Sea Salt flavours.

❌ Mars Bars: A bar made of caramel and nougat coated in milk chocolate.
❌ Maltesers: Light and airy malt honeycomb covered in milk chocolate.
❌ Caramel Chocolate Bars: A smooth caramel centre coated in Galaxy chocolate.
❌ Cookie Crumble Chocolate Bars.
❌ Truffles: Velvety smooth truffle coated in Galaxy chocolate.

⚠️ Counters: Small, smooth, and creamy chocolate pieces designed to melt in your mouth.
⚠️ Fruit & Nut Chocolate Bar. Nuts and Fruit wrapped in a smooth chocolate.
⚠️ Honeycomb Crisp: Chocolate bar containing small granular nougats of honeycomb toffee.
⚠️ Snickers: Milk chocolate, peanuts, caramel and nougat wrapped in milk chocolate.

Galaxy also produces ready-to-drink chocolate milk, hot chocolate powder, chocolate cakes, and ice cream.

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Nestle

Nestlé produces a wide variety of chocolate bars, with some of the most popular including:

✅ Aero: Milk chocolate bars, Mint bars, Mint bubbles, white & caramel bars.
✅ Milkybar: Giant buttons, milk & crunchy, Buttons original, giant white chocolate buttons.
✅ Walnut Whip: Classic, Caramel and Mint flavours.

❌ Kit Kat: Licensed to Hershey’s in the US) Wafer fingers covered in milk chocolate.
❌ Smarties: Colorful, candy-coated, chocolate buttons.
❌ Lion Bar: is a crunchy, chewy, and caramel bar.
❌ Crunch: is a crunchy, textured, sweet.

⚠️ Yorkie: is a chunky, solid, smooth chocolate bar. ( Gluten-free versions are available)

Nestlé also owns a number of other chocolate and confectionery brands, including regional favourites:

✅ After Eight: After eight, made in the UK are GF.
✅ Quality Street: All Gluten Free.

The company’s portfolio includes both global and local brands, with a focus on providing a diverse range of chocolate and confectionery options.

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Lindt

Indulge in the world of Lindt without the gluten worries. From the iconic Lindor truffles, which come in many gluten-free options and are below 20ppm, to the intense flavors of their Excellence dark chocolate range, there’s a decadent treat for every palate. Just remember to check the label and any Lindor products where the gluten-containing cereal is “barley malt extract” only are considered gluten-free.

✅ Lindor Truffles: These are iconic pralines with a crunchy shell and a melting, irresistible filling. Many Lindor truffles are considered gluten-free in the UK, especially those where barley malt extract is the only gluten-containing ingredient, as the levels are below 20ppm.
✅ Lindt Excellence: This range includes premium, high-cocoa content dark chocolate bars.

✅ Lindor Products (with barley malt extract below 20ppm): According to Lindt, any Lindor products where the gluten-containing cereal is ‘barley malt extract’ only are considered gluten-free as the levels are below 20ppm.

• Assorted, Coconut, Dark Chocolate, Double Chocolate, Hazelnut, Milk, Milk and Hazelnut, Mint, Orange, Pistachio.

✅ Lindor Truffles (completely free from any gluten-containing ingredients)

• White Chocolate Truffles
• Strawberries and Cream Truffles

✅ Lindt Excellence (manufactured without cereal or barley malt)

• 70% Cacao,85% Cacao,90% Cacao,95% Cacao,99% Caca0,100% Cacao, Touch of Vanilla.

It’s important to note that Lindt cannot guarantee that their chocolates are 100% gluten-free.

Always refer to the ingredient list on the product’s packaging for definitive advice, as ingredients may vary and change.

Some products, like the Lindt EXCELLENCE 70% and 85% bars, are produced on the same line as products that do contain barley malt extract, so there is a potential for cross-contamination.

Consumers sensitive to gluten can find suitable options among Lindt’s premium high cocoa-content products manufactured without any cereal or barley malt.

Lindt also offers a collection of gluten-free chocolate using the finest ingredients without compromising on taste.

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How to spot hidden gluten in chocolate

Below is a list of hidden gluten in chocolate, so when you are reading the label of your favourite, make sure you keep an eye out for these ingredients:

• Barley and Barley Derivatives:
• Barley
• Barley malt
• Malt extract
• Malt flavouring
• Malt syrup

Wheat and Wheat Derivatives

• Wheat flour
• Graham flour
• Durum
• Bulgur
• Farro
• Matzo

Rye and Rye Derivatives

• Rye flour

Other Gluten-Containing Additives

• Brewer’s yeast

Common Chocolate Products with Gluten

• Crispy Chocolate: Often contains wheat or barley malt for the crispy texture.
• Chocolate Wafers: These are Typically made with wheat flour.
• Chocolate Bars with Pretzels or Cookies: These include gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour.

Cross-Contamination Risk

Even if gluten-containing ingredients are not listed, chocolate products may still contain traces of gluten due to cross-contamination during manufacturing in facilities that process gluten-containing products.

For individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance and sensitivities, it’s essential to carefully read labels and opt for certified gluten-free chocolates to avoid any risks.

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To Sum Up

Alright, chocolate lovers, that’s a wrap on our gluten-free chocolate investigation!

Who knew that navigating the sweet aisle could feel like cracking a code?

But hey, now you’re practically chocolate whisperers, ready to sniff out the safe treats from the potentially glutinous ones.

Remember, cocoa beans are our buddies, but those sneaky ingredients and shared kitchens can sometimes lead to gluten gatecrashing the party.

So, keep your eyes peeled for those labels, and don’t be afraid to play detective!

From Cadbury’s flakey goodness to Galaxy’s creamy dreams and Nestlé’s bubbly delights, there’s a whole treasure trove of gluten-free chocolate out there waiting to be devoured.

And even if your go-to bar isn’t on the “safe” list, think of it as an excuse to discover a new chocolate obsession!

So go forth with those delicious chocolate bars, and get ready to indulge without the gluten worries!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t all chocolate gluten-free?

Even if gluten isn’t listed as an ingredient, some chocolates carry “may contain” statements, indicating potential cross-contamination.

How to choose safe gluten-free chocolate products?

Carefully select chocolate products to ensure they are gluten-free. Check Coeliac UK’s Food and Drink Information or Gluten Free Food Checker app.

Is chocolate naturally gluten-free?

All chocolate is naturally gluten-free; gluten is only an issue when added as an ingredient.

Is Cadbury chocolate gluten-free?

Cadbury labels all its gluten-free products individually on their Products page.

Is Galaxy chocolate gluten-free?

Galaxy offers several gluten-free options, including the Smooth Milk bar and Minstrels.

Is Mars chocolate gluten-free?

Some Mars chocolates are gluten-free, such as Snickers, Bounty, and M&M’s (except those manufactured in Australia, which may contain wheat starch).

Is Nestlé chocolate gluten-free?

Nestlé has a variety of gluten-free chocolate options, including Aero bars, After Eight mints, and Milkybar Giant White Chocolate Buttons.

Is Ferrero chocolate gluten-free?

Some Ferrero products like Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella spread, and Kinder Surprise are gluten-free, while others, like Kinder Chocolate bar with cereals, are not.

Are boxed chocolates gluten-free?

Several boxed chocolates are gluten-free, including Cadbury Milk Tray, Lindt EXCELLENCE Tasting Collection, and Quality Street tubs.

Are Marshmallows gluten-free?

Yes, typically most marshmallows are gluten-free. Aware of additives.

Is there a risk of cross-contamination?

There is a risk of unintentional cross-contact with allergens during manufacturing or preparation, even if the chocolate doesn’t list gluten as an ingredient.

Do “may contain” statements matter?

Some chocolate products with “may contain” statements are still safe to eat, as manufacturers have confirmed they are safe for a gluten-free diet after extensive cleaning and analysis.

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