Are you one of those people who loves sweets, but has dietary restrictions and can’t indulge? Fear not, because gluten-free sweets are here to save the day. Yes, you heard that right. You can still have your cake and eat it too! From chocolate chip cookies to brownies, there are plenty of gluten-free sweets options that will satisfy your cravings.
It used to be that finding gluten-free desserts was a challenge, but not anymore. Thanks to the rise in popularity of gluten-free diets, many dessert companies are now making sweets that are without gluten. Whether you have celiac disease or just a sensitivity to gluten, you can now enjoy a variety of delicious treats. Indulge in a gluten-free cupcake, or try a marshmallow that won’t cause any gut issues. With so many gluten-free sweets options, there’s no need to feel deprived anymore.
So, whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or just need a dessert that fits your dietary needs, gluten-free sweets are a great option. They’re tasty, convenient, and won’t cause any bloating or discomfort. So, go ahead and treat yourself to some gluten-free candy or a slice of cake – you deserve it!
Gluten-free candy options
Satisfying your sweet tooth on a gluten-free diet may seem like a challenge, but there are actually plenty of delicious candy options that are safe to eat. Gluten-free candy options include:
- Gummy candies made with cornstarch instead of wheat flour
- Chocolate bars made with pure cocoa butter
- Lollipops made without barley malt
- Fruit snacks made with pectin instead of gelatin
- Hard candies and caramels made without wheat glucose syrup
It’s important to note that not all candy is gluten-free, so make sure to read the label carefully before indulging. Some candy may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat products or may contain hidden sources of gluten like flavorings or food colorings.
If you’re unsure whether a certain candy is gluten-free, reach out to the manufacturer or consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Better safe than sorry when it comes to managing your gluten-free diet!
Gluten-free chocolate brands
For those with a sweet tooth, finding gluten-free sweets can be a daunting task. But fear not fellow chocolate lovers, there are many chocolate brands out there that offer gluten-free options!
- Lindt: Known for its creamy and rich chocolate, Lindt offers a variety of gluten-free options. Their dark chocolate bars, truffles, and Swiss chocolate flavors are all gluten-free.
- Ghirardelli: Ghirardelli offers a wide selection of gluten-free chocolates, including their Intense Dark Chocolate Bars, Milk Chocolate Squares, and Chocolate Chips perfect for baking.
- Endangered Species Chocolate: This brand offers a range of gluten-free chocolate bars, from classic dark chocolate to unique flavors like raspberry, cinnamon, and even sea salt and almonds.
In addition to these mainstream brands, there are a variety of artisanal chocolatiers who specialize in gluten-free and even dairy-free chocolate options. It’s always important to read labels carefully and do your research before indulging in sweets, no matter how safe they may seem. With a little extra effort, those with gluten intolerance can still enjoy delicious chocolate treats!
Gluten-free Gummy and Chewy Sweets
For those who love the chewy and gummy texture of sweets, finding gluten-free options may seem like a challenge. However, there are actually quite a few options available that are both delicious and safe to eat for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Jelly Belly: Jelly Belly is a brand that is known for its wide variety of flavors, and luckily, many of their jelly beans are gluten-free. According to their website, all of their jelly beans are gluten-free except for their Chocolate Dutch Mints and Licorice Bridge Mix.
- Haribo Goldbears: These classic gummy bears are also gluten-free. Haribo’s website states that all of their products are gluten-free, and they are also free from many other common allergens such as milk, eggs, and nuts.
- Mike and Ike: These fruity chewy candies are also gluten-free. Not all Mike and Ike flavors are gluten-free, but the Original Fruits, Berry Blast, and Italian Ice flavors are safe to eat for those with gluten sensitivities.
If you’re looking for a wider variety of gluten-free gummy and chewy sweets, there are also specialty brands that cater specifically to those with dietary restrictions.
One of these brands is Surf Sweets, which offers a variety of gummy and sour candy options that are all gluten-free and made with organic ingredients. Their products are also free from many other common allergens such as dairy, soy, and nuts, making them a great option for those with multiple dietary restrictions.
| Brand | Gluten-Free Options |
|---|---|
| Jelly Belly | All jelly beans except Chocolate Dutch Mints and Licorice Bridge Mix |
| Haribo | All products are gluten-free |
| Mike and Ike | Original Fruits, Berry Blast, and Italian Ice flavors |
| Surf Sweets | All products are gluten-free |
Overall, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free options when it comes to gummy and chewy sweets. Whether you stick with classic brands like Jelly Belly and Haribo, or venture into specialty brands like Surf Sweets, indulging in your favorite chewy treats doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health.
Gluten-free hard candy and lollipops
Hard candy and lollipops are a classic sweet treat that almost everyone enjoys. Luckily, there are plenty of gluten-free options available on the market. Here are some of the best gluten-free hard candy and lollipops:
- YumEarth Organic Hard Candy: Made with organic ingredients, these colorful hard candies come in a variety of flavors, including pomegranate, blood orange, and strawberry lemonade.
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy: These classic hard candies come in a variety of bold flavors and are gluten-free.
- Dum-Dums Lollipops: These popular lollipops are gluten-free and come in a variety of flavors, including blue raspberry, cherry, and root beer.
If you’re looking for a more unique candy experience, try these gluten-free hard candies:
- GoOrganic Honey Lemon Hard Candy: Made with organic ingredients, these hard candies have a delicious honey lemon flavor.
- Mavuno Harvest Organic Mango Hard Candy: These organic hard candies are made with real mango puree and have a sweet tropical flavor.
- Surf Sweets Sour Berry Bears: These gluten-free gummy candies have a sour berry flavor and are perfect for those who love a little tang in their sweets.
If you’re a visual person, here’s a table of some popular gluten-free hard candies and lollipops:
| Candy brand | Gluten-free? | Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| YumEarth Organic Hard Candy | Yes | Pomegranate, blood orange, strawberry lemonade, and more |
| Jolly Rancher Hard Candy | Yes | Assorted fruit flavors |
| Dum-Dums Lollipops | Yes | Assorted fruit flavors |
| GoOrganic Honey Lemon Hard Candy | Yes | Honey lemon |
| Mavuno Harvest Organic Mango Hard Candy | Yes | Mango |
| Surf Sweets Sour Berry Bears | Yes | Sour berry |
No matter what your candy preference, there are plenty of gluten-free hard candy and lollipop options available. Just be sure to always check the label for gluten-containing ingredients and cross-contamination risks before indulging.
Gluten-free caramel and toffee treats
For those who are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease, finding good desserts that don’t contain gluten can be a challenge. However, caramel and toffee treats are one type of sweet that can be enjoyed without worry. Here are some gluten-free caramel and toffee treats that you can try:
- Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels: These individually wrapped candies are soft, chewy, and bursting with caramel flavor. They’re also gluten-free, making them a great option for a quick snack or sweet treat.
- Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bar: Chocolate and toffee is a classic pairing that’s hard to resist. Luckily, the Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bar is gluten-free, so you can indulge without worrying about your gluten intolerance.
- Skor Toffee Bar: Made by the same company as the Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bar, Skor Toffee Bar is another delicious and gluten-free alternative for those who love toffee and chocolate.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your own gluten-free caramel or toffee treats at home. Here’s a simple recipe for gluten-free toffee:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sugar, salt, and water to the pan, stirring until well combined.
- Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Enjoy your delicious gluten-free toffee as it is or, if you’re feeling fancy, dip it in melted chocolate for an extra treat.
| Treat | Gluten-free? |
|---|---|
| Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels | Yes |
| Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bar | Yes |
| Skor Toffee Bar | Yes |
As you can see, there are plenty of gluten-free caramel and toffee treats for you to enjoy. Whether you prefer store-bought candies or homemade treats, you don’t have to give up your sweet tooth just because you can’t have gluten.
Gluten-free baked goods and pastries
If you have a sweet tooth, going gluten-free can feel like a major sacrifice in your diet. However, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free baked goods and pastries out there to indulge in. Here are some gluten-free treats to satisfy your cravings:
- Gluten-free Brownies
- Gluten-free Banana Bread
- Gluten-free Blondies
- Gluten-free Scones
- Gluten-free Blueberry Muffins
- Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies
These treats are made with alternative flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, or rice flour, which are naturally gluten-free. They can be just as delicious as their gluten-packed counterparts, if not more.
However, it’s important to note that not all gluten-free baked goods are created equal. Some gluten-free treats can be high in sugar and low in nutritional value. It’s always best to check the label and opt for treats made with whole ingredients.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular flours used in gluten-free baking:
| Flour | Taste | Texture | Nutrition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almond Flour | Nutty | Dense | High in protein and healthy fats |
| Coconut Flour | Sweet | Light and fluffy | High in fiber and low in carbs |
| Rice Flour | Mild | Gritty | Low in nutrients |
When it comes to gluten-free pastries, there are plenty of options available. From gluten-free croissants to cinnamon rolls, many specialty bakeries offer a variety of gluten-free pastries. Just be sure to check with the bakery to ensure that they take the necessary precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Gluten-free baking can be a fun and delicious way to explore alternative flours and experiment in the kitchen. With a little creativity and some quality ingredients, you can indulge in your favorite sweet treats without compromising your health or dietary restrictions.
Gluten-free holiday and seasonal sweets
During the holiday season, it can be challenging to resist the temptation of indulging in sweet treats that are loaded with gluten. Fortunately, there are plenty of gluten-free options available that will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you safe and healthy.
- Peppermint bark – This classic holiday treat is typically made with dark chocolate and crushed peppermint candy. Luckily, both of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making peppermint bark a delicious and safe option.
- Gluten-free fruitcake – The traditional fruitcake is a dense, spiced cake that is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. While the original recipe calls for wheat flour, there are plenty of gluten-free versions available that use alternative flours such as almond flour or coconut flour.
- Christmas cookies – Festive cookies shaped like reindeers and snowflakes are a staple of the Christmas season. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out on this tradition if you’re following a gluten-free diet. There are plenty of gluten-free cookie recipes available that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
When it comes to seasonal sweets, there are plenty of gluten-free options to choose from as well.
Pumpkin pie, apple cider donuts, and caramel apples are just a few examples of delicious fall treats that are naturally gluten-free. However, it’s important to always double-check the ingredients and preparation process to ensure that these treats haven’t come into contact with any gluten-containing ingredients.
To help you navigate different gluten-free options during the holidays and seasonal celebrations, we’ve compiled a table below:
| Sweet Treat | Gluten-free Option |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin Pie | Crust made with gluten-free flour or a crustless pumpkin pie. |
| Apple Cider Donuts | Donuts made with gluten-free flour or a baked apple cider donut recipe. |
| Caramel Apples | Check that the caramel is gluten-free or make your own caramel with gluten-free ingredients. |
With these tasty options and tips, you can enjoy seasonal treats without sacrificing your gluten-free diet!
Frequently Asked Questions about Gluten-free Sweets
Q: What types of sweets are gluten-free?
A: Many candies, chocolates, gummies, and jellies are gluten-free. In addition, there are a variety of specialty gluten-free baked goods and desserts available.
Q: Are gluten-free sweets more expensive than regular sweets?
A: Yes, gluten-free sweets can be more expensive due to the higher cost of gluten-free ingredients and the specialized production process required for gluten-free products.
Q: Can I find gluten-free sweets at my local grocery store?
A: Yes, many grocery stores now carry a variety of gluten-free sweets. Look for them in the natural foods section.
Q: Are there any popular candy brands that offer gluten-free options?
A: Yes, many popular candy brands now offer gluten-free options, including Hershey’s, Skittles, and Starburst.
Q: Is it safe to assume that all sweets labeled as “organic” are gluten-free?
A: No, not all organic sweets are gluten-free. Always check the ingredients list and look for gluten-free certification before making a purchase.
Q: Can I make gluten-free sweets at home?
A: Yes, there are many gluten-free recipes available for sweets and desserts that can be made at home.
Q: What are some popular gluten-free dessert options?
A: Popular gluten-free dessert options include flourless chocolate cake, macarons, ice cream, and rice pudding.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read about what sweets are gluten-free. It’s important to remember that while many sweets are gluten-free, it’s always a good idea to read labels and look for gluten-free certification to ensure that you are not accidentally consuming gluten. We hope this article has been helpful and invite you to come back and read more of our content in the future. Happy snacking!