Indulging in a delicious chocolate treat is one of life’s simple pleasures. But for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease, the thought of enjoying a chocolatey delight can often be accompanied by a sense of worry and caution. The good news is that there are plenty of gluten free chocolate options available in the market that are not only safe to consume, but also incredibly delicious.
THE ULTIMATE PROCESS
Although, the pure unsweetened chocolate is gluten free. The base ingredient for chocolate making is cocoa bean which does not contain gluten protein. However, the pure chocolate made with these roasted cocoa beans is not your cup of coffee. It’s bitter and unpleasant. In that case, while making chocolate, the manufacturers add sweeteners and other different ingredients as per the chocolate demand to make it palatable, boosting its flavor and texture.
Anyways, these chocolate bars contain different ingredients. So are these chocolates gluten free or not, that completely depends on the ingredients used in its processing. For that, you must know beforehand where your chocolate is processed, and what ingredients are used, check the labelings, and then consume it. Don’t just grab a chocolate bar, and start enjoying your moment thinking that this will be gluten free.
GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE BRANDS
Let’s explore some of the top brands that offer gluten free chocolates, as well as provide tips on how to navigate the world of chocolate without the fear of cross contamination.
1. LINDT- Lindt is a well known chocolate brand that offers a variety of gluten free options. These are the luxurious and amazingly tasteful chocolate delights. From their classic Lindor truffles to their decadent Excellence bars, Lindt has something for every chocolate lover.
A very important point to note! Lindt Milk Chocolate contains barley. So make sure you avoid this one.
2. CADBURY- Before reading this, did you ever know that the chocolates we have been having for years are offering us gluten free chocolate? Cadbury, the most popular chocolate brand, offers gluten free chocolate options. Their Dairy Milk bars and Mini Eggs are just a few of the delicious treats that are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. TOBLERONE- Toblerone is famous for its unique triangular shape and creamy chocolatey goodness. Luckily, many of their products are gluten free, making them a safe choice for those looking for a sweet treat.
4. M&Ms- M&Ms are a classic favorite among chocolate lovers, and the good news is that most varieties of M&Ms are gluten free. Just be sure to check the label to be certain. Also, be sure that the ones being gluten sensitive are not purchasing crispy M&Ms as they contain barley malt extract.
5. SNICKERS- Snickers bars are a satisfying combination of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts. Fortunately, these delicious treats are also gluten free, making them a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
6. GALAXY MINSTRELS- Galaxy Minstrels are small, chocolatey bites that are perfect for snacking. Their Galaxy Ripple and Galaxy Smooth Milk chocolate bars are one of those which are gluten free. And yes! These tasty treats are gluten free, allowing you to enjoy them without worry.
7. AERO- Aero chocolate bars are known for their light and airy texture, making them a delightful treat for any chocolate lover. And the best part? Many Aero products are gluten free, including Aero Mint, Aero Mint Bubbles, Aero Minis, and many more. So you can indulge without hesitation.
8. KINDER CHOCOLATE- Is Kinder Chocolate associated with kids only? I don’t think so. I, being an adult, love their chocolates. Kinder Chocolate is a beloved brand that offers a variety of sweet treats. With this, many of their products are gluten free, making them a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities. But their Kinder Bueno Bar and Happy Hippo aren’t gluten free as they have wafers in it.
PRECAUTIONS
When it comes to purchasing gluten free chocolate, it’s important to read labels carefully and look for any gluten containing ingredients. While many brands offer gluten free options, it’s always best to double check to ensure that the product is safe for consumption or not. Also, it is not necessary that all the products of these brands are gluten free. Some sweet delights might have some of the ingredients that may contain gluten in it. So make sure before you consume it.
In addition, it’s important to be aware of the risk of cross contamination when it comes to gluten free chocolate. Cross contamination can occur when gluten containing products come into contact with gluten free products, leading to potential traces of gluten in the chocolate. To minimize this risk, it’s best to purchase chocolate from reputable brands that have strict quality control measures in place to prevent cross contamination.
END NOTE
By being mindful of the brands that offer gluten free options and taking precautions to avoid cross contamination, you can enjoy delicious chocolate treats without the worry of gluten. So go ahead, treat yourself to a sweet indulgence and savor every bite knowing that your chocolate is safe and gluten free.
