Hello friends! Today we are taking a closer look at the popular chocolate bar, Milky Way. Specifically asking “are Milky Ways gluten-free?” The answer might surprise you (it sure surprised me!) Get ready for a twist, because not all Milky Way candy bars are off-limits for us.
Let’s take a journey through the Milky Way galaxy (😁) and see which candy bars are actually gluten-free!
Disclosure: This article is not meant to be taken as medical advice.
Is Milky Way Gluten-Free?
While Milky Way flavors come and go, the four current varieties of milky way candy bars are Original, Salted Caramel, Caramel Cookie Dough, and Midnight. Out of these four, only one is gluten-free.
❌ Milky Way Original
❌ Milky Way Salted Caramel
❌ Milky Way Caramel Cookie Dough
✅ Milky Way Midnight
The tricky thing about Milky Way candy bars is that gluten isn’t obvious. There is no mention of wheat on the product label and under allergens only milk, egg and soy are listed. So why isn’t Milky Way gluten-free? Gluten is found primarily in wheat but also barley, rye, and their derivatives. Milky Way Original, Salted Caramel and Caramel Cookie Dough all have malted barley listed in the ingredients. Because barley contains gluten these candy bars are sadly off limits.
Here is a little more information about each different flavor of Milky Way chocolate bars.
Milky Way Original – Not GF
Original Milky Way bars are a beloved treat with its smooth chocolate coating and fluffy nougat-filled center. However, the Milky Way Original bar is not gluten-free. The nougat contains ingredients derived from gluten sources, in this case Barley. It’s essential to be mindful of this if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. So, unfortunately, this particular Milky Way variety is off-limits for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients List: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Chocolate, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, Skim Milk, Less Than 2% – Milkfat, Cocoa Powder Processed With Alkali, Barley Malt Extract, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Chocolate, and Artificial Flavor.
Milky Way Salted Caramel – Not GF
This scrumptious variation combines the classic Milky Way elements with a delightful twist of salted caramel goodness. Unfortunately, Milky Way Salted Caramel Chocolate candy bars are not gluten-free. The delicious creamy caramel filling contains, once again barley malt extract.
Ingredients List: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Chocolate, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, Skim Milk, Less Than 2%— Milkfat, Lactose, Cocoa Powder Processed With Alkali, Barley Malt Extract, Sea Salt, Salt, Egg Whites, and Artificial Flavor.
Milky Way Caramel Cookie Dough – Not GF
The Milky Way Caramel Cookie Dough bar combines the classic Milky Way formula with the irresistible flavor of cookie dough. However, this particular variety is not gluten-free due to barley malt yet again. If you’re strictly avoiding gluten, it’s best to steer clear of the Milky Way Cookie Dough bar.
Ingredients List: Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Chocolate, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Flavor), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, Skim Milk, Less Than 2% Of: Milkfat, Lactose, Cocoa Powder Processed With Alkali, Barley Malt Extract, Salt, Egg Whites, Natural And Artificial Flavors.
Milky Way Midnight – GF!
I have to say I was surprised when I looked at the ingredients for Milky Way Midnight. No barley malt here! And for those who love dark chocolate, the Milky Way Midnight bar is a heavenly delight. It features a dark chocolate bar with a whipped, creamy smooth nougat center and it’s gluten-free! So, if you’re craving a bit of late-night indulgence, you can grab one of these without hesitation.
Ingredients Include: Semisweet Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate Processed With Alkali, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Palm Oil, Skim Milk, Less Than 1.5% – Milkfat, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Natural And Artificial Flavors, and Chocolate.
A Note About Cross-Contamination
When it comes to maintaining a strict gluten-free diet, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential for cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-containing ingredients come into contact with gluten-free products, leading to the transfer of gluten particles. This can happen during food processing, manufacturing, or even in our own kitchens.
In the case of Milky Way candy bars, cross-contamination can occur if they are produced in facilities that also handle gluten-containing ingredients. Even if a specific variety of Milky Way is gluten-free by ingredient, there is a risk of cross-contamination during the production process.
To mitigate the risks of cross-contamination, manufacturers often implement stringent cleaning protocols and preventive measures. However, it’s important to note that these measures cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free product, especially for individuals with severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
The Wrap Up
In our journey through the Milky Way chocolate bar universe, we’ve uncovered some surprising revelations about their gluten-free status. While Milky Way Midnight was an unexpected gluten-free surprise, the Milky Way Original, Cookie Dough and Salted Caramel bars are off-limits for those avoiding gluten.
Related category: Is It Gluten Free?
Remember, being gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out on the joy of indulging in sweet treats. By making informed choices and exploring the gluten-free options available, you can still satisfy your cravings while staying true to your dietary needs.
Happy snacking!
Rebekah