No More Missing Out: The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Chocolate

For many, chocolates are more than just a treat; they represent moments of joy and celebration. However, individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance face a significant challenge in ensuring their chocolate indulgences are safe. The presence of gluten in chocolates often stems from the manufacturing process. In some cases, gluten-containing ingredients might be included in chocolates, or there might be challenges in maintaining strict quality control, which could result in cross-contact with gluten in production facilities. There have been instances where labeling issues have necessitated product recalls, which can make the selection process more challenging for individuals adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.

Recognizing these challenges, this guide focuses on providing a comprehensive list of gluten-free chocolate options. These selections adhere to stringent gluten-free standards, ensuring they contain less than 20 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which is the accepted threshold for gluten-free labeling (Cohen et al., 2019). This standard is endorsed by the Codex Alimentarius, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (Wolf et al., 2015). Our criteria for selection include the allergy-friendliness of the product, the manufacturer's awareness and handling of allergens, product availability, and the transparency of information on both websites and product labels.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into an array of chocolates, categorized by flavor, cocoa content, type, and suitability for special occasions and festivities. Striving for succinctness and objective clarity, each product listing is accompanied by essential details like the manufacturing facility's adherence to gluten-free standards, certifications as stated on packaging, international availability, and specific notes pertinent to each item. The guide culminates in a 'Key Takeaways' section, offering a quick-reference list tailored for those with additional dietary needs. Furthermore, to enhance understanding and address common queries, a concise FAQ section is included, focusing on pertinent questions related to the chocolates featured in this guide and other popular varieties.

Milk Chocolate

Endangered Species Milk Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: 48% Cacao, Fair Trade Certification
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Contains milk and soy.

No Whey Milkless Chocolate Bar

• Gluten Free Facility: Yes
• Certifications: Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: Plant Based, Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Sugar is the major ingredient. Kids may love the taste. Also allergy friendly.

Dark Chocolate

Camino Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Kosher, Certified Organic
• Claims: 71% Cacao, Fair Trade Certified, Vegan Friendly
• Availability: Canada, USA

Extra Dark Chocolate

Lily's Sea Salt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: 70% Cacao, Fair Trade Certified, No Added Sugar, Stevia Sweetened
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Zero grams of sugar per 40 gm of bar. Great option for diabetics and those watching sugar intake.

Extremely Dark Chocolate

Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: 85% Cacao, Fair Trade Certified, No Added Sugar, Stevia Sweetened
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Zero grams of sugar per 40 gm of bar. Great option for diabetics and those watching sugar intake.

Baking Chocolate

100 Cacao Chocolate Bar

Chocosol Dark Chocolate Bar

• Claims: 100% Cacao, Additives Free, Preservatives Free
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: The only ingredient is Cacao. Great for cooking as well.

Chocolate Chips

Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Chunks

• Gluten Free Facility: Yes
• Certifications: Gluten Free, Non-GMO
• Claims: School Safe
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Allergy friendly option. Also available are mini semi chocolate chips and mini white chocolate chips from Enjoy Life brand. Additional options can be found under our post covering gluten free chocolate chips.

White Chocolate

Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar

• Gluten Free Facility: Yes
• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Organic, Certified Vegan
• Claims: 100% Plant-Based, Rain Forest Alliance Certified
• Availability: USA
• Notes: Unique organic white chocolate free from the 8 major allergens.

Caramel Chocolate

Lily's Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: 40% Cacao, Fair Trade, Naturally Flavoured, No Added Sugar, Stevia Sweetened
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: This is a good option for diabetics and those watching sugar intake. A total of 2 grams of sugar per 80 grams of chocolate bar.

Crunchy Chocolate

No Whey Milkless Crunchy Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Kosher
• Claims: Plant Based, Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Free from Top 9 Common food allergens. Crunchiness is achieved through crisped rice on creamy 'milkless' chocolate.

Coconut Chocolate

Unreal Coconut Minis

• Certifications: Certified Vegan, Certified Gluten Free, Non GMO Verified, Fair Trade Certified
• Claims: 51% less sugar than the leading brand and no sugar alcohols, stevia or artificial sweeteners.
• Availability: USA, Canada, UK
• Notes: Only 3 gram sugar per bar. Available at Costco.

Snack Cakes

Shar Chocolate Snack Cakes

• Certification: Certified Gluten Free
• Claims: Zero gram trans fats, Vegetarian, Preservative Free, Non GMO Ingredients, Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Cream filled cakes that are dipped in German Chocolate. Free from wheat and gluten.

Oat Milk Chocolate Bar

Endangered Species Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO, Certified Vegan
• Claims: Fair Trade Certified
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Only 55% Cacao. Uses gluten free oats.

Cookie Dough Chocolate

Evolved Oatmeal Cookie Dough Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Organic
• Claims: 72% Cacao, Plant Based, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Refined Sugar-free
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Cookie Dough Flavour

Chocolate Gems and M&M Alternative Candy

No Whey Choco No No’s

• Dedicated Gluten Free Facility: Yes
• Certifications: Certified Kosher
• Claims: Naturally Coloured Shell, Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Allergy-friendly alternative to M&Ms, Dairy free chocolatey centre.

Assorted Chocolates

Many people find that they enjoy assorted chocolates because they can taste a variety of flavors in a single sitting. Others just want to control their calorie intake by eating bite-sized pieces. Here are two great options we found

Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Bar Variety Pack

• Dedicated Gluten Free Facility: Yes
• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Non-GMO Certified
• Claims: School Safe, Free from 14 Allergens
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: 15-piece pack. Contains three flavours - Dark, Rice Milk, and Rice Milk Crunch. All free from common allergens including wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, casein, soy, egg, sesame, mustard, lupin, fish, shellfish and crustaceans.

Laura Secord Peanut Free Assorted Chocolates

• Certifications: Certified Kosher
• Claims: Peanut Free
• Availability: Canada, USA

Mint

Mint Chocolate Bar

Endangered Species Forest Mint Chocolate Bar

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: Fair Trade Certified, Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA, UK
• Notes: Uses 72% Cocoa and cane sugar

Mint Chocolate Candy

Free2b Dark Chocolate Mint Cups

• Gluten Free Facility: Yes
• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free, Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA, UK
• Notes: 2 Cups per Pack, Free from 10 common allergens
  

No Whey Peppermint No No’s

• Dedicated Gluten Free Facility: Yes
• Certifications: Certified Kosher
• Claims: Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Peppermint M&Ms for those intolerant to gluten

Peanut Butter Cups

Unreal Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

• Certifications: Certified Vegan, Certified Gluten Free, Non GMO Verified, Fair Trade Certified
• Claims: 36% less sugar than the leading brand and no sugar alcohols, stevia or artificial sweeteners. 
• Availability: USA, Canada, UK
• Notes: Each cup is 15 grams and contains 5 gram sugar per cup.

Truffles

Truffettes de France Caramel Truffles

• Certifications: Certified Kosher
• Claims: Made in Canada, Palm oil free, Rainforest Alliance
• Availability: Canada, USA, UK

Turtles

Nestle Assorted Turtles

• Certifications: Certified Kosher
• Claims: Natural Flavour, Prepared in Canada, Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Availability: Canada, USA, UK
• Notes: Assorted pack for holidays

Chocolate Covered Fruit and Nuts

Cherries

Cella's Cherries Covered Milk Chocolate

• Certifications: Certified Kosher
• Claims: 100% Liquid Centre
• Availability: Canada, USA

Blueberries

Brookside Acai & Blueberry Dark Chocolate

• Claims: Made in Canada, No Artificial Colours, No Artificial Flavours, Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Uses dark chocolate but is high in sugar.

Pomegranate

Brookside Pomegranate Dark Chocolate

• Claims: Made in Canada, No Artificial Colours, No Artificial Flavours, Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Uses dark chocolate but is high in sugar. Good for those sweet cravings.

Almonds

Skinnydipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds

• Certifications: Non-GMO Certified, Certified Chocolate
• Claims: No sugar alternative, No artifical colours or flavours, 5 grams of plant protein per serving
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Thin coat of chocolate. Good for those who plan to enjoy the taste of almonds as much as dark chocolate.

Wafer Chocolate & Kit Kat Alternative

Schar Twin Bar Wafer Covered Chocolate

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free
• Claims: Non GMO Ingredients, Preservatives Free, Rainforest Alliance Certified
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: A gluten free Kit Kat alternative for Celiacs.
  

Chocolate Cake

Dufflet Chocolate Cakelet

• Certifications: Certified Gluten Free
• Claims: No Artificial Colours and Flavours, No Hydrogenated Fats
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Slice of Cake. Find this pack in the frozen aisle section.

Christmas Chocolate

Chocolate Ornament

Moo Free Orange Choccy Bauble

• Claims: Certified B Corp, Plant Based, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA, UK
• Notes: Empty chocolate shell that can be hung on a tree. It can even be enjoyed as a delicious allergy friendly chocolate bomb.

Advent Calendar

Moo Free Choccy Advent Calendar

• Claims: Palm oil free, Rainforest Alliance Certified, Vegan, Vegetarian, free of 14 allergens
• Availability: Canada, USA, UK
• Notes: Contains chocolates with adorable shapes that kids may prefer during a festive season

Halloween Chocolate

We also have another post dedicated to gluten free Halloween candy.

No Whey Chocolate Bars Milkless Minis

• Certifications: Certified Kosher, Certified Non-GMO
• Claims: Common Allergen Friendly, Free of all 9 Common allergens, Look and tastes like Milk chocolate Bars, Natural, Plant Based, Vegan
• Availability: Canada, USA
• Notes: Bulk Pack For Individually Wrapped Mini Chocolate Bars

Key Takeaways

Chocolates Made in Dedicated Gluten Free Facilities

• No Whey Milkless Chocolate Bar
• Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar
• No Whey Choco No No’s
• Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Bar Variety Pack
• Free2b Dark Chocolate Mint Cups
• No Whey Peppermint No No’s

Certified Gluten Free Chocolates

• Endangered Species Milk Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Sea Salt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate Bar
• Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar
• Lily's - Salted Caramel - Milk Chocolate Bar
• Endangered Species Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar
• Evolved Oatmeal Cookie Dough Chocolate Bar
• Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Bar Variety Pack
• Endangered Species Forest Mint Chocolate Bar
• Free2b - Dark Chocolate - Mint Cups
• Schar Twin Bar Wafer Covered Chocolate
• Shar Chocolate Snack Cakes
• Unreal Coconut Minis

Gluten Free Chocolate Bars Canada and USA

• Endangered Species Milk Chocolate Bar
• No Whey Milkless Chocolate Bar
• Camino Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Sea Salt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate Bar
• Chocosol Dark Chocolate Bar
• Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar
• Lily's Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bar
• No Whey - Milkless Crunchy - Chocolate Bar
• Endangered Species Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar
• Evolved Oatmeal Cookie Dough Chocolate Bar
• Unreal Coconut Minis

Chocolates for Celiacs

People with celiac disease may consider chocolates made in dedicated gluten-free facilities or those certified as gluten-free, although it's important to assess individual products based on personal health needs and preferences. Based on the article above, these include:

• Endangered Species Milk Chocolate Bar (Certified GF)
• No Whey Milkless Chocolate Bar (Gluten Free Facility)
• Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar (Gluten Free Facility and Certified GF)
• Lily's Sea Salt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar (Certified GF)
• Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate Bar (Certified GF)
• Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Bar Variety Pack (Gluten Free Facility and Certified GF)
• Free2b Dark Chocolate Mint Cups (Gluten Free Facility and Certified GF)
• No Whey Peppermint No No’s (Gluten Free Facility)
• Endangered Species Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar (Certified GF)
• Evolved Oatmeal Cookie Dough Chocolate Bar (Certified GF)
• Shar Chocolate Snack Cakes (Certified GF)
• Unreal Coconut Minis (Certified GF)

Kosher Gluten Free Chocolates

• Endangered Species Milk Chocolate Bar
• No Whey Milkless Chocolate Bar
• Camino Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Sea Salt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate Bar
• Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar
• Lily's - Salted Caramel - Milk Chocolate Bar
• No Whey - Milkless Crunchy - Chocolate Bar
• Endangered Species Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar
• Evolved Oatmeal Cookie Dough Chocolate Bar
• No Whey Choco No No’s
• Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Bar Variety Pack
• Free2b - Dark Chocolate - Mint Cups
• No Whey Peppermint No No’s
• Endangered Species Forest Mint Chocolate Bar
• Truffettes de France Caramel Truffles
• Nestle Assorted Turtles
• Cella's Cherries Covered Milk Chocolate
• Laura Secord Peanut Free Assorted Chocolates
• Schar Twin Bar Wafer Covered Chocolate

Gluten Free Chocolate Candy

• No Whey Choco No No’s
• Free2b Dark Chocolate Mint Cups
• No Whey Peppermint No No’s
• Moo Free Orange Choccy Bauble

Gluten Free Stevia Sweetened Chocolates

• Lily's Sea Salt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate Bar

Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate

• No Whey Milkless Chocolate Bar (Marketed)
• Camino Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar (Marketed)
• Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar (Certified)
• No Whey - Milkless Crunchy - Chocolate Bar (Marketed)
• Endangered Species Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar (Certified)
• Evolved Oatmeal Cookie Dough Chocolate Bar (Marketed)
• Free2b Dark Chocolate Mint Cups (Marketed Vegan)
• No Whey Choco No No’s (Marketed)
• No Whey Peppermint No No’s (Marketed)
• Moo Free Orange Choccy Bauble (Marketed)
• Moo Free Choccy Advent Calendar (Marketed)
• Unreal Coconut Minis (Certified)

Fair Trade Gluten Free Chocolate

• Endangered Species Milk Chocolate Bar
• Camino Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Sea Salt Extra Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's Extremely Dark Chocolate Bar
• Lily's - Salted Caramel - Milk Chocolate Bar
• Endangered Species Oat Milk, Sea Salt & Almonds Dark Chocolate Bar
• Endangered Species Forest Mint Chocolate Bar
• Shar Chocolate Snack Cakes
• Unreal Coconut Minis

Organic Gluten Free Chocolate

• Camino Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar
• Pascha Organic Vegan White Bar
• Evolved Oatmeal Cookie Dough Chocolate Bar

Common FAQs

Does chocolate have gluten?

In its natural state, chocolate typically does not contain gluten. However, not all chocolates are gluten-free, as some may include gluten-based ingredients or be produced in facilities where gluten is present, posing a risk of cross-contamination.

Can celiacs eat chocolate?

Individuals with celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease, can safely consume chocolates that are Gluten Free. We suggest chocolates that are certified gluten-free and produced in gluten-free facilities. Such certifications and dedicated manufacturing environments indicate stronger quality control measures, reducing the risk of accidental gluten cross-contamination.

Which chocolate manufacturing companies are gluten-free?

When it comes to manufacturers committed to gluten-free chocolate production, brands like No Whey Foods, Pascha, Enjoy Life, Free2b, Lily's, Evolved, and Shar stand out. These companies ensure that their entire range of chocolates is gluten-free and suitable for those with allergies, distinguishing them from larger brands that might only offer select gluten-free options.

Are chocolates made by Laura Secord gluten free?

Laura Secord does produce a selection of gluten-free chocolates. These include the Laura Secord Peanut Free Assorted Chocolates, Laura Secord Mint Signature Chocolates, and Laura Secord Salted Caramel Signature Chocolates. For a comprehensive list of their gluten-free options, you can visit their official website at https://laurasecord.ca/characteristics/gluten-free/

About the Author

Sumit Chhabra, B.S. Pharm, M.S., RPh

Founder & CEO, Flappd

Sumit Chhabra is the founder of Flappd, a leader in the food allergy and intolerance sector. His background in pharmacy and role as a father to a child with multiple food allergies give him a unique dual perspective. Sumit combines his scientific knowledge with real-life insights to drive Flappd's mission. He aims to connect consumers with dietary restrictions to safe, suitable products. His personal and professional experiences shape Flappd's commitment to an inclusive and informed marketplace for those with food allergies.