Milky Way bars are a popular chocolate treat produced by Mars, Incorporated. They consist of nougat topped with caramel and covered in milk chocolate. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, knowing whether this sweet indulgence is safe to consume is crucial.
The Clear Answer
No, traditional Milky Way bars are not gluten-free. The reason lies in the ingredients used to make the nougat layer, which includes barley malt extract, a source of gluten. However, variations of the product, such as Milky Way Midnight and Milky Way Simply Caramel, are considered to be gluten-free by some standards as they do not list any gluten-containing ingredients. Despite this, they are not officially certified gluten-free, and cross-contamination is always a possibility.
Understanding Gluten
Before diving deeper, it’s important to understand what gluten is. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It can cause health problems for those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy. For these individuals, consuming gluten can lead to a range of symptoms from digestive distress to more serious health complications.
Ingredients in Milky Way Bars
To understand why traditional Milky Way bars are not gluten-free, let’s break down the ingredients:
- Milk Chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, skim milk, chocolate, lactose, milkfat, soy lecithin)
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil and/or Palm Oil
- Skim Milk
- Less than 2% – Milkfat, Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Barley Malt Extract, Lactose, Salt, Egg Whites, Chocolate, Artificial Flavor.
The inclusion of barley malt extract is the primary concern for those avoiding gluten.
Cross-Contamination Risks
Even if a product doesn’t list gluten-containing ingredients, there’s always a risk of cross-contamination. This can occur if the product is manufactured on the same equipment or in the same facility as gluten-containing products. Unless a product is certified gluten-free, it’s difficult to guarantee that it hasn’t come into contact with gluten at some point during the manufacturing process.
Certified Gluten-Free Alternatives
For those who need a strict gluten-free diet, it’s best to look for certified gluten-free alternatives. These products have been tested and verified to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the threshold set by the FDA for gluten-free labeling.
Reading Labels and Contacting Manufacturers
Always read labels carefully and look for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains. If you’re unsure about a product’s gluten-free status, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their ingredients and cross-contamination protocols.
Milky Way Variants
As mentioned earlier, there are different types of Milky Way bars available. Let’s take a closer look at their gluten-free status:
- Milky Way Original: Contains gluten (barley malt extract).
- Milky Way Midnight: Does not list gluten-containing ingredients but not certified gluten-free.
- Milky Way Simply Caramel: Does not list gluten-containing ingredients but not certified gluten-free.
Dietary Considerations
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can lead to a variety of health issues. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain a gluten-free diet and only consume products that are safe and free from contamination.
Conclusion
In summary, traditional Milky Way bars are not gluten-free due to the presence of barley malt extract. While some variants may not list gluten-containing ingredients, they are not certified gluten-free, and the risk of cross-contamination is present. Always read labels, consider the risks of cross-contamination, and seek out certified gluten-free options when necessary. Your health and well-being are paramount, and with careful consideration, you can still enjoy sweet treats without compromising your gluten-free diet.