Are M&M's Milk Chocolate Gluten-Free? The Truth Revealed

The Ingredient Breakdown

To determine if m&m's Milk Chocolate is gluten-free, we first examine its ingredients:

• MILK CHOCOLATE (SUGAR, CHOCOLATE, SKIM MILK, COCOA BUTTER, LACTOSE, MILKFAT, SOY LECITHIN, SALT, ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL FLAVORS)
• SUGAR
• CORNSTARCH
• CORN SYRUP 1%
• DEXTRIN
• COLORING (BLUE 1 LAKE, YELLOW 6, RED 40, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1, YELLOW 6 LAKE, RED 40 LAKE, YELLOW 5 LAKE, BLUE 2 LAKE, BLUE 2)
• CARNAUBA WAX
• GUM ACACIA

In the ingredients list, most components appear safe from gluten. However, the dextrin is the ingredient that raises concerns. Dextrin can be derived from a variety of sources, including corn, wheat, or potatoes. While corn-based dextrin is gluten-free, if derived from wheat, it can contain traces of gluten, which poses a risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Therefore, the ambiguity surrounding the source of dextrin leads to a classification of m&m's Milk Chocolate as potentially containing gluten.

Nutritional Value

The typical serving of m&m's Milk Chocolate (about 32 grams) contains:

• Calories: 140
• Total Fat: 6 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
• Sugar: 15 grams

While these figures might seem manageable, the high sugar and fat content makes them not the healthiest treat option, especially if you're watching your calorie intake or trying to lose weight. They can certainly serve as an occasional treat, but moderation is key.