Gluten is one of the most common foods and it’s in almost everything we eat. It can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled; making it difficult to avoid. The facts are simple – most candy contains gluten, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a permanent no-go for those that live with Celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale. It’s present in many foods, including breads and pasta.
Some people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease have an allergic reaction to gluten. This can cause digestive problems and other health issues. If you have celiac disease, avoiding gluten is the only treatment that will prevent damage to your small intestine and maintain long-term health.
People who don’t have celiac disease may be able to eat some gluten-free foods without any negative side effects. However, eating these foods may not improve heart health or lower cholesterol levels as much as eating whole grains does.
Stick-based candies without gluten
There are many popular candies that are free of gluten.
For example, the following candies are all naturally gluten-free:
- Twizzlers
- Gummy bears
- Jolly Ranchers
- Starburst Fruit Chews
- Skittles Original Fruit Flavors
- Fruit by the Foot
- Jawbreakers (gumdrops)
Chewy candies without gluten
Candy is a sweet treat that people love to eat. People who are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease must avoid candy that contains wheat, barley or rye. But there are some gluten-free candies available.
Some chewy candies are available in gluten-free versions, including jelly beans and gummy bears. Jelly beans come in flavors such as grape and cherry, while gummies bear flavors include cherry and raspberry, among others. Some brands of these types of candies use corn syrup to make them chewy rather than wheat flour, so they’re safe for people with celiac disease or other food allergies.
Fudge-based candies without gluten
Fudge, peanut brittle and hard candy are all gluten-free. These types of candy do not contain wheat, barley or rye. Other candies that are made with corn syrup may also be gluten free. However, it’s important to read the label on these products to make sure they don’t contain any added ingredients that contain gluten.
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and have a sensitivity to peanuts or tree nuts, you’ll need to avoid peanut brittle and hard candy because they may contain traces of peanut butter or other nut products. If you’re unsure about how safe a specific type of candy is for you to eat, check with your doctor before eating it.
Gummy candies without gluten
Chewy sweets are a popular choice for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Gummy candies, lollipops and jelly beans are all safe to eat without worrying about cross-contamination from wheat or barley.
Some candy manufactures produce gluten-free gummy candies, but some don’t. To be on the safe side, check the ingredients list before purchasing a bag of chewy sweets. Gluten-free gummies are made with corn syrup or fruit juice instead of wheat flour, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Gluten-free candies typically contain modified food starch as a thickener. This starch can come from corn or other plants such as wheat, but it doesn’t contain gluten like flour does. You’ll also find gelatin in many types of candy because it helps keep them moist and chewy. Gelatin is derived from animals such as pigs or cows, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans who don’t consume animal products.
Taffy-based candies without gluten
Taffy-based candies can be made with either wheat or corn syrup. The candy is typically taffy, which is a hard, elastic confection made from sugar and water boiled until it reaches a certain temperature and then cooled until it has a chewy texture. Some taffy-based candies are made from taffy that contains gluten; however, many brands of taffy don’t contain any wheat products.
If you’re looking for a specific brand of candy that’s gluten-free, you may want to check the label for wheat ingredients before eating it. Here are some popular brands that make taffy-based candies without any wheat ingredients:
- Sour Patch Kids: These sour lollipops are made from corn syrup and sugar combined with citric acid and natural flavors. They do not contain wheat ingredients or any other allergens. Some varieties of Sour Patch Kids do contain soy lecithin, but only in trace amounts (less than 1 percent).
- Starburst Chews: Starburst Chews are small fruit chews that come in several different flavors like cherry, strawberry and lemonade
Here are some great gluten-free candy recommendations!
Candy is a delicious treat, but it’s not always gluten-free. Many candies contain wheat products, including malt flavoring, and some even contain barley. However, there are plenty of delicious candies that are safe for people with these conditions to enjoy
Here are some great gluten-free candy recommendations:
- Enjoy Life Foods Dairy Free Chocolate Bars
- Kinder Joy Egg Candy
- Nestle Crunch Bar Assortment
- Mars Snickers Chocolate Bar
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar
Conclusion
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, triticale and oats. And like every gluten free blogger would say: read the labels. If you are having trouble detecting gluten, try making your own candy that doesn’t use any of the ingredients that may possibly be contaminated by gluten. Candy making kits and online recipes are great for this.