Gluten in Candies: Navigating the Sweet Path for Celiac and Gluten-Sensitive Individuals

The appeal of treats and confectionery can be monumental but, for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, the consumption of sweets can bring anxiety and risks to their health. This article seeks to answer the FAQ posed towards the presence of gluten in candies, in attempts to aid the sufferers in their discovery of a safe diet.

Understanding Gluten in Candies

What is Gluten?

Gluten is comprised of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley (it includes rye, triticale and oats, too). Gluten ‘holds’ certain foods together, helping to provide shape and texture, and it’s important for people with celiac disease or who have non-celiac gluten sensitivity to know which foods contain gluten so that they can avoid getting sick.

How Does Gluten End Up in Candies?

The problem for unaffected people eating candies is that gluten can be found in any of them, depending on the ingredients: glucose syrups (gluten-based) and barley malt (barley). Consumers should carefully examine ingredient lists and manufacturing processes.

Identifying Gluten-Free Candies

The only way to know for sure if a candy is gluten-free or not is to read the label. Look for candies that are clearly marked ‘gluten-free’. This means that, at the time of writing, the product was tested and contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is considered safe for most people who have sensitivities to gluten.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

This can be a particular risk even with a candy that contains no gluten in it, as it can be contaminated during manufacturing. In addition to checking individual ingredients, make sure your candies are produced in a dedicated facility for gluten-free foods, or at minimum in a facility that has strict protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination.

FAQs: Gluten and Candy Consumption

Are there common types of candies that are usually gluten-free?

Yes, most varieties of candies are naturally gluten-free, like pure chocolate, marshmallows and gummies, so always check the labels for ingredients and formulations that might have changed.

Can candies that contain gluten cause reactions in all gluten-sensitive individuals?

The wide variability of reactions make it possible for some to have very strong reactions to tiny amounts of gluten, while others could tolerate trace amounts of gluten without issue (Talk with your health provider for guidance on what is right for you based on your individual circumstances and needs).

How can I find safe gluten-free candies?

Many confections are now gluten-free, so shoppers with food allergies can check certifications from third-party gluten-free organisations and product reviews from other gluten-conscious consumers. Special health-food stores with more restricted food policies can also usually be relied upon to stock a vast assortment of safe sweets.

Conclusion: Sweet Safety First

For the celiac or gluten-sensitive consumer, making their way down the candy aisle might entail a bit more caution than it did before the onset of their disease, but it need not be either tedious nor joyless. Informed label readers, who can educate themselves about the risks of cross-contamination and keep them at bay, gluten-free curators who remain abreast of evolving trends and developments, can delight in candies once again and avoid the nightmarish aftermath. Check with manufacturers if you’re unsure how they process their products to be gluten-free and, as always, make sure you confirm gluten-free claims with a healthcare professional. Finally – no need to yank out your Fill-T-Ease! – you might be able to eat candy, safely.