Sour Patch Kids is a popular candy known for its sour-then-sweet flavor and soft, chewy texture. Many people who follow gluten-free diets may wonder if Sour Patch Kids are safe to eat. That is why we will find out whether Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free in this article.
What Are Sour Patch Kids?
Sour Patch Kids are a brand of sour gummy candy that was first introduced in the 1970s under the name “Mars Men.”
They were later rebranded as “Sour Patch Kids” in 1985.
They are currently owned by Mondelez, a snack food company, and are sold globally under different names, such as “Maynards Sour Patch Kids” in the UK and Canada and as “Very Bad Kids in France.”
Are Sour Patch Kids Gluten Free?
According to the official website of Sour Patch Kids, the candy is gluten-free. Therefore, the candy is gluten-free and safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
The ingredients do not include gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, or rye.
However, it’s worth noting that they are processed in a facility that processes wheat and other gluten-containing grains, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
So, it is always best to double-check the label before consuming, as ingredients and formulations can change. So, if you have a severe gluten allergy or Celiac Disease, it is crucial to consider this.
What Are Sour Patch Kids Made Of?
The main ingredients found in Sour Patch Kids are:
- Sugar
- Invert sugar
- Corn syrup
- Modified corn starch
- Tartaric acid
- Citric acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Yellow 6
- Red 40
- Blue 1
Sour Patch Kids Ingredients
Sugar: A sweet ingredient from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beet.
Invert sugar is a sugar made by splitting sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose.
Used in many food products to serve as a sweetener to keep the texture moist.
Corn syrup: A syrup made from corn starch is used as a sweetener and to add texture to food products.
Modified corn starch: Corn starch that has been chemically modified to change its properties, such as its thickening ability.
Tartaric acid: It is an organic acid that naturally occurs in many plants, including grapes, tamarinds, and bananas. It is used to add sourness and as a preservative.
Citric acid: An organic acid found in citrus fruits that are used to add sourness and act as a preservative.
Natural and artificial flavors: Flavors are added to the candy to give it its distinct Sour Patch Kids taste.
Natural flavors are derived from actual food sources, while artificial flavors are chemically emanated to mimic a specific taste.
Yellow 6: A synthetic food coloring made from petroleum.
Red 40: A synthetic food coloring made from petroleum.
Blue 1: A synthetic food coloring made from petroleum.
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Instead, sour Patch Kids candy is made with corn starch and natural flavors, which are gluten-free and safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
For example, some food products may contain maltodextrin, a starch derived from wheat, barley, or corn, and can contain gluten.
However, Sour Patch Kids candy does not contain maltodextrin or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Therefore, checking the label before consuming any product is always good. The packaging of Sour Patch Kids will typically indicate whether it is gluten-free.
Sour Patch Kids Nutrition Info
Sour Patch Kids candy is a sweet treat that is not a significant source of nutrition. A serving size of Sour Patch Kids is typically listed as 36 pieces (40g) and contains the following nutrition information:
Calories: 150
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 0g
It’s important to note that Sour Patch Kids candy is high in sugar and consuming too much can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
Therefore, it is recommended that you consume it in moderation.
It’s also important to consider other sources of nutrition when planning your diet and to be mindful of the serving size.
For example, Sour Patch Kids candy should be regarded as a treat and not a replacement for more nutrient-dense foods in a well-balanced diet.
Which Varieties of Sour Patch Kids are Gluten Free?
All varieties of Sour Patch Kids candy are gluten-free and do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye.
This includes the original Sour Patch Kids, Sour Patch Kids Watermelon, Sour Patch Kids Xtreme, and other varieties of Sour Patch Kids.
These candies are gluten-free and safe for people with gluten sensitivities, but it’s always a good practice to check the label before consuming any product.
Conclusion
Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free. However, they are processed in a facility that processes wheat and other gluten-containing grains.
So, you should always double-check the ingredients list and reach out to the manufacturer for any concerns.
Additionally, if you want to learn more about gluten-free diets, many of our well-researched articles are available for your reading.
