Quick Answer
Dum Dums lollipops are considered gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to consume. The ingredients in Dum Dums do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or derivatives that contain gluten. However, they are produced in facilities that also process wheat ingredients, so there is a small risk of cross-contamination. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution and check with their healthcare provider before consuming Dum Dums.
Ingredients in Dum Dums
The ingredients listed for Original Dum Dums lollipops are:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Palm kernel oil
- Fruit and plant extracts (for flavor and color)
- Beeswax
- Carnauba wax
- Soy lecithin (emulsifier)
- Artificial flavors
None of these ingredients contain gluten. The main ingredients are sugar and corn syrup. The added flavors and colors come from fruit and plant sources. Beeswax and carnauba wax give the lollipops their hardness. Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier.
So from an ingredients standpoint, Dum Dums do not contain any gluten sources and would be considered gluten-free.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While the ingredients themselves are gluten-free, cross-contamination is still a concern for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
The manufacturer, Spangler Candy Company, states on their website that Dum Dums are produced in facilities that also process wheat ingredients. So there is a possibility that trace amounts of gluten could make their way into the Dum Dums, even though it is not an intentional ingredient.
For this reason, Spangler Candy cannot guarantee that Dum Dums are 100% gluten-free. The small risk of cross-contamination exists.
Are Dum Dums Celiac Safe?
For most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the very small chance of cross-contamination with Dum Dums is unlikely to cause issues. The amount of gluten, if any, would be extremely tiny.
However, for those who are highly sensitive, even small trace amounts could trigger symptoms or intestinal damage.
So whether Dum Dums are celiac safe depends on the individual. Here are some things those with celiac should consider:
- How sensitive are you to small amounts of gluten cross-contamination? Can you tolerate 20ppm or less?
- Do you react to labeled “gluten-free” foods produced in shared facilities?
- Have you ever reacted to Dum Dums before? Were symptoms clearly linked to eating them?
- Are you willing to try them and see if you react? Be alert to any symptoms that could indicate an issue.
- Does your healthcare provider recommend avoiding even small risks of cross-contamination?
Making a personal assessment of your sensitivity level and risk factors is important. Being extra cautious is smart, especially if you’ve reacted to small amounts of gluten before.
Recommendations from Celiac Organizations
Celiac support organizations have the following recommendations about Dum Dums for people with celiac disease:
Celiac Disease Foundation
The Celiac Disease Foundation states that Dum Dums are likely safe in moderation for most people with celiac disease, but that individuals should make their own judgment. They note the small risk of cross-contamination.
Beyond Celiac
Beyond Celiac recommends using caution with Dum Dums, checking labels carefully each time, and contacting the manufacturer if any gluten ingredients are ever listed. They advise those highly sensitive to proceed with caution or avoid.
Celiac Support Association
The Celiac Support Association says the decision is up to the individual. They advise contacting the manufacturer if you ever have a reaction after eating Dum Dums. They also suggest verifying gluten-free status each time because formulations can change.
Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
GIG classifies Dum Dums as “Not Recommended” due to the advisory statement about being produced in a facility with wheat. They advise that individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity avoid consuming them.
National Celiac Association
The National Celiac Association advises caution with Dum Dums due to the risk of cross-contamination, and recommends individuals make their own decision after evaluating the risks.
Dum Dums Flavors and Ingredients
In addition to the Original Dum Dums, the company makes Dum Dums pops in a wide variety of fun flavors.
Here is a table detailing the ingredients for some of the most popular Dum Dums flavors:
| Dum Dums Flavor | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mystery | Sugar, corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier) |
| Cotton Candy | Sugar, corn syrup, ethyl acetate, artificial flavor, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Bubble Gum | Sugar, corn syrup, gum base, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Watermelon | Sugar, corn syrup, ethyl acetate, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Butterscotch | Sugar, corn syrup, ethyl acetate, natural and artificial flavors (contains milk), palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Sour Apple | Sugar, corn syrup, adipic acid, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Cherry | Sugar, corn syrup, ethyl acetate, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Razzle Dazzle Berry | Sugar, corn syrup, ethyl acetate, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Tangerine | Sugar, corn syrup, ethyl acetate, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
| Watermelon | Sugar, corn syrup, ethyl acetate, natural and artificial flavors, palm kernel oil, carnauba wax, beeswax, soy lecithin (emulsifier), color added |
As you can see, all the popular Dum Dums flavors have very similar ingredients. The main ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, palm oil, waxes, and natural and artificial flavorings and colors.
None contain any gluten sources. However, they are all produced in shared facilities that process wheat, so the risk of cross-contamination exists for every flavor.
Are Other Spangler Candy Brands Celiac Safe?
Spangler Candy Company makes other popular candy brands in addition to Dum Dums, including:
- Saf-T-Pops
- Charms Blow Pops
- Everlasting Gobstoppers
- Tootsie Pops
- Nibs
- Bit-O-Honey
- Canada Mints
These other candies made by Spangler share similar disclaimers about being produced in facilities that also process wheat-based ingredients.
So the same precautions should be taken by people with celiac disease. While some may be fine with small amounts of cross-contamination, for those highly sensitive it is safest to avoid all Spangler candy products.
Alternatives to Dum Dums
For people with celiac disease or a wheat allergy who want to steer clear of any risk of cross-contamination with Dum Dums, there are some great alternative lollipops and pops. Here are some good gluten-free options:
YumEarth Organic Lollipops
YumEarth makes a line of allergen-free organic lollipops that are gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and Kosher. They come in fun fruity flavors like Pomegranate, Mango, and Raspberry. YumEarth lollipops are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
SmartSweets Candy Pop
SmartSweets makes candy pops sweetened with stevia instead of sugar. Their candy pops are gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of artificial colors. Flavors include peach mango, strawberries & cream, and pomegranate.
Chupa Chups Lollipops
Chupa Chups are classic lollipops imported from Spain. Their fruit flavored lollipops are labeled gluten-free. They also make sugar free pops. Chupa Chups has flavors like Mango Tango, Strawberry Cream, Blue Raspberry, and more.
Tootsie Lollipops
Tootsie’s gluten-free lollipops are made in a dedicated facility free from the top 8 allergens. They come in nice flavors like wild cherry, lemon lime, cinnamon, and chocolate caramel.
Dum Dum Dum Dummers Peg Bag Pop
Dum actually makes an alternative peg bag pop called Dum Dummers. These are packaged in a dedicated gluten-free facility and certified gluten-free to less than 5 ppm. Flavors include lemonade, fruit punch, and strawberry. So those who react to regular Dum Dums could potentially tolerate these.
Glutino Gluten Free Dipped Cones
Glutino makes gluten-free ice cream cones that are coated in chocolate or yogurt. These come individually wrapped for a mess-free treat. They even have chocolate-dipped mint cones that are reminiscent of Dum Dums.
The Bottom Line
Dum Dums lollipops are widely considered gluten-free from an ingredients standpoint. However, the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment and facilities means they are not be 100% safe for all people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, especially those highly sensitive.
Most celiac organizations advise that it is up to the individual to weigh the risks and make their own personal decision about whether to eat Dum Dums. Factors like your history with cross-contamination, your sensitivity level, and your comfort with small risks should guide your choice.
Exercising caution is wise if you are very sensitive. Fortunately, Dum Dums does make a certified gluten-free Dum Dummers product, and there are also great alternative lollipop brands that are produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
