Jelly Belly gummies are a popular candy choice for those with dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance or celiac disease. With fun flavors like Very Cherry, Watermelon Wave, and Island Punch, Jelly Belly gummies seem like a tasty gluten-free option. But with jelly beans and other candies often containing hidden sources of gluten, many people wonder: are Jelly Belly gummies really gluten-free?
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, most Jelly Belly gummies are gluten-free. According to the company, all Jelly Belly gummy products are free of wheat, barley, rye, and derivatives. That means they do not contain the gluten proteins that harm people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
However, it’s important to note that Jelly Belly products are made in facilities that also process wheat and other gluten grains. So there is a small risk of cross-contamination. People with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive should exercise caution and check labels.
Ingredients in Jelly Belly Gummies
To understand if Jelly Belly gummies are really gluten-free, you need to look at the ingredients. Here are some of the main ingredients found in popular Jelly Belly gummies:
Sugar
Jelly Belly gummies list sugar as the first ingredient. This refers to sucrose, a disaccharide made from glucose and fructose. Refined sugars like sucrose do not contain gluten.
Corn syrup
Corn syrup gives gummies their chewy texture. The corn syrup in Jelly Belly candies does not contain gluten.
Fruit juices
Jelly Belly gummies get their flavors from fruit juices like blackcurrant, apple, orange, lemon, and lime. These are gluten-free fruit extracts.
Colors and flavors
Jelly Belly gummies contain artificial colors and natural and artificial flavors. These added ingredients do not typically have gluten.
Citric acid
Citric acid gives gummies their tart, fruity taste. This acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits. It’s gluten-free.
Cornstarch
Some Jelly Belly gummies contain cornstarch, used to coat the exterior to keep pieces from sticking. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
Based on these main ingredients, Jelly Belly gummies themselves do not contain any gluten sources. The sweeteners, flavorings, acids, and starches used are not derived from wheat, barley, rye or related grains.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Although the ingredients are gluten-free, Jelly Belly candies are produced in facilities that also process wheat-based ingredients. This means there is some risk of cross-contamination with gluten.
People who are highly sensitive should note the following warnings on Jelly Belly candy packages:
- Processed in a facility that manufactures products containing wheat.
- Produced on shared equipment that processes products containing wheat.
For people with celiac disease or who react to traces of gluten, these warnings may make Jelly Belly gummies unsafe to eat. Even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and damage to the small intestine.
Testing for Gluten
Jelly Belly states that all its candies test below 20 parts per million (ppm) for gluten from wheat, rye and barley. This is the threshold for gluten-free certification in the U.S.
However, experts note testing has limitations. Because gluten testing only samples a small portion of the product, it may miss contaminants. Some people react to amounts under 20 ppm.
So a gluten-free label or test results below 20 ppm do not guarantee the product will be safe for all with celiac disease or gluten issues.
Jelly Belly Gummies Certified Gluten-Free
While most Jelly Belly gummies carry a risk of gluten cross-contact, some are certified gluten-free to a higher standard. These gummies are produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities and tested to contain less than 10 ppm gluten.
Jelly Belly gummies that are certified gluten-free include:
- Jelly Belly Organic Gummy Candy Sours
- Jelly Belly Organic Gummy Candy Sour Snakes
These gummies are third-party tested and certified gluten-free by organizations like the Celiac Support Association and the Gluten Intolerance Group. This provides added assurance for people with celiac disease.
No Wheat-Based Gummies
Importantly, Jelly Belly does not make any gummies with wheat-based ingredients like maltodextrin. So there is no direct source of gluten in the gummies themselves.
This separates them from brands like Haribo, which uses wheat-derived maltodextrin and explicitly states its gummy candies are not gluten-free. Jelly Belly gummies avoid these risky ingredients.
Are Specific Flavors of Jelly Belly Gummies Gluten-Free?
Since the main ingredients and production lines are the same, all flavors of Jelly Belly gummies share the same gluten-free status. Some examples of popular gluten-free Jelly Belly gummies include:
Sours
The Sours lineup includes flavors like Cherry, Lemon, Lime, Orange, and Grapefruit. These tart gummies contain no gluten sources.
Sour Snakes
With flavors like Island Punch, Wild Cherry, Berry Lemonade, and Watermelon Wave, the chewy Sour Snakes are gluten-free.
Sugar-Free
For those avoiding sugar, the Sugar-Free gummies in flavors like Watermelon, Island Punch, and Very Cherry contain no gluten.
Tropical Mix
The Tropical Mix has pineapple, mango, lemon, and orange gummies, all gluten-free.
So regardless of the shape and flavor, Jelly Belly’s gummies share the same gluten-free status. The only exceptions are the dedicated gluten-free varieties made in special facilities.
Are Other Jelly Belly Candies Gluten-Free?
Beyond gummies, Jelly Belly makes many other candies that are labeled gluten-free yet carry a risk of cross-contamination. These include:
- Jelly beans
- Jelly beans jelly beans
- Chocolate candies like Malt Balls and Candy Corn
- Licorice
- Salt Water Taffy
- Gumballs and other sugar-coated treats
In addition, Jelly Belly has a line of Organic Jelly Beans that are certified gluten-free, like the certified gluten-free gummies. These jelly beans are produced in a dedicated facility and rigorously tested.
Aside from the certified gluten-free candy, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should check labels and weigh the risks of Jelly Belly products labeled “gluten-free.” Cross-contamination is likely in their shared facilities.
Are Other Brands of Gummy Bears & Candy Gluten-Free?
Below is a table summarizing the gluten-free status of some top gummy bear and candy brands according to available manufacturer information:
| Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Haribo | Not gluten-free – contain maltodextrin from wheat |
| Trolli | Not gluten-free – contain maltodextrin from wheat |
| Albanese | Most are gluten-free but not certified or tested; risk of cross-contamination |
| Black Forest | Most are gluten-free but not certified or tested; risk of cross-contamination |
| Sunkist | Claim to be gluten-free but contain corn syrup and shared equipment risk |
| Skittles | Labeled gluten-free but shared production lines |
| Starburst | Labeled gluten-free but shared production lines |
As the table shows, some big brands of gummies like Haribo actually contain gluten. Others may test below 20ppm but have advisory warnings. Very few are certified gluten-free to higher standards like Jelly Belly’s select organic gummy products.
Should People with Celiac Disease Eat Jelly Belly Gummies?
For people with celiac disease, there is no straightforward answer. Some celiac experts advise avoiding all products made in shared facilities, even if labeled gluten-free.
However, others in the celiac community eat Jelly Belly products in moderation with no issues. Individual tolerance levels vary.
Here are some tips for those deciding if Jelly Belly gummies are safe to eat with celiac disease:
- Consume Jelly Belly gummies labeled gluten-free occasionally as a treat. Do not make them a regular part of your diet.
- Enjoy them in small portions – don’t overindulge, even if they seem “safe.”
- Stick to certified gluten-free varieties if you are very sensitive.
- Check labels every time you buy Jelly Belly products to ensure no ingredient changes.
- Watch for symptoms and avoid any products that seem to trigger a reaction.
- Consult your doctor if unsure, especially for children with celiac disease.
Being well-informed and careful with labels enables some celiacs to occasionally enjoy Jelly Belly gummies as a gluten-free-friendly candy. But strict avoidance is best for those very sensitive to cross-contact.
Conclusion
Although most Jelly Belly gummies are labeled gluten-free, many are produced on shared lines with wheat-based goods. This introduces a risk of trace gluten contamination.
However, Jelly Belly’s ingredients do not directly contain gluten. And certain Organic Jelly Beans and gummies are certified gluten-free for those highly sensitive. Overall, most Jelly Belly gummy candies can be considered gluten-free friendly, though caution is advised.
For people with celiac disease or wheat allergy, it’s wise to check labels, look for certified products, and contact the company with any questions. Consuming Jelly Belly gummies in moderation and watching for reactions is the best way for those sensitive to enjoy these sweet gluten-free treats.
