Smarties are a popular candy in the United States and around the world. The original Smarties are made by Nestlé and were first introduced in 1937. They are small, colorful candy tablets that come in a variety of fruit flavors. With the rise in gluten intolerance and celiac disease, many people wonder if Smarties are gluten-free.
What are Smarties?
Smarties are a type of sugar candy produced by Nestlé. The candies have been manufactured since 1937, when the company introduced them in England as a rival product to Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles. They were first made in York, England, but are now primarily manufactured in Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The candies have a hard, crunchy shell and a soft, chewy center. Original Smarties come in eight colors, each with its own fruit flavor – orange, lemon, strawberry, raspberry, orange, pineapple, blueberry and green apple. The candy shells are imprinted with the letter “S”. Smarties are not chocolate candies, although chocolate Smarties and other variations have been produced over the years.
In the United States, Smarties are distributed by the Smarties Candy Company, a division of Ce De Candy. The Smarties sold in America have a different taste and texture than the Nestlé European Smarties. However American Smarties do share the same small tablet shape and brightly colored sugar shells as their European counterpart.
Are Original Smarties gluten-free?
The answer is yes, original European Smarties made by Nestlé are certified gluten-free. This makes them a safe candy choice for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
According to Nestlé, Smarties candies do not contain any gluten ingredients. They are produced in facilities that also process gluten, which is why they make the disclaimer “may contain traces of wheat” on the label. However Nestlé states that the risk of gluten exposure is minimal.
Original Smarties have been officially certified as a gluten-free food by Coeliac UK, an organization that provides resources for following a gluten-free diet. The certification means that independent testing verified Smarties contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
List of ingredients in original Smarties
Nestlé is transparent about the ingredients contained in Smarties candies. The ingredients are as follows:
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
- Glucose syrup
- Citric acid
- Tapioca starch
- Colours (includes citrus fruit extracts, paprika extract)
- Fruit and plant concentrates (blackcurrant, safflower, elderberry, red cabbage, radish, hibiscus)
- Natural orange flavor
As you can see, there are no gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley or rye in Smarties ingredients. The candy’s crisp shell is created using sugar and various starches like tapioca. The soft filling gets its texture from the palm oil. Fruit and vegetable concentrates provide the vibrant colors and fruit flavors.
Why Smarties are gluten-free
Smarties are naturally free of gluten because of their simple ingredients and manufacturing process. The main components are:
- Sugar – Pure refined sugar does not contain any gluten.
- Tapioca starch – Used to create the candy shells. Tapioca is extracted from cassava roots, so it’s naturally gluten-free.
- Glucose syrup – Made from the starch of corn, another gluten-free grain.
- Vegetable oils – Refined oils like palm kernel are gluten free ingredients.
- Fruit concentrates – Used for colors and flavors. Fruits do not contain gluten.
- Citric acid – A naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits.
In addition to not containing any gluten-based grains, Smarties go through a production process that avoids gluten cross-contamination:
- The sugar and tapioca starch are mixed, filtered and pressed to create the candy shells.
- The dried shells are then filled with the liquid glucose and palm oil mixture.
- Fruit and vegetable concentrates are added for colors and flavors.
- The filled Smarties are polished and packaged.
Since there is no gluten in any of the base ingredients or the manufacturing environment, the finished Smarties candies contain no detectable traces of gluten.
Are American Smarties gluten-free?
American Smarties are gluten-free, according to Ce De Candy Company. The ingredients are very similar to original Nestlé Smarties:
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Citric acid
- Calcium stearate
- Artificial flavors
- Coloring (FD&C colors)
- Carnauba wax
Like the original Nestlé version, American Smarties do not contain any gluten ingredients. However, Ce De Candy says they cannot guarantee American Smarties are 100% gluten-free because they may contain traces from incidental contact during manufacturing.
Are other Smarties products gluten-free?
In addition to the classic candy tablets, the Smarties brand also includes other colorful candies like Smarties Pop-Up ice cream cones, Smarties McFlurry ice cream, and Smarties chocolate bars. Are these other Smarties foods gluten-free as well?
Smarties Pop-Up ice cream is certified gluten-free according to Nestlé. It is made with gluten-free ingredients and processed on equipment that does not handle gluten. Smarties McFlurry is soft serve ice cream blended with gluten-free Smarties candies, so it too can be considered gluten-free.
Smarties chocolate bars contain gluten, however, because they include wheat flour. So the chocolate versions of Smarties are not safe for celiacs. But the original candies, ice cream pops, and ice cream are all gluten-free treats.
Is cross-contamination a risk with Smarties?
Nestlé states that cross-contamination of Smarties with gluten grains is highly unlikely. The candy facilities and equipment are dedicated gluten-free. Raw ingredients are thoroughly tested and undergo cleaning procedures.
Smarties do have an advisory statement of “May contain wheat” on the label. This is not because there is gluten present, but because trace amounts can never be 100% ruled out due to shared facilities. The quantity is considered negligible.
Smarties are processed on shared equipment that also handles wheat. But thorough cleaning and testing between production runs ensures no gluten cross-contamination. Independent lab results confirm gluten levels in Smarties are below 20 ppm.
So while negligible traces are possible, the testing demonstrates that gluten exposure from cross-contact is minimal and well within the range to be considered gluten-free.
Should celiacs be cautious of Smarties?
Most celiacs can safely eat original Smarties according to both Nestlé and consumer groups. The Celiac Disease Foundation says that celiacs do not need to avoid products labeled “may contain wheat” if the ingredients are gluten-free.
However, some celiacs are highly sensitivity and react to trace gluten levels allowed in gluten-free labeling. These individuals may want to avoid Smarties and only consume candies made in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
For less sensitive celiacs, cross-contamination is unlikely to pose an issue. But it’s up to each individual to decide their comfort level with advisory warnings.
Do Smarties contain allergens beside gluten?
Smarties themselves do not contain any major food allergens. However, the facilities where Smarties are produced also handle milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish and soy. So there is a risk of contact with these allergens.
Smarties made in Canada contain a “May contain” statement for milk as well as wheat. Other manufacturing plants warn that Smarties may contain traces of peanuts, nuts and soy due to shared equipment.
So people with these allergies, especially severe ones, may also wish to avoid Smarties. For non-allergic consumers, the low level cross-contact is not a safety issue.
Are Smarties vegan?
Yes, original Smarties and American Smarties are vegan candies. They do not contain any animal-derived ingredients like milk, eggs or gelatin.
The palm oil used in Nestlé Smarties is sustainably sourced according to the company. And the red coloring previously came from carmine, a pigment derived from insects, but Nestlé removed carmine and now uses plant-based colors.
So all flavors of classic Smarties, both American and British versions, are considered vegan friendly.
Smarties nutritional information
Here is the nutrition facts breakdown for Smarties candies:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 100g | Per 15g (14 pieces) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 467 | 70 |
| Fat | 3 g | 0.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg | 2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 95 g | 14 g |
| Sugar | 92 g | 14 g |
| Protein | 0 g | 0 g |
As you can see, Smarties are almost entirely made up of sugar. There is minimal fat, no protein, and no nutritional benefits. The main ingredients are sucrose, glucose syrup, and hydrogenated oil.
So while Smarties are gluten-free, they offer little in terms of nutrition. The value comes from the colorful candy coating and sweet flavors that provide enjoyment. Moderation is key, since too much can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Finding Smarties locally
In the United States, Smarties candies are not as widely available as some other candy brands. But they can be found in certain grocery stores, specialty candy shops, and online retailers.
Some locations that may carry Smarties include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- World Market
- Candy specialty stores like Sweet Factory, IT’SUGAR, and Rocket Fizz
- British sections of grocery stores
- International food markets
- Amazon online
Availability will vary by region. Smarties are more commonly found near bigger cities and in areas with more diverse populations. Calling ahead to check can help locate a store that stocks Smarties candy.
Purchasing Smarties online
For the widest selection and convenience, buying Smarties through online retailers is recommended. There are many options for purchasing both American and British Smarties:
- Amazon – Offers Nestlé Smarties, Ce De Candy Smarties, and bulk boxes.
- CandyDirect – Carries smaller packs of UK Smarties.
- Fancy Sprinkles – Sells personal packs and tubes of Smarties.
- World Market – Retails British Smarties in flip-top boxes.
- Walmart – Stocks American Smarties in stores and online.
- Target – Also sells smaller packs of US Smarties online.
These online stores provide the convenience of home delivery in just a few clicks. Prices are competitive, and many offer package deals or discounts on bulk orders. So buying Smarties online is an easy option for gluten-free candy fans.
Are Smarties suitable for a gluten-free diet?
In summary, yes original Nestlé Smarties are appropriate for gluten-free diets. The ingredients contain no gluten, and independent lab testing confirms low gluten levels well within the accepted standard.
Most celiacs tolerate Smarties with no issue. Trace amounts are negligible and unlikely to cause a reaction. More gluten-sensitive individuals can exercise personal caution around the “May contain wheat” advisory.
American Smarties are also free of gluten ingredients, but have slightly higher risk of cross-contamination. Other Smarties products like ice cream are good gluten-free choices, but Smarties chocolate bars contain wheat.
So when looking for gluten-free Smarties, stick to the classic candy tablets. Both UK and US versions offer a sweet gluten-free treat. Checking labels and contacting manufacturers can help identify the safest options.
Conclusion
Original Nestlé Smarties are a beloved candy worldwide. With concerns about gluten intolerance rising, many fans want to know if Smarties are safe for their diet. The answer is yes – classic Smarties ingredients and manufacturing process result in gluten levels below 20ppm.
While advisory statements mention possible wheat traces, most celiacs tolerate Smarties well. The brand is certified gluten-free by recognized organizations. Just stick to the basic candy tablets, as some products like chocolate Smarties do contain gluten.
Both British and American Smarties candies can be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free diet. Celiacs should use individual discretion based on sensitivity levels. With common sense precautions, Smarties provide a delicious and nostalgic gluten-free treat.
