Ring Pops are classic candy treats that many people enjoy. However, for those with food allergies or sensitivities like celiac disease or nut allergies, it’s important to know if Ring Pops are safe to eat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a close look at the ingredients in Ring Pops and whether they contain gluten or nuts.
What are Ring Pops?
Ring Pops are lollipop candies introduced by the Topps Company in 1977. They consist of a large hard candy mounted on a plastic ring. The most iconic Ring Pops feature a large ruby red gemstone-shaped candy. However, Ring Pops come in a variety of candy shapes and flavors.
Some of the most popular Ring Pop flavors include:
- Cherry (red)
- Strawberry (pink)
- Grape (purple)
- Orange
- Blue raspberry
- Watermelon
- Green apple
- Lemon lime
Kids and adults alike enjoy wearing Ring Pops on their fingers as jewelry and licking the candy. Over the decades, Ring Pops have become a nostalgic candy with multi-generational appeal.
Do Ring Pops contain gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot eat gluten, as it damages the intestines and causes symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and more.
So are Ring Pops safe to eat for those avoiding gluten?
According to Ring Pop’s manufacturer, Bazooka Candy Brands, Ring Pops are considered gluten-free as they do not contain any wheat, barley, or rye ingredients. The main ingredients in Ring Pops are sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, and artificial colors and flavors.
However, Bazooka Candy Brands does process products with gluten on shared equipment. So there is a small chance of cross-contamination. The company advises those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to use their own judgment when consuming Ring Pops.
It’s also important to check the ingredient label for each specific Ring Pop flavor. While some flavors are gluten-free, others may differ.
For example, here are the ingredients for Cherry and Strawberry Ring Pops:
Cherry Ring Pop
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Fruit juice from concentrate (cherry, pear, strawberry, raspberry)
- Citric acid
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1)
- Carnauba wax
Strawberry Ring Pop
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Fruit juice from concentrate (cherry, pear, strawberry, raspberry)
- Modified food starch
- Contains 2% or less of citric acid, artificial flavors, Red 40, Blue 1
- Carnauba wax
As you can see, neither the Cherry nor Strawberry Ring Pop lists any gluten-containing ingredients. However, the Strawberry flavor contains “modified food starch” which may be made from corn, potato, or wheat. So if you need to strictly avoid gluten, it would be best to contact the manufacturer to find out the source of the modified food starch.
Are Ring Pops nut-free?
Tree nuts and peanuts are common food allergens, especially for children. People with nut allergies have to avoid nuts and food processed on the same equipment as nuts, as exposure can trigger a life-threatening reaction.
The main ingredients in classic Ring Pops are sugar, corn syrup, fruit juices, citric acid, artificial colors and flavors. None of these contain nuts.
Bazooka Candy Brands states that Ring Pops do not contain peanut or tree nut ingredients. However, the facility does process peanut and tree nut products. So there is a small chance of contact with nuts during manufacturing.
If someone has a severe nut allergy, it’s best to contact the company directly to understand their protocols around nut contamination risks and make an informed decision around consumption.
It’s also necessary to check labels of specific Ring Pop flavors, which may differ. For example, here are the ingredients for Pumpkin Spice and Candy Cane Ring Pops:
Pumpkin Spice Ring Pop
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Apple juice from concentrate
- Modified food starch
- Malic acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Color added
- Carnauba wax
Candy Cane Ring Pop
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Palm oil
- Carnauba wax
- Confectioner’s glaze
Neither the Pumpkin Spice nor Candy Cane varieties show any nut-based ingredients. But the candy cane Ring Pop contains palm oil, which would be a no-go for someone with a palm nut allergy.
Are other Ring Pop products gluten and nut-free?
In addition to classic Ring Pops on a plastic ring, the brand offers an assortment of other Ring Pop products which require their own inspection of the labels:
- Ring Pop Gummies – fruit flavored gummy candies in a ring shape. Contain corn syrup solids and modified food starch which may be gluten-containing.
- Ring Pop Minis – miniature hard candy Ring Pops. Likely gluten-free and nut-free, but check labels to confirm.
- Ring Pop Slurpee – frozen Ring Pop flavored slushie drink. Contains gluten ingredients like wheat flour and barley malt extract.
- Candy Jewelry – various candy necklaces, bracelets, rings. May differ from regular Ring Pops. Check ingredient lists.
The bottom line is that classic Ring Pops appear to be gluten and nut-free, according to the manufacturer. However, there is a small chance of cross-contact during processing in a shared facility. Individuals with food allergies must check labels of specific flavors and Ring Pop products to confirm.
Precautions for those with food allergies
People with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or nut allergies have to be very careful with label reading and contacting manufacturers to understand production procedures. Here are some tips for enjoying Ring Pops safely:
- Read ingredient lists for every Ring Pop product carefully. Do not assume they are all equally allergen-free.
- Call Bazooka Candy Brands customer service if you have questions about ingredients or processing. Ask specifically about risk of cross-contamination.
- Consider avoiding Ring Pops if you have a severe allergy, since there is some risk of exposure from shared equipment.
- Monitor yourself for any symptoms after eating Ring Pops the first time. Discontinue use if you have an adverse reaction.
- Inform friends or family not to give Ring Pops to your child without your approval if they have food allergies.
- Purchase a allergen-free candy brand made in a dedicated facility if you want to be extra safe.
In summary
Classic Ring Pops appear to be free of gluten and nut ingredients, according to the maker Bazooka Candy Brands. However, there is a possibility of cross-contact with these allergens during manufacturing in a shared facility.
Individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and nut allergies should use caution and thoroughly check labels of specific flavors. Call the company with any questions. While Ring Pops are likely safe for most, those with severe allergies may want to avoid them or opt for an allergen-free brand.
By being an informed consumer and taking proper precautions, you can enjoy these nostalgic lollipop candies while staying safe from allergic reactions.
