Ring Pops are iconic lollipop candies shaped like rings that were first introduced in the 1970s. With their bright colors and sweet flavors, Ring Pops have been beloved by kids and adults alike for decades. But with increasing numbers of people switching to vegan and gluten-free diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, many candy lovers are wondering – can you still enjoy Ring Pops if you follow a vegan or gluten-free diet?
Are Ring Pops vegan?
The short answer is yes, most Ring Pops are vegan friendly. Ring Pops are made by Topps, one of the largest candy manufacturers in the world. According to Topps, their classic fruit flavored Ring Pops including strawberry, cherry, blue raspberry, watermelon, grape, and lemon are all vegan. The main ingredients in these Ring Pops are sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavors and colors, and other vegan-safe ingredients. They do not contain any dairy, egg, or other animal derived ingredients.
However, there are a few exceptions. Some specialty and seasonal Ring Pop flavors contain beeswax or confectioner’s glaze, which are animal derived ingredients. These non-vegan flavors include candy cane, cotton candy, bubblegum, and sour apple. Topps states which flavors are vegan on their website, so it’s easy to check if your favorite Ring Pop flavors are vegan friendly or not. As long as you stick to the classic fruit flavors that are marked vegan, Ring Pops can definitely be enjoyed by those following a vegan diet.
Are Ring Pops gluten-free?
Again, the short answer is yes. Topps has confirmed that all of their Ring Pop products are gluten-free. That means those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity do not have to worry about consuming Ring Pops.
According to the FDA guidelines, a food product can be labeled as gluten-free if it contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Topps states that all Ring Pops flavors, including the vegan and non-vegan varieties, meet these strict gluten-free standards.
The main ingredients in Ring Pops like sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, and artificial colors and flavors are all naturally gluten-free. During processing and manufacturing, steps are taken to avoid any cross-contamination with wheat, barley, rye or other gluten containing ingredients. So you can feel confident enjoying Ring Pops even if you follow a gluten-free diet.
A deep dive into Ring Pop ingredients
To understand exactly why Ring Pops are considered vegan and gluten-free, let’s take a more in-depth look at the ingredients that go into making these iconic candies:
Sugar
The base ingredient of Ring Pops is sugar. Granulated white cane sugar gives Ring Pops their sweetness and also helps provide the crunchy candy texture when compressed into the ring shape. Sugar is vegan, gluten-free, and kosher certified.
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is the second main ingredient. This thick, gooey syrup is made from cornstarch. It helps control the crystallization of the sugar to give Ring Pops a smooth candy texture. Corn syrup is vegan and gluten-free.
Water
Water helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup solids during manufacturing. It then evaporates away when the candy mixture is cooked, leaving behind the sweet candy base.
Artificial flavors
To give each Ring Pop its distinct fruit taste, artificial flavorings are added. For example, cherry Ring Pops contain artificial cherry flavor. These lab created flavorings are nature identical, meaning they are molecularly identical to natural flavors. But they are made from synthetic rather than plant or animal derived ingredients, so they are vegan and gluten-free. Common vegan artificial flavorings include benzaldehyde, amyl acetate, and benzyl alcohol.
Artificial colors
The vibrant colors of Ring Pops come from artificial FD&C dyes like Red #40, Blue #1, and Yellow #5. These petroleum derived colors provide the bright hues without any animal ingredients.
Citric acid
Citric acid gives Ring Pops a tart, fruity taste. It naturally occurs in citrus fruits but is typically made industrially by fermenting sugars with the fungus Aspergillus niger. Citric acid is vegan and gluten-free.
Confectioner’s glaze
This shiny coating on candies is sometimes made from lac resin derived from insects. But Topps confirms their confectioner’s glaze is synthetic and does not contain any animal ingredients. The glaze provides a glossy sheen and smooth texture.
Beeswax
Some seasonal Ring Pop flavors contain beeswax, a non-vegan ingredient produced by honey bees. But Topps indicates which flavors contain beeswax, so vegans can easily avoid them.
As you can see from these main ingredients, Ring Pops are free of any dairy, meat, eggs, or wheat. The candy formulation sticks to plant-based, animal-free, gluten-free ingredients to createRing Pops’ delicious sweet flavors and chewy candy texture.
How Ring Pops are manufactured
Now let’s take a look at how Ring Pops go from raw ingredients to the fun, candy jewelry we know and love:
Mixing
The sugar, corn syrup, water, artificial colors and flavors, and other ingredients are combined in large industrial mixing tanks. The mixture is heated and stirred until a homogeneous colored liquid syrup is formed.
Cooking
The syrup is then cooked in commercial cookers or boilers until it reaches the proper temperature and moisture content. Cooking causes water to evaporate, makes the candy thick and sticky, and brings out the flavors.
Cooling and stretching
Next, the hot candy mass is cooled on chilled rollers to form a pliable sheet. The candy sheet is folded and stretched to aerate it and give it a smooth, glossy texture.
Flavoring
If the Ring Pop is a fruit flavor, concentrated fruit flavorings are added and kneaded into the candy mass during the stretching process.
Forming
The candy is fed into die molds to form the signature ring shape. The center cavity is created with a core pin.
Decoration
The edible gemstone or other decorative element is affixed to the top of the ring with edible adhesive.
Packaging
Individual plastic Ring Pop pouches are filled with the finished candy rings and packaged into boxes for shipment.
Quality control
Throughout manufacturing, samples are taken and tested to ensure proper ingredients, weigh, dimensions, appearance, and taste.
Ring Pops sold in major grocery stores and convenience shops are made at Topps’ large factory manufacturing lines. Smaller specialty candy companies may produce gourmet or handmade versions using similar vegan recipes and techniques.
Nutrition facts for Ring Pops
Now let’s look at the nutritional value of Ring Pops:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per 1 pop (15g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% DV |
| Sodium 15mg | 1% DV |
| Total Carbs 16g | 6% DV |
| – Sugar 15g | |
| Protein 0g | 0% DV |
Ring Pops are high in sugar, with 15 grams per piece. They have 60 calories in a standard 15 gram pop. Otherwise, they contain minimal fat, sodium, protein or other nutrients.
Like most candies, Ring Pops should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat. But for vegans, the gluten-free, or candy fans with dietary restrictions, Ring Pops can be a tasty option to satisfy a sweet tooth craving thanks to their animal-free, gluten-free recipe.
The history of Ring Pops
Ring Pops have a fascinating origin story. Here are some key moments in Ring Pop history:
1970s
Ring Pops were invented in 1977 by Frank Richards, who worked for Topps. The concept was to create a candy on a stick shaped like a ring that could be worn as pretend jewelry.
1980s
In the 80s, Ring Pop commercials featuring Mr. Owl and Bono the dog started airing on TV. Their catchy jingle “Don’t just eat it, wear it!” turned Ring Pops into a huge pop culture phenomenon.
1990s
Ring Pops got a major boost in the 90s by partnering with popular kids’ franchises like Rugrats, Disney, and Scooby-Doo for themed candy ring designs.
2000s
For their 25th anniversary in 2002, giant 25-gram Ring Pops were released in grocery stores. In 2009, new HI-C flavor Ring Pops were launched.
Today
Ring Pops are now sold in over 25 flavors at major retailers like Walmart, convenience stores, Target, and Amazon. They remain a favorite nostalgic candy brand for kids and adults.
Ring Pops have come a long way from their 1970s origins! Though the recipe remains vegan and gluten-free, new limited editions are released each year to keep fans excited about these iconic candy rings.
Where to buy Ring Pops
Wondering where you can go to satisfy your Ring Pop craving? Here are some of the top places to buy Ring Pops:
Grocery stores
Check the candy aisle at major supermarkets like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and more. They carry standard fruit flavors and sometimes holiday flavors.
Convenience stores
Stop by any convenience store like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Casey’s, Circle K, or Ampm for on-the-go Ring Pop purchases.
Dollar stores
Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and 99 Cents Only Store all sell Ring Pops in assorted flavors.
Gas stations
Truck stops and gas stations with a convenience mart like Speedway, Circle K, and QuikTrip will have Ring Pops near the register.
Online
Stock up in bulk by ordering cases of Ring Pops on Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com, CandyWarehouse, or other online bulk candy retailers.
Specialty candy shops
Locally owned candy and chocolate shops may carry gourmet Ring Pops in unique flavors like champagne, coffee, and chocolate.
Theme parks
Ring Pops can often be found at candy shops in places like Disney World, Six Flags, and other amusement parks.
Cinemas
Major movie theater chains sell Ring Pops at their concession stands along with all the usual movie candy.
So whether you need one Ring Pop on the run or a whole bag for a party, there are endless options to find these vegan, gluten-free candies at a store near you.
Fun facts about Ring Pops
Let’s round up some fascinating trivia about Ring Pops that even hardcore fans may not know:
- The original Ring Pop flavors in 1977 were strawberry, grape, and cherry.
- Over 2 billion Ring Pops have been sold since their invention.
- The largest Ring Pop ever made was over 3 feet wide.
- Ring Pops only takes about 7 seconds to make.
- California and Florida consume the most Ring Pops.
- Wednesday is the most popular day for eating Ring Pops.
- Kids prefer the red jewel, while adults like the diamond.
- In the 90s, Ring Pops had a mystery phone number on the package you could call to hear ring pop jokes.
- Ring Pops were one of the first candies sold in vending machines.
- College students are credited with rediscovering and popularizing Ring Pops in the 2000s.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common Ring Pop FAQs:
Do Ring Pops expire?
Yes, Ring Pops can expire and start to suffer loss of flavor and texture. Most standard Ring Pops have a shelf life of about 5 months. After opening, they are best eaten within 3-4 weeks. Unopened, they can last about a year past the best by date if stored properly.
Where are Ring Pops manufactured?
Ring Pops sold in the United States are made at the Topps factory in New York. Global versions are also produced in China and Brazil.
Are there caffeine-free Ring Pops?
Yes, the classic Ring Pop flavors are all caffeine-free. Only a few specialty coffee-flavored Ring Pops contain added caffeine.
Can you recycle Ring Pop wrappers?
Unfortunately the plastic pouches are not widely recyclable. Try to find a plastic bag recycling program in your community that may accept candy wrappers. Otherwise, reuse or repurpose the wrappers before throwing away if possible.
Do Ring Pops contain gluten?
No. Topps confirms that all Ring Pops are gluten-free, making them safe for those with celiac disease. They do not contain wheat, barley, rye or related grains.
Are the gems on Ring Pops real jewels?
No, the plastic “gems” on top are made from plastic polymers, not real rubies, diamonds, or other gemstones. The decorative elements give Ring Pops their signature jewelry-like look.
Conclusion
Ring Pops have come a long way since their invention over 40 years ago, but they remain a beloved candy brand today. With their bright packaging and unique ring shape, they are sure to spark sweet nostalgia for all generations. The great news for vegans, vegetarians, and those eating gluten-free is that Ring Pops are animal-free and gluten-safe. So next time you see those shiny candies stocked on store shelves, feel free to enjoy this tasty blast from the past (in moderation of course). Just don’t forget the iconic slogan – don’t just eat it, wear it!
