Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten-free diet, checking labels and understanding which foods contain gluten is essential.
One popular candy that often gets questioned is Tootsie Roll Blow Pops. With their chewy Tootsie Roll center and hard candy shell, Blow Pops are a classic treat enjoyed by kids and adults alike. But can those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity indulge worry-free? Are Tootsie Roll Blow Pops gluten-free?
The Short Answer
Yes, Tootsie Roll Blow Pops are considered gluten-free. According to Tootsie Roll Industries, Blow Pops do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or their derivatives, and are safe for those with celiac disease or following a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients in Tootsie Roll Blow Pops
To understand if a food product is gluten-free, you need to check its ingredients label and look for any problematic grains. With candy, it’s especially important to check, as some gummy and chewy candies contain gluten.
According to the Tootsie Roll Industries website, Blow Pops contain the following ingredients:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Palm oil
- Condensed skim milk
- Carnauba wax
- Artificial and natural flavors
- Soy lecithin (an emulsifier)
- Colors added (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)
Tootsie Roll also states that their products share manufacturing equipment with milk, soy, wheat (gluten), eggs and peanuts. Some celiacs are sensitive enough to pick up traces of gluten from cross-contamination.
However, these ingredients and manufacturing details confirm there are no wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients that contain gluten.
How Tootsie Rolls Are Made
Another way to assess if a candy contains gluten is to understand how it’s produced. Since Tootsie Rolls form the center of Blow Pops, knowing how they are made is key.
The main ingredients in Tootsie Rolls are sugar, corn syrup, cocoa, milk products, soybean oil and flavors. The company states their unique recipe has remained unchanged since the candies were first invented in 1896. The chocolate candy is made by combining the main ingredients, heating them and whipping the mixture to a proper consistency. It is then rolled, cut and wrapped as Tootsie Rolls.
This manufacturing process does not include any gluten-containing ingredients whatsoever. The company also confirms that Tootsie Rolls are gluten-free on their website and packaging.
Certifications for Gluten-Free Status
For consumers trying to avoid gluten, third party certification from recognized gluten-free organizations can provide added assurance. Tootsie Roll Blow Pops and other Tootsie Roll candies are certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG).
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) also regularly inspects and audits Tootsie Roll Industries. The GFCO is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group, an organization that has been a trusted resource on gluten-related disorders for over 60 years.
These certifications confirm that Tootsie Roll products adhere to the FDA gluten-free labeling standards of containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Certified products are also at very low risk for cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
What About Wheat Allergies?
Along with being gluten-free, Tootsie Roll Blow Pops are safe for those with wheat allergies. A wheat allergy is different than celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity and is not specifically a reaction to gluten.
Instead, people with wheat allergies are allergic to the proteins found in wheat. However, Tootsie Rolls and Blow Pops are wheat-free as well as gluten-free, so they can be consumed safely.
Other Tootsie Roll Brands That Are Gluten-Free
While Blow Pops are likely their most iconic treat, Tootsie Roll Industries makes a wide range of gluten-free candies and chocolates, including:
- Tootsie Rolls
- Tootsie Fruit Rolls
- Junior Mints
- Charleston Chew
- Sugar Daddy
- Andes Mints
- Cella’s Cherries and Fruit Slices
- Caramel Apple Pops
- Child’s Play
- Fluffy Stuff Cotton Candy
Those with celiac disease or avoiding gluten for other reasons can enjoy all of these Tootsie Roll goodies without worry. The company clearly labels any products that are not gluten-free, like some of their baking chips, on the packaging.
Are Other Blow Pop Flavors Gluten-Free?
Blow Pops come in a wide variety of flavors beyond the classic cherry. Fortunately, all Blow Pop flavors are gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten. Other gluten-free Blow Pop flavors include:
- Grape
- Orange
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
- Blue Raspberry
- Green Apple
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Fruit Punch
- Sour Apple
- Sour Watermelon
No matter what fruity flavor you choose, you can enjoy classic Blow Pops when following a gluten-free diet.
Are Other Tootsie Roll Pops Gluten-Free?
Beyond Blow Pops, Tootsie Roll also makes regular Tootsie Pops without the bubble gum center. These traditional Tootsie Pop lollipops feature Tootsie Rolls at the core instead. Popular flavors include chocolate, cherry, grape, orange and raspberry.
Since these Tootsie Pops contain a Tootsie Roll center, they are gluten-free as well. Any variety of Tootsie Pop is a safe bet when avoiding gluten.
Cross-Contamination Risks
For people with celiac disease and extreme gluten sensitivity, cross-contamination is a concern to be aware of with any processed food. Since Tootsie Rolls are made on equipment shared with wheat, there is a small chance of cross-contact.
However, Tootsie abides by GFCO standards and uses thorough cleaning processes to avoid cross-contamination. The low-gluten thresholds required for certification indicate minimal gluten exposure, if any at all.
Those more sensitive should check with their healthcare provider. People with less severe wheat issues are unlikely to have problems tolerating Tootsie’s gluten-free candies.
Gluten-Free Status Can Change
While Tootsie Roll Blow Pops today are gluten-free, manufacturing and recipes can change. If avoiding gluten, be sure to periodically check labels for ingredients and allergen information. Contacting the company directly for updates on gluten-free status is also recommended.
For Blow Pops, the safest bet is always to check each bag before consuming. If allergen warnings change or you notice any labeling differences, reach out to Tootsie Roll’s customer service for clarity.
In general, those with gluten concerns should be extra careful with candies and always double-check before eating. Call-outs of allergen information on packaging may differ from what’s listed online.
Should You Consume Blow Pops on a Gluten-Free Diet?
While the ingredients are gluten-free, Blow Pops and other candies are not necessarily encouraged as regular parts of a healthy gluten-free diet. Those avoiding gluten for medical reasons should always talk to a doctor or dietitian about appropriate candy consumption.
For children on a gluten-free diet, many parents allow occasional treats like Blow Pops in moderation. While they satisfy sweet cravings, candies offer little nutritional value.
Adults also need to be mindful of balance and variety when indulging gluten-free sweets. Overall, it comes down to individual factors and sensitivity levels.
Other Gluten-Free Candy Options
Beyond Tootsie products, some other brands of gummy and chewy candies contain no gluten sources:
- Skittles
- Swedish Fish
- Haribo gummy bears
- Sour Patch Kids
- Starburst
Chocolate bars like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Kit Kat and Twix are also typically gluten-free.
As with any product, it’s important to check labels for changes and contact manufacturers with any questions when living gluten-free.
Are Tootsie Rolls Dairy Free?
Along with being gluten-free, a common question is whether Tootsie Roll products are dairy-free. According to the company, most Tootsie Rolls are not considered dairy-free or vegan.
Dairy ingredients like whey, milkfat and milk protein concentrate are used in products like Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Blow Pops and Junior Mints.
However, some Tootsie candies are dairy-free. These include Crows, Dots, Charms Blow Pops, Mason Crows, Mason Dots and Shockers.
Always check ingredient labels carefully if avoiding dairy as well as gluten.
Are Tootsie Rolls Egg-Free?
According to Tootsie Roll Industries, their products do not contain eggs. So along with being gluten-free and mostly dairy-free, Tootsie candies are also egg-free and suitable for those with egg allergies.
Those with multiple food allergies or sensitivities should always thoroughly check labels. But Tootsie Rolls accommodate many common food restrictions.
Do Tootsie Rolls Contain Soy?
Yes, Tootsie Roll products do contain soy. The candy filling uses soybean oil. Soy lecithin is also added as an emulsifier.
So those with soy allergies need to avoid Tootsie Roll brand candies, including Blow Pops. Always read labels carefully to assess any soy content in sweets.
Are Tootsie Rolls Nut-Free?
Tootsie Roll Industries states that all their candies are peanut-free and tree-nut free. So Blow Pops and other Tootsie candies are safe for people with peanut allergies or tree nut allergies.
However, their products are made on equipment shared with peanuts. Those highly sensitive should exercise caution and ask their doctor before consuming.
Do Tootsie Rolls Contain Corn?
Yes, Tootsie Roll candies do contain corn ingredients. The main offender is corn syrup, which is used to provide sweetness. Corn syrup is prevalent in many gummy and chewy candies.
Therefore, those with corn allergies need to avoid Tootsie Roll products entirely. Individuals with sensitivities may also want to steer clear.
Conclusion
When scanning candy labels, Tootsie Roll Blow Pops stand out as a gluten-free favorite. Both the Tootsie Roll filling and the bubble gum centre contain no glutenous ingredients or wheat-derived components.
While tiny amounts of cross-contact in manufacturing facilities is possible, certification by reputable gluten-free organizations provides added assurance. Blow Pops meet the requirements to be labeled gluten-free.
Overall, Blow Pops can be considered a gluten-free food. Those with celiac disease or wheat allergy can indulge in these classic lollipop treats without worry. Just be sure to enjoy Blow Pops and other gluten-free candies in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
