Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for health, dietary, or lifestyle reasons. For those who need or want to follow a gluten-free diet, it’s important to know which foods and products are safe to eat. One popular candy that often comes up in gluten-free discussions is Maynards Swedish Fish. These chewy, colorful fish-shaped gummies have been around for decades and are a favorite among candy lovers. But are Maynards Swedish Fish gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). For most people, gluten poses no health problems. But for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger a range of unpleasant symptoms and health issues.
People with celiac disease have an autoimmune reaction when they eat gluten, which causes damage to the small intestine. This damage makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition where people experience negative reactions when eating gluten, but they do not have celiac disease.
Reactions to gluten can include gastrointestinal issues like bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain. But gluten sensitivities can also cause issues like brain fog, headaches, fatigue and joint pain in some people. The only treatment for celiac disease or NCGS is strict adherence to a completely gluten-free diet. This means diligently avoiding foods, beverages and products that contain gluten.
Are Maynards Swedish Fish gluten-free?
After reviewing the ingredients and manufacturing processes, the answer is yes – Maynards Swedish Fish are gluten-free! Here are the key reasons why:
No wheat, barley or rye ingredients
Maynards Swedish Fish do not contain any wheat, barley or rye ingredients. The ingredients are simple: corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, citric acid, white grape juice concentrate, natural and artificial flavors, fractionated coconut oil, carnauba wax, yellow 5, yellow 6, red 40, blue 1.
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Corn syrup is the primary ingredient, providing the bulk of the chewy gummy texture and sweetness.
Gelatin source
Gelatin is derived from collagen, which is a protein found in animal bones and connective tissues. The gelatin used in Maynards Swedish Fish is sourced from either beef or pork. It does not come from grains that contain gluten.
The gelatin gives the gummies their classic chewy texture. Gelatin derived from meat sources is inherently gluten-free.
Manufacturing process
Maynards Swedish Fish candies are manufactured on dedicated equipment that does not come into contact with any wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients. The facility where they are made follows extremely strict allergen protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
Workers thoroughly clean all equipment between production runs to ensure no residue from gluten-containing products remains behind. The company conducts frequent allergen testing to validate the lack of gluten during the manufacturing process.
No gluten ingredients added
In the past, some gummy candies included wheat flour or wheat starch as thickening agents. However, Maynards Swedish Fish do not contain any added thickeners. No wheat-derived ingredients are added at any point during manufacturing. This keeps the candies gluten-free.
Verdict: Maynards Swedish Fish are gluten-free
Based on a careful review of the ingredients list, manufacturing practices and allergen protocols, Maynards Swedish Fish are clearly gluten-free.
The ingredients contain no gluten sources and the gummies are produced without any risk of cross-contamination. The facility takes stringent precautions to keep all Maynards Swedish Fish candies completely gluten-free.
Are all Swedish Fish candies gluten-free?
While Maynards Swedish Fish are gluten-free, be aware that not all brands of Swedish Fish candies are guaranteed safe for gluten-free diets. Here are a few key points:
Check labels of other brands
Maynards is one of the major producers of Swedish Fish, but several other brands also make similar chewy fish-shaped gummy candies. Examples include Swedish Fish made by Cadbury, Albanese, Disney and Trader Joe’s.
The specific ingredients can vary slightly between brands. So be sure to check the ingredient label and product information closely. Do not assume all brands of Swedish Fish candies are gluten-free.
Beware of malted milk flavor
Some variations of Swedish Fish come in unique flavors like malted milk flavor or chocolate flavor. These specialty flavors may contain ingredients derived from gluten sources, like barley malt. Again, check the labels closely.
Look for gluten-free label
The best guarantee a product is gluten-free is looking for a certification label from organizations like GFCO, the Celiac Support Association or the Gluten Intolerance Group. These symbols indicate the product has been rigorously tested to comply with strict gluten-free standards – usually less than 10-20ppm of gluten.
When in doubt, contact the company
If the packaging does not clearly state gluten-free or have a certification symbol, consider reaching out to the manufacturer directly. Many companies have helpful customer service lines and can verify whether their Swedish Fish products are suitable for gluten-free diets.
Is gluten the only concern for Swedish Fish ingredients?
For those following a gluten-free diet, the biggest question is obviously whether Swedish Fish contain gluten. But a few other ingredients in Maynards Swedish Fish have sparked some consumer concerns as well:
Gelatin sources
As mentioned, the gelatin in Maynards Swedish Fish can come from either beef or pork. This makes the gummies unsuitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. People following religious dietary rules regarding pork may also want to avoid them.
Artificial colors
The vibrant colors of Swedish Fish come from artificial FD&C dyes like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40 and Blue 1. Some consumers prefer naturally-sourced colors from fruits, vegetables and spices instead of artificial colors.
Palm oil concerns
Palm oil is not directly listed as an ingredient. However, the “fractionated coconut oil” is sometimes sourced from palm oil, raising environmental concerns about palm oil production practices.
So in summary – while free of gluten, some shoppers may want to avoid Maynards Swedish Fish due to the artificial colors, gelatin sources or palm oil concerns. Individual preferences and diet needs vary. But the candies are a gluten-free option.
Gluten-free tips for enjoying Swedish Fish
Here are some suggestions for safely incorporating Maynards Swedish Fish into a gluten-free diet:
Read labels carefully
Always double check the ingredient label and allergen information, even for products you have purchased often. Manufacturers can occasionally change product formulations. Make sure to look for gluten-free confirmation with each purchase.
Check for facility warnings
Some labels indicate if the product is made on equipment shared with wheat-based foods. Even if the product is gluten-free, these warnings are important for highly sensitive individuals. Maynards Swedish Fish do not contain any shared equipment warnings.
Buy from gluten-free stores
Purchasing Swedish Fish from stores specializing in gluten-free foods can give added assurance. These specialty shops are very diligent about verifying the gluten-free status of every product they carry.
Avoid bulk bins
Bulk food bins often carry a higher risk of gluten cross-contamination. Unlessexplicitly labeled gluten-free, it is safer to avoid bulk Swedish Fish and buy pre-packaged containers instead.
Store safely
Make sure to store Swedish Fish in sealed containers to prevent accidental gluten exposure from other foods. Avoid storing them next to gluten-containing snacks in shared containers or storage bags.
By following these simple precautions, you can safely enjoy Maynards gluten-free Swedish Fish as part of your diet! They offer a tasty chewy candy option.
Nutritional information for Maynards Swedish Fish
Here is a nutritional breakdown for a standard 1.9 ounce (55 gram) package of Maynards Swedish Fish candies:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Carbohydrates | 31 grams |
| Sugar | 21 grams |
| Added sugars | No additional sugars |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total fat | 0 grams |
| Saturated fat | 0 grams |
| Trans fat | 0 grams |
| Sodium | 25 milligrams |
Like most candies, Swedish Fish are high in sugar. But they provide no protein, healthy fats or other nutrients. The main ingredients are corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin.
Given their lack of nutritional value, Swedish Fish and other gummy candies are considered a treat best enjoyed in moderation. But for an occasional sweet snack, they can fit into a balanced gluten-free diet. Those watching their sugar intake may want to limit portion sizes.
Are other Maynards candies gluten-free?
In addition to their classic Swedish Fish, Maynards produces other gummy candies that are gluten-free:
Sour Patch Kids
These soft, chewy candies shaped like children are gluten-free. They have an outside sour coating with a sweet fruity flavor.
Fuzzy Peach
Maynards Fuzzy Peach gummies are peach-flavored rings with a soft texture and sugar coating. They do not contain any gluten ingredients.
Watermelon Slices
These watermelon-shaped gummies flavored like juicy watermelon are suitable for gluten-free diets.
Sour Blasts
If you like extreme sour candy, Maynards Sour Blasts are gluten-free. These extra strength sour gummies come in fun shapes like frogs, sharks, octopuses and rockets.
Sour Cherry Blasters
These packs of chewy cherry-flavored gummies coated in sour sugar do not contain any gluten.
So in addition to enjoying classic Swedish Fish, there are lots of other gluten-free gummy treats in the Maynards candy lineup! Simply check the labels to confirm ingredients and production practices.
Other gluten-free gummy candy options
Beyond Maynards, many major candy companies now offer gluten-free gummy products. Here is a sampling of other gluten-free gummy candies to consider:
Haribo Goldbears
The iconic Haribo gummy bears and other Haribo gummies do not contain gluten ingredients. Their Goldbears are a longtime gluten-free favorite.
Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears
These organic gummy bears come in delicious fruit flavors like cherry, lemon and orange. They are certified gluten-free.
Gimbal’s Sour Gummy Bears
Gimbal’s makes delicious sour gummy bears that are naturally gluten-free. They come in flavors like mango pineapple and lemonade.
Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers
These fun sour gummy worms made by Trolli are gluten-free and online reviews indicate they are celiac-safe.
SmartSweets Gummy Bears
SmartSweets gummy bears are plant-based, low in sugar, and gluten-free. They are made with soluble tapioca fiber instead of corn syrup.
Sunkist Fruit Gems
These pectin-based gummy fruit snacks from Sunkist are naturally gluten-free and made with real fruit juice. Flavors include cherry, grape, lemon, and orange.
So while Maynards Swedish Fish are a tasty gluten-free choice, many other gummy options are also available for variety. Trying new gluten-free candies can help satisfy a craving for sweet treats!
Conclusion
Maynards Swedish Fish are clearly gluten-free, which is great news for those who need to follow gluten-free dietary restrictions. These chewy fish-shaped gummies do not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye.
The facility where Maynards Swedish Fish are produced takes careful precautions to prevent cross-contamination as well. Both the manufacturing process and ingredients verify the lack of gluten.
Of course, anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should still read the label closely and contact the company with any questions. Individual sensitivities can vary. But overall, Maynards Swedish Fish are considered safe for gluten-free diets when consumed in moderation as an occasional treat.
While not the most nutritious candy choice, they provide a sweet flavor and fun texture. Maynards Swedish Fish remain a cherished favorite that can still be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet as long as common sense precautions are followed.
