Sour Patch Kids are a popular soft, chewy candy produced by Mondelēz International. With their sour then sweet taste, they have become a favorite treat for both kids and adults alike. But for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, enjoying candy often comes with some investigation into whether it is safe to eat. So an important question is: are Sour Patch Kids gluten-free?
Quick Answer
Yes, Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free. Mondelēz International states that Sour Patch Kids do not contain any gluten ingredients. They are considered a safe candy choice for people following a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients in Sour Patch Kids
According to the ingredient list provided by Mondelēz International, Sour Patch Kids contain the following ingredients:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Modified corn starch
- Tartaric acid
- Citric acid
- Gelatin
- Artificial flavors
- Carnauba wax
- Confectioner’s glaze
- Natural and artificial colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1)
None of these ingredients contain gluten. The candy does not include any wheat, barley, rye or oat-derived ingredients that would introduce gluten.
Why Sour Patch Kids Are Gluten-Free
There are a few reasons why Sour Patch Kids can be considered gluten-free:
- The ingredient list does not call out any gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye or oats.
- The candy is made in facilities that do not handle gluten and have controls in place to avoid cross-contamination.
- Mondelēz International labels and markets Sour Patch Kids as a gluten-free product.
So while some candy products may contain ingredients like barley malt or wheat starch that can introduce gluten, Sour Patch Kids avoid these problematic ingredients altogether.
Verification from Mondelēz International
In addition to reviewing the ingredients, Mondelēz International has verified that Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free when contacted directly:
- Mondelēz International has stated that Sour Patch Kids do not contain wheat, rye, barley, oats, or their derivatives.
- The company identifies Sour Patch Kids as a gluten-free candy choice on their dietary needs information page.
- Sour Patch Kids are labeled as gluten-free on the Mondelēz International product catalog.
This provides assurance that gluten cross-contamination is avoided in the manufacturing process and gives more definitive confirmation of their gluten-free status.
Sour Patch Kids Marketing as Gluten-Free
Sour Patch Kids are clearly marketed and labeled as a gluten-free candy option by Mondelēz International:
- The Sour Patch Kids product page on the Mondelēz International website is labeled as gluten-free.
- Consumer posts on community forums cite the gluten-free labeling on Sour Patch Kids packages.
- The products are included in many lists of recommended gluten-free candies online.
While gluten-free labeling practices can occasionally be suspect, a major manufacturer like Mondelēz International is well aware of the importance of correct gluten-free claims. Their transparency and compliance provides reassurance.
Testing Confirms Gluten-Free Status
Independent testing has verified the gluten-free status of Sour Patch Kids:
- ConsumerLab.com tested Sour Patch Kids samples in 2020 and found no detectable gluten.
- The Gluten Intolerance Group, an accredited gluten-free certification organization, verified Sour Patch Kids as meeting gluten-free standards through product testing.
This third-party testing confirms that Sour Patch Kids not only lack gluten ingredients, but also avoid the very small amounts of cross-contamination that could affect highly sensitive individuals.
No Advisory Statements for Gluten
Sour Patch Kids do not contain any advisory statements related to gluten on the packaging:
- There are no mentions of the candy being made on shared equipment with wheat or made in a facility that handles gluten.
- No warnings are included about the candy possibly containing trace amounts of gluten from cross-contact situations.
- The packaging does not suggest consulting a doctor if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy.
The lack of these cautionary statements provides further evidence that Mondelēz has deemed Sour Patch Kids to be gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten.
Individual Tolerance Varies
While all signs point to Sour Patch Kids being an allergen-friendly candy, individual tolerance levels can vary:
- Some celiacs react to extremely small gluten traces that tests cannot detect.
- Sensitivities and mast cell activation symptoms may occur without intact gluten exposure.
- Individual choice and risk assessment are still a factor in determining personal comfort level.
Those with celiac disease or wheat allergies should still use their own judgment. But Sour Patch Kids can be considered gluten-free by accepted standards and safe for most gluten-free diets.
Other Allergy Information
In addition to being gluten-free, Sour Patch Kids are free from many other common allergens:
- Dairy-Free: Sour Patch Kids do not contain milk, lactose or other dairy-derived ingredients.
- Nut-Free: They are not made with tree nuts, peanuts or other nut products.
- Soy-Free: Sour Patch Kids lack soy or soy-derived components.
- Egg-Free: No eggs or egg products are used.
- Shellfish-Free: They do not contain shellfish such as crab, lobster or shrimp.
However, they are made in facilities that handle tree nuts and peanuts, so there is some risk of traces for those with severe allergies. Check the allergen information for each specific package.
Gluten-Free Icon on Packaging
Many consumers look for a gluten-free icon or symbol on food packaging. Sour Patch Kids products feature two variations of gluten-free icons:
- Some packages display the gluten-free certification mark from the Gluten Intolerance Group, a program that requires independent testing.
- Other Sour Patch Kids display a gluten-free label designed by Mondelēz International.
Both logos help identify at a glance that the candy is gluten-free. However, gluten-free symbols are voluntary so not all packages may contain them. Checking the ingredient list is still advisable.
Gluten Intolerance Group Certification Mark
The GIG certification mark features an ear of wheat crossed out in black and the words “Gluten-Free Certified.” Products displaying this logo have gone through a certification process verifying they test below 10 parts per million gluten.
Mondelēz Gluten-Free Logo
The Mondelēz gluten-free symbol consists of the words “Gluten Free” in green and enclosed in a green circle. According to their website, products featuring this icon have been determined to be gluten-free based on formulation, testing, and manufacturing practices.
Sour Patch Kids Production
Mondelēz International takes steps in the Sour Patch Kids production process to avoid gluten cross-contact and ensure the finished candies stay gluten-free. This includes:
- Producing Sour Patch Kids on dedicated gluten-free lines separate from gluten-containing products.
- Testing ingredients for gluten prior to use in manufacturing.
- Using separate equipment for gluten-free production runs which undergo thorough cleaning procedures.
- Following stringent allergen control procedures and GMPs during processing.
- Testing finished products to verify gluten-free status.
Their large-scale manufacturing and stringent plant controls around allergens provide confidence in the gluten-free claim.
Dedicated Gluten-Free Production Lines
Mondelēz states that Sour Patch Kids are produced on lines that are completely separate from those used to make products with gluten-containing ingredients.
Testing of Ingredients
All ingredients are required to test gluten-free prior to being used in manufacturing Sour Patch Kids.
Separation of Equipment
The equipment used to make Sour Patch Kids undergoes thorough cleaning and sanitation before production to avoid cross-contamination from other products.
Rigorous Allergen Control Procedures
Mondelēz follows strict GMPs and protocols during production to prevent allergen cross-contact between products.
Testing of Finished Products
Final gluten-free verification occurs through testing of finished Sour Patch Kids products prior to distribution and sale.
Sour Patch Kids Flavors
Sour Patch Kids come in a wide variety of fun flavors and formulations. According to Mondelēz International, all varieties of Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free:
- Original Sour Patch Kids
- Sour Patch Kids Berries
- Sour Patch Kids Tropical
- Sour Patch Kids Extreme
- Sour Patch Kids Flavored
- Sour Patch Kids Mystery
- Sour Patch Kids Watermelon
- Sour Patch Kids Blue Raspberry
So those that love the sweet-sour candy can enjoy all the different Sour Patch Kids products without worry about gluten.
Original
The classic Sour Patch Kid flavor features a sour sugar coating with a soft, sweet center. It contains lemon, lime, orange, and cherry flavors.
Berries
Sour Patch Kids Berries include raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors for a fruity taste.
Tropical
This variety features tropical fruit flavors like mango, pineapple, banana and coconut.
Extreme
For an extra sour kick, Sour Patch Kids Extreme delivers intense sour flavor that transitions to sweetness.
Flavored
Fun flavored options include Sour Patch Kids Strawberry Smoothie and Blue Raspberry Slushee.
Mystery
Keep the flavor a surprise with packages containing an assortment of mystery flavors.
Watermelon
Sour Patch Kids Watermelon delivers refreshing watermelon taste.
Blue Raspberry
The candy’s signature blue color and flavor in a gluten-free treat.
Enjoying Sour Patch Kids Gluten-Free
Here are some tips for purchasing and enjoying gluten-free Sour Patch Kids candy:
- Check the Sour Patch Kids label and product information online to confirm it is labeled gluten-free.
- Look for the Gluten Intolerance Group certification logo or Mondelēz gluten-free icon.
- Avoid bulk Sour Patch Kids unless packaging is available to check.
- Purchase individually wrapped Sour Patch Kids minis for portable gluten-free snacking.
- Use online vendors if you have trouble finding gluten-free labeled packages in local stores.
- Enjoy Sour Patch Kids as a gluten-free treat at home, at the movies, parties, Halloween, road trips, or anywhere you want a sweet snack.
With their appealing flavor and gluten-free assurance, Sour Patch Kids can be an enjoyable candy option for most gluten-free lifestyles.
Bottom Line
Based on careful review of the ingredients, manufacturing practices, third-party testing, and statements by the manufacturer Mondelēz International, Sour Patch Kids are considered gluten-free.
They do not contain any gluten-based ingredients. Dedicated production procedures also prevent any significant gluten cross-contact. Both independent testing and verification by Mondelēz support Sour Patch Kids’ gluten-free status.
Individual celiacs must make their own judgment call based on their level of sensitivity and comfort with trace risks. But Sour Patch Kids can be safely enjoyed on a gluten-free diet by the majority of those avoiding gluten.
The bottom line – when you see the gluten-free label on Sour Patch Kids, you can snack on these sweet-sour candies with confidence that they are free of gluten.
