Are all Percy pigs gluten-free? The Definitive Guide for Sweet-Loving Coeliacs

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

As of recent recipe updates, the core line of Marks & Spencer's beloved Percy Pig sweets is formulated without gluten-containing ingredients in the UK. However, the answer to are all Percy pigs gluten-free? requires a closer look, especially for consumers in different regions and for various special edition products.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of Percy Pigs depends on the country of sale and specific product, as US versions may contain wheat while the core UK range is made without gluten ingredients. Consumers should always check the allergen warning on packaging due to formulation variations and potential for cross-contamination.

Key Points

UK vs. US Differences: Percy Pigs sold in the UK are typically formulated to be gluten-free, while versions imported to the US often contain wheat.
Label is King: Always check the ingredients and allergen warnings, as special editions and regional versions can have different formulations.
Vegan Recipe: Marks & Spencer updated the recipe to be fully vegan across the range in recent years, removing animal products like gelatin.
Low Gluten Threshold: For UK-based products, M&S has confirmed gluten levels are below the required threshold for 'gluten-free' labelling.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Even with safe ingredients, manufacturing facilities can pose a risk, which is why official certification or clear allergen warnings are important.
Evolution of the Sweet: The Percy Pig recipe has changed multiple times, so relying on memory of older products is not advisable.

The Iconic Sweet's Gluten-Free Journey

Percy Pigs, the chewy, fruity gums shaped like a friendly pig, have been a nostalgic favourite for sweet lovers for decades. However, for those with coeliac disease or a gluten sensitivity, enjoying a treat is rarely as simple as grabbing a bag off the shelf. Dietary needs require a careful eye on the ingredients list, and the history of Percy Pigs illustrates why this vigilance is necessary.

Over the years, Marks & Spencer has updated the recipe for their flagship sweet, most notably by removing gelatine in 2019 and beeswax in 2022 to make the entire range suitable for vegans. For many, this also brought a welcome change to the gluten status of the sweets, solidifying the impression that they are a safe choice. But while this is largely true in the UK for the main varieties, regional and product-specific differences demand attention.

The UK Recipe: Why Core Percy Pigs Are Now Gluten-Free

In the UK, Marks & Spencer has actively worked to ensure its products are widely accessible. This commitment extends to the formulation of its core Percy Pig sweets. Multiple sources, including direct confirmation from M&S via social media in 2020, have stated that the gluten levels in these products are below the 20 ppm threshold, which is the standard for being labelled 'gluten-free'. The typical ingredients list for the standard UK Percy Pig gummies includes:

Glucose syrup
Sugar
Modified Potato Starch
Dextrose
Modified Tapioca Starch
Fruit juice concentrates
Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid
Potato protein

This list, notably, does not contain any ingredients derived from wheat or other gluten-containing grains. The use of modified potato and tapioca starch ensures a stable, gluten-free base for the sweet's texture. The recipe, free from artificial colourings and flavourings, is a deliberate step by M&S to cater to a broader audience.

A Tale of Two Countries: The US Version's Gluten Status

While the UK story for Percy Pigs is largely positive for gluten-free diets, the situation changes significantly for those in the United States. A concerning trend highlighted on social media platforms shows that Percy Pigs sold in the US may contain wheat as a declared allergen. A key reason for this disparity likely lies in the regional sourcing of ingredients. In the US, glucose syrup is sometimes made from wheat, which is still required to be labelled as an allergen even if the final product has low gluten content. The manufacturing differences underscore the absolute necessity of checking the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging specific to your country.

The Importance of Checking Labels for Special Editions

Beyond the geographic divide, it's also crucial to remember that not every bag of Percy-themed sweets is the same. Marks & Spencer regularly releases limited-edition or special-flavour variations, and the ingredients for these products can differ from the standard version. For example, some older variations or specific fizzy types may have different coatings or flavourings that alter their gluten status. Before purchasing, always:

Read the full ingredients list: Look for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or malt.
Check the allergen warning: Many products will clearly state if they contain wheat or are manufactured in a facility that handles gluten.
Look for 'Gluten-Free' certification: While not all products have this, it's the safest indicator. Some sweets may simply state 'No gluten-containing ingredients'.

Percy Pigs vs. Other Gummy Sweets: A Gluten Comparison

To put the Percy Pig situation into context, here is a comparison with other popular gummy sweets, based on general product information. Always verify labels, as formulations can change over time.


Gummy Sweet Brand	Typical Gluten-Free Status	Notes for Consumers
Percy Pig (UK)	Mostly Yes	The core range is formulated to be gluten-free, but always check for special editions.
Percy Pig (US)	No	Contains wheat due to regional sourcing of ingredients.
Haribo Goldbears (US)	Yes	The US version is often gluten-free, but the UK and German versions frequently contain wheat starch.
Tangfastics (UK)	No	Contains wheat starch, not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Skittles	Yes	Generally gluten-free, vegan, and gelatin-free.
Starburst	Yes	Often gluten-free and vegan.
Chewits	Yes	Many varieties are gluten-free.

Navigating the Sweet Aisle on a Gluten-Free Diet

For those with coeliac disease, taking precautions goes beyond a quick glance at the ingredients. Cross-contamination is a real risk in facilities that produce both gluten-free and gluten-containing products. Therefore, even if an ingredient list looks clear, it is often advisable to stick to products with a certified gluten-free label. For M&S products, this often includes a specific gluten-free claim on the packaging.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Percy Pigs

The answer to are all Percy pigs gluten-free? is a definitive no, and highlights the complexities of managing a gluten-free diet in an international market. For UK consumers, the core range is a safe bet, but it's essential to stay vigilant with special editions. For US consumers, the product sold in their market generally contains wheat. The safest practice for all is to consistently read and verify the ingredients and allergen information on every bag, every time, to ensure a sweet and safe treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK, the original Percy Pig sweet is generally considered gluten-free, with Marks & Spencer stating in 2020 that gluten levels are below 20 ppm. However, the version sold in the US contains wheat, so it is not gluten-free.

Not necessarily. Ingredients for special edition flavours or seasonal treats can vary, and some might include gluten-containing components or be at a higher risk of cross-contamination. Always check the specific packaging for each product.

The difference is likely due to ingredient sourcing. In some regions, like the US, manufacturers may use glucose syrup derived from wheat, which must be declared as an allergen on the label, unlike in the UK where ingredients like potato starch are used.

Yes, as of 2022, the entire Percy Pig range was updated by Marks & Spencer to be fully vegan, meaning they are free from gelatin and other animal-derived ingredients.

The gluten status varies greatly by brand and country. For example, US-version Haribo Goldbears are typically gluten-free, while the European versions often contain wheat starch. Sweets like Skittles and Starburst are generally considered gluten-free.

The most reliable method is to read the ingredient list and allergen warning on the product packaging before buying. In the UK, M&S products will often explicitly state if they are made without gluten-containing ingredients, but international consumers should be especially cautious.

While the recipe avoids gluten, cross-contamination is always a potential risk in shared manufacturing facilities. For those with severe coeliac disease, looking for products with certified gluten-free labels may be safer, although M&S's official statements regarding low gluten content are reassuring.