The Short Answer: Bebeto Strawberry Laces are Not Gluten-Free
The simple and clear answer is no, Bebeto strawberry laces are not gluten-free. For anyone with coeliac disease, gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, these sweets are unsafe to consume. The reason is straightforward: wheat flour is a core ingredient used in their production to create the distinctive chewy texture. It's a common misconception that because they are a fruit-flavoured confection, they might be naturally gluten-free. However, this is not the case.
A Deep Dive into Bebeto's Ingredients
Examining the ingredient list is the only sure way to determine a product's gluten status. For Bebeto strawberry laces, multiple sources and retailers confirm the presence of gluten-containing ingredients.
Key Ingredients to Note
A typical ingredients list for Bebeto Strawberry Laces includes:
- Glucose Syrup: Often made from wheat, but highly processed to remove gluten. However, its source is irrelevant when other gluten ingredients are present.
- WHEAT FLOUR (GLUTEN): The definitive source of gluten in the product. The emphasis on 'wheat' and 'gluten' on some labels leaves no room for doubt.
- Sugar: A standard sweetener.
- Vegetable Fat (Palm): Another common ingredient.
- Other flavourings, concentrates, and emulsifiers.
The Ingredient That Matters: Wheat Flour
The presence of WHEAT FLOUR is the crucial point for anyone avoiding gluten. While Bebeto promotes some of its lace products as Halal and even Vegan-approved by the Vegetarian Society, these certifications do not relate to gluten content and do not make the product safe for those with coeliac disease. A product can be vegan and still contain wheat flour, as veganism pertains to animal products, not grains.
Addressing the "Glucose Syrup (Wheat)" Confusion
Some consumers become confused when they see 'Glucose Syrup' listed, especially when its source is specified as 'wheat'. The good news is that for products labelled 'gluten-free', glucose syrup derived from wheat is generally considered safe for people with coeliac disease because the manufacturing process removes the gluten protein. However, this is a moot point with Bebeto strawberry laces because the separate, prominent inclusion of WHEAT FLOUR makes the product a direct source of gluten. You should always read the full ingredient list carefully.
The Risk for Coeliac and Gluten Intolerant Individuals
For people with coeliac disease, consuming even a small amount of gluten can cause significant intestinal damage and other unpleasant symptoms. For others with a non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, symptoms can include digestive discomfort, headaches, or fatigue. Since Bebeto strawberry laces contain wheat flour, they are not a suitable option for anyone adhering to a gluten-free diet.
Finding Gluten-Free Alternatives to Strawberry Laces
Thankfully, the gluten-free market has grown significantly, and there are many alternatives available. When searching for a replacement, always look for products that are explicitly labelled 'gluten-free'.
Comparison: Bebeto vs. Gluten-Free Alternatives
| Feature | Bebeto Strawberry Laces | Typical Gluten-Free Laces Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Contains Gluten? | Yes | No (Explicitly labelled) |
| Key Ingredient | Wheat Flour | Rice Flour, Corn Starch, or Tapioca Starch |
| Source of Sweetness | Glucose Syrup, Sugar | Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Fruit Juices |
| Texture | Chewy, slightly elastic | Can vary, but modern formulations mimic classic texture well |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Yes | Low to no risk, depending on manufacturing facility and protocols |
| Suitable for Coeliacs? | No | Yes (If certified gluten-free) |
Understanding Cross-Contamination
While Bebeto does produce some gluten-free products, such as their gummy mixes that contain beef gelatine, the strawberry laces are made with wheat flour. This means there is a very high risk of cross-contamination in their manufacturing facilities, making it unwise to assume any of their products are safe unless they are explicitly labelled as gluten-free. Even if you find a product from the same brand that doesn't list wheat, it is still best practice to be cautious and seek out a dedicated gluten-free product.
Conclusion: Always Read the Label
In conclusion, Bebeto strawberry laces are not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat flour. This makes them unsuitable for individuals with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. While some Bebeto products might be free of animal products, this does not indicate they are free of gluten. The best course of action is to always check the full ingredient list and allergen information on the packaging. When in doubt, search for certified gluten-free alternatives to enjoy your sweet treats safely. For more information on UK food labelling laws regarding gluten, you can visit the Coeliac UK website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Bebeto strawberry laces safe for coeliacs? A: No, Bebeto strawberry laces are not safe for people with coeliac disease because they contain wheat flour, a source of gluten.
Q: What ingredient in Bebeto strawberry laces contains gluten? A: The primary ingredient containing gluten in Bebeto strawberry laces is wheat flour.
Q: Is glucose syrup derived from wheat safe for those on a gluten-free diet? A: Yes, glucose syrup made from wheat is generally considered safe for those on a gluten-free diet because the gluten is removed during processing. However, in Bebeto laces, wheat flour is also present, making the product unsafe.
Q: Can Bebeto's vegan label be trusted by people with coeliac disease? A: No. A product labelled as vegan only indicates the absence of animal products. It does not certify that the product is gluten-free. Bebeto strawberry laces contain wheat flour, which is a gluten source but not an animal product.
Q: Are all Bebeto products unsafe for a gluten-free diet? A: No, not all Bebeto products are unsafe, but each product must be checked individually. Some of their gummy products explicitly state they are gluten-free, while others carry a 'may contain gluten' warning. Always read the label.
Q: How can I find truly gluten-free strawberry laces? A: Look for products from brands that explicitly market themselves as gluten-free and have a 'gluten-free' certification on the packaging. The ingredients list should not contain wheat, barley, or rye.
Q: Is there a risk of cross-contamination in other Bebeto sweets? A: Yes, since Bebeto manufactures products with and without gluten in the same facilities, there is a risk of cross-contamination for other products unless they are certified gluten-free.
Q: Why do manufacturers use wheat flour in candy? A: In the case of laces and some other chewy sweets, wheat flour is used to achieve a specific texture and elasticity that is difficult to replicate with other ingredients.
Q: Can a small amount of gluten affect a person with coeliac disease? A: Yes, even a tiny amount of gluten can be harmful to someone with coeliac disease and can trigger a flare-up of symptoms and cause intestinal damage.
Citations
Spoonful. "Diet info for Bebeto Strawberry Laces Soft Candy." SpoonfulApp.com. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://spoonfulapp.com/products/bebeto-strawberry-laces-soft-candy/ODY5MDE0NjE0OTAwMg==. Sweet Memories. "Bebeto Strawberry Laces 100g Turkey." SweetMemoriesDelivered.uk. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.sweetmemoriesdelivered.uk/bebeto-strawberry-laces--100g---turkey--59575-p.asp. Coeliac UK. "Food labels." Coeliac.org.uk. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/living-gluten-free/the-gluten-free-diet/food-shopping/food-labels/. Coeliac UK. "Gluten free and the law." Coeliac.org.uk. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.coeliac.org.uk/food-businesses/brands-and-manufacturers/gluten-free-and-the-law/. Harvard Health. "Celiac disease diet: Avoiding foods that contain gluten." Health.Harvard.edu. Last reviewed August 10, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/celiac-disease-diet-avoiding-foods-that-contain-gluten.
