Understanding Remix Candy and Its Ingredients
Remix candy is a popular mixed bag of sweets, known for its diverse assortment of fruit, sour, and liquorice flavors, often including chocolate and other varieties depending on the specific mix. The brand, owned by Finnish confectionery company Fazer, offers numerous different versions, such as Remix Original, Remix Hevix, Remix Choco, and others.
Unfortunately, a quick look at the ingredients list for most, if not all, Remix products reveals that they are not safe for a gluten-free diet. The manufacturer's website and retail product pages clearly list wheat starch and wheat flour among the components.
Why Wheat Starch Matters for a Gluten-Free Diet
For people with celiac disease, any amount of gluten, including modified wheat starch, can trigger an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. While some countries allow "gluten-free" labels on products containing specially processed wheat starch where the gluten protein has been removed, the presence of these ingredients still carries a risk for many sensitive individuals and makes the product unsuitable for universally-recognized gluten-free standards. In the case of Fazer's Remix candies, the ingredients list is clear that wheat is an included component.
Ingredients to Watch for in Remix Candies
To help those with gluten sensitivities, here is a list of common ingredients found in various Remix products that contain gluten:
- Wheat Starch: A primary ingredient in many Remix varieties.
- Wheat Flour: Found in some mixes, particularly those containing liquorice.
- Other Potential Additives: Cross-contamination is also a concern, as these candies are produced in facilities that handle other gluten-containing products.
For example, examining the specific ingredients for different Remix types reveals the consistent presence of gluten:
- Remix 350g (Original): Lists
WHEAT starchandWHEAT flour. - Remix Hevix: Contains
WHEAT starch. - Remix Choco: Includes
WHEAT starchandWHEAT flour. - Remix Mini Duo: Contains
WHEAT starch.
Comparison Table: Remix vs. Gluten-Free Candy
When searching for a gluten-free treat, it's essential to understand the difference between Remix candies and genuinely gluten-free alternatives. Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Remix Candy (Fazer) | Certified Gluten-Free Candy |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | NOT Gluten-Free. Explicitly contains wheat starch and/or wheat flour. | Gluten-Free. Made without gluten-containing ingredients and typically tested to meet a <20ppm gluten standard. |
| Primary Allergens | Contains wheat, milk, and soy in some varieties. | May contain other allergens, but must be clearly labeled and free of gluten. |
| Ingredients | Includes sugar, glucose syrup, modified starch, wheat starch, gelatin, and more. | Varies by product, but uses alternative starches (e.g., potato, corn) and ingredients. |
| Certification | No gluten-free certification. | May carry a specific gluten-free certification logo (e.g., GFCO). |
| Safety for Celiacs | Unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity due to wheat content. | Safe for individuals with celiac disease when following a certified gluten-free diet. |
The Importance of Label Reading
This highlights a crucial practice for anyone with dietary restrictions: always read the label. The search term "Remix" can also refer to products from other brands. For instance, the Remix non-alcoholic beverages from the company Drink Remix explicitly state they are gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. However, Fazer's Remix candies are a completely different product with different ingredients. This difference underscores the need for consumer vigilance. Relying on a product name alone can be misleading, and checking the ingredient list for specific allergens like WHEAT starch or WHEAT flour is the only surefire way to know if a product is safe.
Conclusion: A Clear Verdict
To definitively answer the question "Are Remix gluten-free?", the answer is a straightforward no. The manufacturer Fazer clearly lists wheat-based ingredients in its Remix candy mixes. Anyone on a strict gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, should avoid all varieties of Remix candy to prevent adverse health effects. Instead, they should seek out confections explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free to ensure their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Remix candies? Remix is a popular Finnish brand of mixed candy bags produced by the company Fazer, featuring an assortment of flavors like fruit, sour, liquorice, and sometimes chocolate.
2. Is there a gluten-free version of Remix candy? No, Fazer does not produce a gluten-free version of Remix candy. All known varieties contain wheat starch or wheat flour.
3. Do all Remix candy varieties contain gluten? Yes, based on the ingredients listed by the manufacturer Fazer, all standard Remix candy bags, including the original, Hevix, Choco, and others, contain gluten due to the presence of wheat starch and/or wheat flour.
4. What ingredients in Remix candies contain gluten? The primary gluten-containing ingredients are wheat starch and wheat flour, which are used in many different Remix mixes.
5. Can I eat Remix candies if I have a mild gluten sensitivity? It is not recommended. Even for mild sensitivities, the wheat starch and wheat flour in Remix candies are definite sources of gluten and should be avoided.
6. What are some safe, gluten-free candy alternatives? Many candy brands offer gluten-free options. Look for products with a clear gluten-free certification logo. Safe alternatives often use cornstarch or potato starch instead of wheat products.
7. How can I be sure if a candy is gluten-free? Always check the product's official ingredients list and allergen warnings. Look for products that are explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free, which indicates they have been tested to meet specific safety standards.
8. Does the non-alcoholic drink brand Remix contain gluten? No, Remix non-alcoholic mixers from the company Drink Remix are explicitly labeled as free from common allergens, including gluten. However, this is a completely separate product from the Fazer Remix candy.
9. What if a product contains "modified food starch"?
This requires caution. If the product is not certified gluten-free, you should assume the source is unknown and potentially wheat-based. In the case of Remix candies, the ingredient lists specify WHEAT starch, removing any ambiguity.
10. What is Fazer? Fazer is a large Finnish food and confectionery company that manufactures Remix candies, along with many other popular sweet products.
