Are Squishies Gluten Free? Your Guide to Toy and Candy Safety

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2020 study, common school supplies like playdough can pose a small but notable risk of gluten exposure for children with celiac disease. This raises important questions about other items, like squishies, and whether they are gluten-free and safe for handling or consumption.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the difference between squishy toys and squishy candies, examining their materials and potential risks for individuals with gluten sensitivities. It outlines why polyurethane foam toys are not safe for consumption and explores cross-contamination concerns with certain brands of squishy candies.

Key Points

Toy vs. Candy: The term 'squishy' refers to two distinct products: inedible polyurethane foam toys and edible candies, which must be evaluated differently for gluten content.
Polyurethane Foam Toys: Squishy toys made from materials like polyurethane foam do not contain gluten but are not safe for consumption due to chemical risks and choking hazards.
Gluten-Free Candies Exist: Specific squishy candy brands, such as Swizzels Squashies, are often labelled gluten-free by ingredients, but proper labelling is essential.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Some candy brands, even if made with gluten-free ingredients, are produced in facilities that handle other allergens, including wheat, posing a cross-contamination risk for celiacs.
Celiac Disease and Ingestion: For individuals with celiac disease, gluten exposure occurs through ingestion, making it vital to separate toys from food and check candy labels for allergen warnings.
Always Check Labels: Always read the nutritional and allergen labels carefully on all food products, and look for certifications to ensure safety for those with gluten sensitivities.
Supervise Children: Supervise young children to prevent them from putting squishy toys, which are not food items, into their mouths.

Understanding the Two Types of Squishies

The term 'squishy' can be confusing because it refers to two very different product types: foam toys and edible candies. For anyone concerned with gluten, it is crucial to understand this distinction. Squishy toys, popular for their slow-rising, stress-relieving properties, are never meant to be eaten. Squishy candies, on the other hand, are confectionery products that are sometimes marketed with the same 'squishy' descriptor. Both must be approached with caution.

Squishy Toys: Not for Consumption

Squishy toys are made from specially formulated soft polyurethane (PU) foam and are explicitly labelled as 'not edible'. Despite their resemblance to food items like fruit or pastries, they are a significant health hazard if ingested. For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, the good news is that these toys do not contain gluten. However, they can contain other harmful chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that can be irritating or toxic if released.

Material Composition: Primarily polyurethane foam.
Scented Additives: Many are artificially scented, which can sometimes be mistaken for food.
Safety Warning: Always marked 'non-edible' and not intended for consumption.

Squishy Candies: A Mixed Bag for Gluten-Free Diets

Squishy candies are a category of gummy or marshmallow-like sweets. Brands like Swizzels and Smarties offer products called 'Squashies' or 'Squishies' that are explicitly labelled as gluten-free. These are made with ingredients like glucose syrup, sugar, and gelatin, without any gluten-containing components. However, not all brands are created equal, and cross-contamination is a key concern.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Some manufacturers, even those that use gluten-free ingredients, may process their products in facilities that also handle allergens like wheat. For individuals with severe celiac disease, this poses a significant risk. For example, some brands like SQUISH Candies Canada explicitly state that while their gluten-free collection is made without gluten ingredients, their facility is not certified gluten-free, and therefore they do not recommend it for people with celiac disease. This is a critical distinction that should not be overlooked.

Comparison: Squishy Toys vs. Squishy Candies


Feature	Squishy Toys	Squishy Candies	Relevance to Gluten Safety
Material	Polyurethane (PU) foam, food-grade silicone (some)	Sugar, glucose syrup, gelatin, modified starch, flavourings	Foam is not edible and therefore not a source of gluten. Candies are food and require careful ingredient checks.
Edibility	Not Edible	Edible (unless explicitly marked otherwise)	Ingestion is the primary route for gluten exposure. Toys are non-food items.
Gluten Content	Does not contain gluten (made of synthetic materials)	Can be gluten-free, but check brand labels carefully.	Toy materials don't contain gluten; candy ingredients must be verified.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Not applicable (unless ingested)	High risk if not certified gluten-free.	While touching a toy is low-risk, cross-contamination in candy production is a real issue for celiacs.
Primary Use	Stress relief, sensory play	Snack, dessert, confectionery treat	This highlights the fundamental difference and the need for distinct safety considerations.

Potential Risks and Best Practices

For parents and individuals managing celiac disease, the potential risks from squishies, particularly the candy variety, are real. A person with celiac disease has an immune response to ingested gluten, which damages the small intestine lining. The concern with toys is primarily for young children who may chew on or ingest pieces. While touching gluten is not an issue for most with celiac disease, it can be transferred from hands to mouth, presenting a risk of accidental ingestion.

To minimize risks, always read product labels meticulously, especially for squishy candies. Look for brands that are not only gluten-free by ingredients but also certified gluten-free to ensure no cross-contamination has occurred. For squishy toys, enforce the rule that they are never to be put in the mouth and are meant for play only. Supervising children during play is always recommended.

Conclusion: Navigating Squishy Safety

In summary, whether squishies are gluten-free depends entirely on whether they are toys or candies. Squishy toys, made of polyurethane foam, do not contain gluten and are not food. Squishy candies from reputable brands like Swizzels are often gluten-free by ingredients, but those with celiac disease must check for cross-contamination warnings. For the safest approach, avoid consuming any products that are not explicitly certified as gluten-free and ensure all toys are kept strictly separate from food items, especially for those with severe sensitivities.

Authoritative Source

For more information on managing celiac disease, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation at https://celiac.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, handling a squishy toy is generally safe for a person with celiac disease because gluten is not absorbed through the skin. The main risk is accidental ingestion, so hand-washing is crucial after play and before eating.

Most squishy toys are made from polyurethane (PU) foam, which gives them their soft, slow-rising texture. Some are also made from thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or food-grade silicone, but none are intended for eating.

A squishy toy is an inedible, slow-rising foam object used for play and stress relief. A squishy candy is an edible confectionery, typically a gummy or marshmallow-like sweet.

No, not all squishy candies are gluten-free. While some brands, like Swizzels Squashies, label their products as gluten-free, others may be at risk for cross-contamination if made in a shared facility.

For squishy candies, always check the label for a 'gluten-free' certification, not just a list of ingredients. This ensures the product is not at risk for cross-contamination during manufacturing.

No, gluten exposure only occurs through ingestion. The scents on squishy toys are from artificial fragrances, not gluten-containing ingredients.

It is important to wash hands to prevent cross-contamination. If a child plays with a toy and then eats, any residue on their hands could be accidentally ingested. This is a general hygiene practice that is extra important for those with celiac disease.