The Ingredients That Make Jelly Snakes Unsuitable
For anyone with coeliac disease or a wheat allergy, it is crucial to understand why The Natural Confectionery Co. Jelly Snakes are not a safe choice. A look at the ingredient list reveals two key components that make them unsuitable.
Glucose Syrup (from Wheat and Corn)
One of the main ingredients is 'Glucose Syrup (from Wheat and Corn)'. This ingredient is a common point of confusion for consumers. While Coeliac Australia and other celiac organizations explain that highly processed glucose syrup derived from wheat typically contains such a low level of gluten (under 20 parts per million) that it is considered safe for the vast majority of coeliacs, its presence can still cause uncertainty. However, the issue with Jelly Snakes does not end there, and the other wheat-derived ingredient removes all doubt.
Thickener (Acid Modified Wheat Starch)
The definitive reason why these lollies are not gluten-free is the inclusion of 'Thickener (Acid Modified Wheat Starch)'. Unlike heavily processed glucose syrup, modified wheat starch is a clear and direct source of gluten that should be avoided by anyone on a gluten-free diet. The presence of this single ingredient on the label is enough to confirm that the product is unsafe for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. It's a prime example of why reading the full ingredient list, not just the allergen warning, is essential.
Understanding the Gluten Contamination and Recall Risks
Beyond the base ingredients, The Natural Confectionery Co. Jelly Snakes have also faced product recalls, further solidifying their unsuitability for coeliacs. In late 2023 and early 2024, Mondelez International recalled Jelly Snakes in the UK and Australia due to packaging errors.
During these incidents, some bags of Jelly Snakes were found to contain Liquorice Allsorts, which contain wheat and gluten. This packaging mix-up resulted in undeclared gluten in the Jelly Snakes bags, posing a significant risk to consumers with coeliac disease or wheat allergies. These events highlight a critical issue: even in products that might otherwise be formulated without direct gluten, the risk of cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities or from production errors remains a serious concern. While the brand recalled the affected batches, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of relying on products from non-dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Comparing Natural Confectionery Co Products
It's important to remember that not all products from The Natural Confectionery Co. are the same regarding gluten content. Consumers should check the labels of every product individually. Below is a comparison table outlining the gluten status of several popular Natural Confectionery Co. products based on publicly available information and reports.
| Product | Contains Wheat/Gluten? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jelly Snakes | YES | Contains acid modified wheat starch and glucose syrup (from wheat). |
| Party Mix | YES | The official ingredients list from Woolworths explicitly states it "Contains Wheat". |
| Fruity Chews | NO | Some variations, according to ingredient lists on store websites like Coles and Woolworths, do not list wheat-derived ingredients. Always check the specific bag. |
| Fruit Salad Jellies | POSSIBLY NOT | Some retailers classify them as gluten-free, but official ingredient confirmation is necessary. The formula can vary by region. |
| Smoothie Chews | MAY CONTAIN | Some larger packs from retailers like BIG W list "May Contain Wheat Gluten" as a warning. |
Gluten-Free Snake Confectionery Alternatives
For those who love jelly snakes but need a gluten-free option, several brands offer suitable alternatives. You can find these at most major supermarkets, health food stores, or online.
- Simply Wize Irresistible Snakes: A popular option specifically marketed as gluten-free and made with real fruit juice.
- Free From/Allergen-Friendly Ranges: Many supermarkets have their own branded 'Free From' lollies, which often include gluten-free jelly sweets. Always read the label to confirm.
- Health Food Stores: Specialist health food and dietary stores carry a wider range of verified gluten-free confectionery.
Conclusion: Prioritize Label Reading
The simple answer to the question "Are The Natural Confectionery Co. Jelly Snakes gluten-free?" is no. They are not suitable for a gluten-free diet due to the inclusion of wheat-derived starch and glucose syrup. Recalls for undeclared allergens further illustrate the risk associated with these products for anyone with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. The brand's use of the word 'Natural' is misleading in this context and does not guarantee freedom from common allergens. For reliable information and safe options, individuals should always prioritize checking the most up-to-date ingredient list on the packaging and seek out certified gluten-free products. For further guidance on understanding food labels, visit the Coeliac Australia website, which provides excellent resources on the topic.
Disclaimer: This information is based on public data and reports. Product formulations can change, so always verify ingredients by reading the packaging before consumption.
