A Tale of Two Smarties: How Location Determines Gluten Status
For those with Celiac disease, navigating the world of candy can be tricky, and the brand name 'Smarties' presents one of the most significant pitfalls. The same name refers to two completely different candies in different parts of the world, with opposing gluten statuses. The tangy, wafer-style candies familiar to US consumers are safe, while the chocolate-filled, shell-coated candies known in the UK, Canada, and other countries are strictly off-limits due to their wheat content.
The US Smarties (Smarties Candy Company)
Smarties in the United States, produced by Smarties Candy Company, are hard, wafer-style candies. This company states its products are gluten-free and manufactured in dedicated gluten-free facilities, with the exception of Smarties Gummies, which are made in a facility that also processes wheat. A UPC starting with "0 11206" confirms packaging in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
The UK/Canadian Smarties (Nestlé)
In the UK and Canada, 'Smarties' refers to a different candy made by Nestlé: milk chocolate with a crisp sugar shell. These contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free. The Canadian equivalent to US Smarties is 'Rockets'.
Comparison of Smarties by Region
| Feature | US Smarties (Smarties Candy Company) | UK/Canadian Smarties (Nestlé) |
|---|---|---|
| Candy Type | Tangy, fruit-flavored dextrose wafer rolls | Candy-coated milk chocolate pieces |
| Gluten Status | Gluten-Free | Contains Gluten |
| Primary Ingredient | Dextrose, Citric Acid | Milk Chocolate (contains wheat flour) |
| Celiac Safety | Safe (excluding gummies) | Not safe |
| Cross-Contamination | Dedicated facilities (except gummies) | May process gluten |
| Where to Check | UPC starting with "0 11206" | Ingredients for "wheat flour" |
| Canadian Equivalent | N/A | US version is 'Rockets' |
Navigating Cross-Contamination and Other Products
Re-bagged candy requires verification from the re-bagger regarding their facilities. Be cautious with mixed bags where individual items are not clearly labeled. Note that some M&M's varieties, such as Crispy M&M's, contain barley malt extract and are not gluten-free, although UK M&M's are generally considered gluten-free.
What to Look for on Labels
- Identify the Brand: Check if it's Smarties Candy Company (US) or Nestlé (UK/Canada).
- Verify the Location: If buying internationally, confirm the country of origin.
- Read the Ingredient List: Look for wheat, barley, rye, or barley malt.
- Look for a UPC: For US Smarties, a UPC starting with "0 11206" confirms production in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
Conclusion
For celiacs, eating Smarties is location-dependent: US wafer Smarties are safe, but UK/Canadian chocolate Smarties are not. Checking the label and country of origin is essential. When in doubt, avoid the product and opt for explicitly labeled gluten-free options. Resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation can assist with identifying gluten-free foods.
Smarties and Celiac Safety: A Practical Guide
For those with Celiac disease, understanding the regional differences in 'Smarties' is crucial. The US hard candy roll is safe, but the chocolate variant found elsewhere is not. Identifying the manufacturer and carefully reading ingredients are key steps.
