Do fizzers have gluten in them? What coeliac and gluten-sensitive people must know

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

With an estimated 1 in 100 people in the UK having coeliac disease, label-checking for allergens like gluten is non-negotiable. A question that often bubbles up for sweet lovers is: Do fizzers have gluten in them? The answer isn't uniform across all products, as it critically depends on the brand and manufacturing environment.

Quick Summary

The gluten status of fizzers is brand-dependent. While products from major manufacturers like Swizzels are officially gluten-free, other varieties, bulk-packaged sweets, and some fizzy products may contain or be cross-contaminated with gluten.

Key Points

Swizzels Fizzers are gluten-free: The classic British fizzer produced by Swizzels does not contain gluten ingredients and is considered safe for coeliacs.
Check the brand: Not all fizzy sweets are the same. Always verify the brand and ingredients, as other manufacturers may use gluten or process their products differently.
Cross-contamination is a risk: Avoid bulk or loose-packaged fizzers from pick-n-mix stores, as they carry a high risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing sweets.
Fizzy chews may contain gluten: Products like fizzy pencils or certain chewy variants often use wheat flour and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Alcoholic 'Fizzer' seltzer is not GF: Some alcoholic seltzers are 'low gluten' but not 100% gluten-free and are unsuitable for coeliacs.
Always read the label: For any fizzy sweet, carefully read the ingredients list and look for certified gluten-free claims to ensure safety.

The definitive status of Swizzels Fizzers

For many, the word 'fizzer' is synonymous with the classic fruit-flavoured sweets by British manufacturer Swizzels. For decades, these popular candies have been a staple in sweet shops and household pick-n-mix bags. According to Swizzels' official nutritional information, their Fizzers are indeed gluten-free and suitable for coeliacs.

Key Ingredients in Swizzels Fizzers:

Sugar
Acidity Regulator: Malic Acid
Stearic Acid
Sodium Bicarbonate
Modified Starch
Magnesium Stearate
Anti-Caking Agent: Magnesium Carbonate
Flavourings
Colours

As this list shows, there is no wheat or any other gluten-containing ingredient used in the standard formulation. This makes them a safe choice when purchased in original, sealed packaging directly from the manufacturer or a trusted retailer.

Not all fizzers are created equal

It is a common mistake to assume that all fizzy sweets are the same. A product's gluten status can change based on its manufacturer and specific ingredients. For instance, while some international brands produce gluten-free fizzers, others may not.

Other Confectionery Fizzers: Some versions of fizzy sweets sold in bulk or by different companies may have different recipes. Some Australian Fizzers, for example, are confirmed gluten-free, but again, checking the label is the only way to be certain.
Fizzy Pencils or Chews: Be especially vigilant with products that include a soft or chewy component. Some 'fizzy rainbow pencils' or similar confectionery contain wheat flour as a base ingredient. These are definitely not suitable for anyone on a gluten-free diet.
Fizzer Alcoholic Seltzer: Moon Dog Brewery produces an alcoholic seltzer called 'Fizzer'. While labelled 'low gluten,' it is not 100% gluten-free and is not suitable for coeliacs due to the brewing process.

The critical issue of cross-contamination

For those with coeliac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. A product might be made without gluten ingredients but processed in a facility that also handles wheat. This can lead to trace amounts of gluten finding their way into the product.

Cross-contamination risks to consider:

Bulk Pick-n-Mix Sweets: Buying loose fizzers from a sweet shop is risky, as different sweets are often stored and scooped with the same equipment. A single scoop might contain gluten traces from other confectionery handled nearby.
Repackaged Products: Some retailers buy sweets in bulk and repackage them, often in facilities that are not certified gluten-free. The packaging may then carry a 'may contain traces of gluten' warning.
Shared Production Lines: If the same factory produces both gluten-containing and gluten-free products, there is a risk, however small, that shared equipment could lead to cross-contamination.

How to safely identify gluten-free fizzers

Check the Brand: Only purchase fizzers from reputable brands, like Swizzels, that have explicit gluten-free statements.
Read the Label: The ingredients list is your most important tool. Look for clear 'gluten-free' certification logos or statements on the packaging.
Choose Pre-Packaged: Opt for individually wrapped and sealed products over bulk options to mitigate cross-contamination risks.
Confirm with the Manufacturer: If in doubt, visit the manufacturer's website for their latest allergen information or contact their customer service directly. The official Swizzels website is a reliable source for their products' details. https://swizzels.com/nutritional-information/pick-n-mix-fizzers/

Comparison table: Fizzer types and gluten status


Product Type	Example Brand(s)	Typical Gluten Status	Key Allergen Considerations
Classic Fizzer Rolls	Swizzels	Gluten-Free	Safe for coeliacs if purchased in original packaging.
Bulk Fizzers (Repackaged)	Local Sweet Shops	High Risk	High risk of cross-contamination; avoid if coeliac.
Fizzy Chews / Pencils	Various	Often Contains Gluten	Many soft, chewy varieties use wheat flour; check labels carefully.
Fizzer Alcoholic Seltzer	Moon Dog Fizzer	Low Gluten (Not GF)	Not suitable for coeliacs due to brewing process.
Beacon Fizzers	Beacon	Gluten-Free	Often labelled as gluten-free in some markets, but always check local packaging.

Conclusion: Always verify your sweets

In conclusion, while the classic Swizzels Fizzers are a safe and delicious treat for those on a gluten-free diet, the blanket assumption that all fizzy sweets are the same is dangerous. The key takeaway is to always be a diligent label-reader and brand-checker. For coeliacs and people with gluten sensitivities, avoiding loose, repackaged, or unfamiliar 'fizzer' products is the best practice to prevent potential health risks from cross-contamination.

For peace of mind, sticking to certified, sealed products from reputable manufacturers like Swizzels ensures you can enjoy a childhood classic without worry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Swizzels Fizzers are confirmed to be gluten-free, with no gluten-containing ingredients in their formulation. This information is available on the manufacturer's website.

No, it is not safe. Fizzers sold in bulk or pick-n-mix can be exposed to cross-contamination from other sweets containing gluten via shared scoops and storage containers.

No. For individuals with coeliac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, any product with a 'may contain' warning should be avoided completely, as even trace amounts can trigger a reaction.

No. The term 'fizzer' can refer to many different sweets. Some products, especially fizzy chews or pencils, explicitly contain gluten and are unsafe.

Look for ingredients like 'wheat flour' or 'glucose syrup (from wheat)'. If in doubt, the safest option is to avoid the product entirely unless it is certified gluten-free.

No, alcoholic seltzers like Moon Dog's 'Fizzer' are often labelled 'low gluten' but are not fully gluten-free. Their brewing process means they are unsuitable for coeliacs.

The safest method is to purchase pre-packaged, sealed products from reputable brands that explicitly state they are gluten-free. Always double-check the label for certification marks.