Do Natural Fruity Chews Have Gluten? A Comprehensive Guide

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

While pure fruit is naturally gluten-free, a 2023 review by Beyond Celiac reminds consumers that processed foods, even those marketed as "natural," can contain gluten due to additives or manufacturing methods. Therefore, the question, "Do natural fruity chews have gluten?" requires careful consideration of the product's ingredients and processing.

Quick Summary

Fruity chews are not automatically gluten-free, as ingredients like glucose syrup and risks of cross-contamination can introduce gluten. Diligent label reading and seeking certified brands are essential for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to ensure product safety.

Key Points

Check for Certification: Do not rely on the word "natural"; look for an official gluten-free certification logo from organizations like the GFCO to ensure product safety.
Hidden Ingredients: Some manufacturers use wheat-derived ingredients like wheat glucose syrup or modified food starch that can hide in plain sight.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: Many facilities process both gluten-containing and gluten-free products on shared equipment, creating a significant risk of contamination.
Not All Brands are Safe: Even brands without gluten ingredients, like some from The Natural Confectionery Co., may not be guaranteed gluten-free due to production methods.
Read All Labels: Ingredient lists and allergen statements are crucial; always read them, as formulas can change without notice, especially in seasonal varieties.
Many Safe Options Exist: There are many brands, such as Lovely Candy Co. and Tootsie Fruit Chews, that explicitly offer gluten-free fruity chews.

The Hidden Dangers: Why 'Natural' Doesn't Mean Gluten-Free

The assumption that a candy with fruit-based ingredients is automatically safe for a gluten-free diet is a common and potentially harmful mistake. The term 'natural' is not regulated in a way that guarantees the product is free from common allergens like gluten. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is often used in processed foods for its binding properties and texture. In chewy candies, it can be added to create the desired texture or through other indirect means.

Common Sources of Gluten in Chewy Candy

Wheat-Based Thickeners: Some manufacturers use wheat flour or wheat starch to achieve the chewy texture characteristic of fruity chews. This is a clear red flag for anyone avoiding gluten.
Glucose Syrup: While corn-based glucose syrup is generally safe, some manufacturers produce glucose syrup from wheat. Without clear labeling, it's impossible to know the source. It is crucial to look for labels that specify "corn glucose syrup" or state the product is gluten-free.
Malt Ingredients: Ingredients like barley malt or malt extract are derived from barley and contain gluten. While less common in fruity chews, they can appear in other candy formulations made on the same equipment.
Natural Flavors: The term "natural flavors" can sometimes mask the presence of gluten-containing carriers. Again, without a clear gluten-free certification, this poses a risk.

The Pervasive Threat of Cross-Contamination

Beyond the ingredients list, cross-contamination is a significant concern for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. Many large candy manufacturers use shared equipment to produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free products. A product may not have gluten listed as an ingredient but can still be unsafe due to traces transferred from other products. For example, The Natural Confectionery Co. has stated that while their fruity chews don't have gluten-containing ingredients, they do not test the final product and cannot guarantee they are gluten-free. This is why looking for products with a dedicated gluten-free certification is the safest option.

How to Verify if Your Chews Are Gluten-Free

Look for Certification: The most reliable method is to find a product that has been certified gluten-free by a reputable organization, such as the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization). Their logo signifies that the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is the FDA standard for gluten-free labeling.
Read the Ingredient List Carefully: Always scrutinize the ingredients for any mention of wheat, barley, rye, or their derivatives. Be particularly cautious with ambiguous terms like "modified food starch" unless the product is also labeled gluten-free.
Check Allergen Statements: Many packages include a clear allergen warning, which will indicate if the product contains or was processed in a facility with wheat. Phrases like "processed in a facility that also handles wheat" indicate a risk of cross-contamination.
Contact the Manufacturer: If you are ever in doubt, the most direct approach is to contact the candy manufacturer for clarification on their ingredients and production processes. Their website or customer service line is often the best resource.

Comparison of Fruity Chews: Certified vs. Uncertified


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Brands (e.g., Lovely Co., Tootsie Fruit Chews)	Non-Guaranteed Brands (e.g., The Natural Confectionery Co.)
Gluten Guarantee	Verified by a third party to meet strict gluten-free standards (<20 ppm).	No official guarantee, even if no gluten ingredients are added.
Manufacturing Process	Often produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities or with strict controls to prevent cross-contamination.	Potentially processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing items, raising cross-contamination risk.
Ingredient Transparency	Usually provide clear ingredient sourcing and allergen information.	Ingredients may not reveal potential gluten risk from processing.
Labeling	Features a specific gluten-free certification logo for easy identification.	May simply state "No gluten ingredients" or nothing at all regarding gluten content.
Safety for Celiacs	Considered a safe option for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity.	Not recommended for those with celiac disease due to contamination risk.

Conclusion: Navigating the Candy Aisle Safely

For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the journey to find safe natural fruity chews requires diligence and a healthy dose of skepticism. The word "natural" is not a reliable indicator of a product's gluten-free status. Always prioritize products with a visible gluten-free certification logo and carefully read all ingredient and allergen information. By staying informed and paying close attention to labels, you can confidently enjoy your sweet treat without risking your health. This approach applies not only to fruity chews but to all processed candy and food items. The official Celiac Disease Foundation provides a comprehensive list of safe candies and practices to help in this endeavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the term 'natural' does not guarantee that a product is gluten-free. Manufacturers may use gluten-containing ingredients or process the candy in facilities that handle gluten, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

The safest way is to purchase products that feature an official gluten-free certification logo on their packaging. Certifications from organizations like GFCO ensure the product has been tested and meets strict standards.

Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free products are made on shared equipment with gluten-containing products. Even trace amounts of gluten can make the candy unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.

Not always. While glucose syrup from corn is gluten-free, it can also be derived from wheat. Unless the label specifies the source or the product is certified gluten-free, it is a potential risk.

No, The Natural Confectionery Co. has stated that while their chews don't contain gluten ingredients, they do not test for gluten and cannot guarantee the products are gluten-free due to potential cross-contact.

Brands like Lovely Candy Company and Tootsie Fruit Chews explicitly state they are gluten-free, with Tootsie being both peanut-free and gluten-free.

Yes, always check the labels of seasonal candy varieties. Manufacturers sometimes change ingredients or use different facilities for seasonal items, which can introduce gluten.