Do rainbow drops have gluten? The definitive guide for sweet lovers

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

First created in the 1930s, the beloved British candy Rainbow Drops have a simple ingredient list, but the question remains: do rainbow drops have gluten? For individuals with coeliac disease or a gluten sensitivity, the answer is a crucial part of making a safe choice.

Quick Summary

Rainbow Drops are not a gluten-free product, as confirmed by manufacturer ingredient lists and allergy warnings. The puffed maize and rice confectionery contains or may contain gluten, making it unsafe for those with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

Key Points

Not Gluten-Free: Rainbow Drops are not safe for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
Contains or May Contain Gluten: The manufacturer and retailers confirm that Rainbow Drops contain or may contain traces of gluten due to manufacturing practices.
Check the Label: Always read the most current packaging for allergen information, as product formulations can change.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The sweets are made in facilities that also handle products with gluten, posing a significant risk.
Maize and Rice Don't Guarantee Safety: Despite a base of puffed maize and rice, the final product's status is determined by the overall manufacturing process.
Safe Alternatives Exist: Many other candies are certified gluten-free, including many hard candies, most gummies, and some puffed rice snacks.

Are Rainbow Drops gluten-free?

No, Rainbow Drops are not a gluten-free product and are not safe for individuals with coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance. Despite their base of puffed maize and rice, which are naturally gluten-free grains, the manufacturing process introduces gluten. Product labels, official websites, and retailers confirm that the confectionery either contains gluten or may contain traces due to production in facilities that handle gluten.

Why do Rainbow Drops contain gluten?

While the primary ingredients of sugar, maize, and rice are gluten-free, the risk comes from several factors. One possibility is the use of glucose syrup, which can sometimes be derived from wheat in some formulations, though this is less common today. The most significant concern, however, is cross-contamination. Many facilities that produce Rainbow Drops also handle a wide range of other products containing gluten, including wheat, barley, and rye. This creates a high risk of trace amounts of gluten transferring to the final product. For those with coeliac disease, even tiny trace amounts of gluten can trigger a severe autoimmune response. Therefore, any product with a "may contain gluten" warning should be avoided.

How to read the label

For anyone managing a gluten-free diet, becoming an expert label reader is essential. When it comes to Rainbow Drops, the labels provide the critical information needed.

Look for the specific allergen warning section on the packaging.
Confirm if the product states "contains gluten" or "may contain traces of gluten."
Check the ingredients list for cereals containing gluten, often highlighted in bold.

By following these steps, you can avoid products that are unsafe for your dietary needs. Always check the most recent packaging, as manufacturers can sometimes change ingredients or production methods without widely publicizing the change.

Comparison: Rainbow Drops vs. Other Sweets

For those seeking a gluten-free treat, it's helpful to compare Rainbow Drops to alternatives. The table below shows a few popular sweet options and their general gluten status. Always double-check the label for the specific product you are purchasing.


Feature	Rainbow Drops	Skittles	Jelly Belly Jelly Beans	Smarties (US version)
Gluten Status	Contains Gluten / May Contain	Gluten-Free	Gluten-Free	Gluten-Free
Manufacturer	Swizzels	Mars, Inc.	Jelly Belly Candy Company	Nestlé
Cross-Contamination Warning	Yes	Generally none	Generally none	Generally none
Key Ingredients	Sugar, Maize, Rice	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Sugar, Citric Acid
Suitable for Coeliacs	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

Finding safe alternatives

If Rainbow Drops are off the menu, there is no need to feel left out. The confectionery market offers a wide variety of safe and delicious gluten-free options. Some popular choices include most brands of jelly beans, many hard candies, and several types of gummies. The Celiac Disease Foundation also provides a comprehensive list of candies that are generally considered gluten-free. For a crunchy, puffed-rice sweet, look for brands that are specifically certified gluten-free to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow Drops and gluten

For those managing a gluten-free diet, clarity on potential allergens is paramount. Below are common questions related to Rainbow Drops and gluten.

Are Rainbow Drops made with barley or wheat? While their base is maize and rice, the manufacturing process exposes the product to gluten-containing ingredients, meaning it is not suitable for those with coeliac disease.
Is Swizzels a gluten-free company? No, Swizzels is not exclusively a gluten-free company. Many of its products contain or may contain gluten. It is essential to check the allergen information for each specific product.
Why is there conflicting information online about Rainbow Drops' gluten content? Some confusion may arise from the non-wheat main ingredients. However, modern ingredient labeling and manufacturer confirmations clearly indicate the presence or risk of gluten due to processing.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Rainbow Drops and gluten

The conclusion for anyone wondering if they can enjoy Rainbow Drops on a gluten-free diet is clear: it is not safe. The sweets are explicitly labeled as containing or potentially containing gluten, a critical detail for individuals with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. The risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing makes even trace amounts a serious concern. While the nostalgia and vibrant colors of Rainbow Drops may be tempting, there are many safe, certified gluten-free alternatives available. Always rely on the product packaging and manufacturer information for the most accurate and up-to-date allergen details. By being vigilant, you can continue to enjoy delicious sweet treats without compromising your health.

For more detailed nutritional information and allergen guidance on all of their products, you can visit the official Swizzels website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, as the Rainbow Drops example shows, a product's base ingredients don't guarantee a gluten-free status due to added ingredients or cross-contamination from manufacturing processes.

Always check the allergen information on the packaging, look for "gluten-free" certification logos, and be mindful of "may contain" warnings. When in doubt, avoid the product.

While the glucose syrup is a component, it is unlikely to be the primary source of gluten, especially since it can be made from various starches. The main risk is from processing and the overall formulation which is not certified or guaranteed gluten-free.

It is strongly advised to avoid Rainbow Drops if you have any gluten sensitivity, regardless of severity, as they are explicitly labeled as containing or potentially containing gluten.

Many Swizzels products are vegan and vegetarian-friendly, but gluten status varies by product. Always check the specific item's label for accurate allergen information.

No, Swizzels does not produce a specifically gluten-free version of Rainbow Drops. For a similar treat, look for other puffed rice snacks that are certified gluten-free.

Many candies are safe for a gluten-free diet, including most brands of jelly beans, some hard candies, and certain brands of puffed rice snacks. Always check the label to be certain.