Do Tootsie rolls have gluten? A comprehensive guide to this classic candy

October 3, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official statements from the company, all Tootsie Roll Industries confections, including the classic chocolatey chew, are completely gluten-free. This provides a clear answer for anyone asking, "Do Tootsie rolls have gluten?" and offers reassurance for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities looking for a safe treat.

Quick Summary

Tootsie Rolls are free from gluten. The company has confirmed that all its confections are manufactured without gluten-containing ingredients, including wheat, barley, and rye.

Key Points

Tootsie Rolls are Gluten-Free: Tootsie Roll Industries confirms all its confections, including the classic Tootsie Roll, are gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Avoided: The company states they do not use gluten-containing grains in manufacturing to prevent cross-contamination.
Consider 'Certified Gluten-Free' for Celiac: For severe celiac disease, 'certified gluten-free' labels offer the highest assurance due to third-party testing.
Simple Ingredients: Tootsie Rolls are made with sugar, corn syrup, milk, and cocoa, without wheat, barley, or rye.
Moderate Consumption: As a sugary treat with little nutritional value, Tootsie Rolls should be eaten in moderation.
Other Tootsie Products are Safe: Tootsie Pops, Frooties, and Junior Mints are also gluten-free.
Verify Other Candies: Many other candies contain or may be contaminated with gluten, requiring careful label checks.

The official word: Do Tootsie Rolls contain gluten?

For those managing celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, knowing the gluten status of candy is important. Tootsie Roll Industries, the manufacturer of Tootsie Rolls, has confirmed that all their confections are gluten-free. This includes the traditional Tootsie Rolls and other products like Tootsie Pops and Junior Mints. The company states they do not use wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains in their manufacturing processes and take measures to prevent cross-contamination.

What makes a candy gluten-free?

Avoiding gluten in candy requires understanding its potential sources, which can include ingredients like barley malt or starches derived from wheat.

A deeper look at Tootsie Roll ingredients

The standard ingredients for a Tootsie Roll include sugar, corn syrup, and milk. While corn syrup is used, corn-based ingredients are considered gluten-free in the US. Tootsie Roll Industries has confirmed they do not use major gluten-containing grains.

The role of manufacturing processes

Preventing cross-contamination is crucial for truly gluten-free products, especially for those with celiac disease. Tootsie Roll Industries states they have manufacturing practices in place to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains. For the highest assurance, individuals with severe allergies may look for "certified gluten-free" labels, which involve third-party testing.

Comparison: Tootsie rolls vs. other popular candies

Identifying safe candy options is helpful for a gluten-free diet. This table compares Tootsie Rolls with other popular candies.


Candy	Manufacturer	Gluten-Free Status	Notes
Tootsie Roll	Tootsie Roll Industries	Yes	All Tootsie Roll confections are gluten-free.
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar	Hershey's	Yes	Most standard varieties are gluten-free, but always check labels.
Kit Kat	Hershey's	No	Contains a wafer made with wheat flour.
Snickers Bar	Mars Wrigley	Yes	Most varieties are considered gluten-free, though some sources note the company doesn't label them as such.
M&M's Plain	Mars Wrigley	Yes	Most plain varieties are fine, but pretzel and crispy varieties are not.
Twizzlers	Hershey's	No	Made with wheat flour.
Smarties (US)	Smarties Candy Company	Yes	Confirmed gluten-free in the US; Canadian versions may differ.
100 Grand Bar	Ferrero	No	Contains barley malt and may contain wheat.

Nutritional considerations beyond gluten

While Tootsie Rolls are gluten-free, they are a candy primarily composed of sugar and corn syrup and offer limited nutritional value. A single piece contains about 26 calories, mostly from sugar. Like all candies, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle emphasizes nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion: The final verdict on Tootsie Rolls

According to the manufacturer, Tootsie Rolls do not contain gluten, making them a safe option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Tootsie Roll Industries has stated they avoid gluten-containing ingredients and take steps to prevent cross-contamination. While this is reassuring, Tootsie Rolls are a sugary treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Always check ingredient lists as formulations can change. For more information on safe candy options, {Link: Beyond Celiac beyondceliac.org} offers a guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the manufacturer, all Tootsie Roll Industries products are gluten-free, and this includes Tootsie Pops of all flavors.

The main ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, condensed skim milk, cocoa, whey, soy lecithin, and artificial and natural flavors.

The company produces several brands of candy, and an official statement confirms all of their confections are gluten-free. They specifically state they do not use gluten-containing grains in their facilities.

No, corn syrup is generally considered gluten-free in the United States and is not a source of gluten. Tootsie Roll Industries confirms its overall gluten-free status despite using corn and soy products.

While Tootsie Roll Industries has a strong gluten-free policy, those with severe sensitivities can look for third-party 'certified gluten-free' labels on any candy product for the highest level of assurance.

Tootsie Roll Industries states that all of its confections are gluten-free, including seasonal variations. However, it is a best practice to always check the most recent ingredient list on any product packaging.

Many popular brands, including some varieties of Hershey's bars, plain M&M's, and Snickers, offer gluten-free options. However, some variants or other brands like Kit Kat, Twizzlers, and 100 Grand bars are not gluten-free.