Does Red Licorice Have Wheat? The Surprising Truth for Gluten-Free Diets

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 3.1 million Americans have celiac disease, and many more have a gluten sensitivity, making it crucial to know which foods are safe. For those wondering, 'Does red licorice have wheat?', the answer is often yes, as many popular brands use wheat flour as a primary ingredient.

Quick Summary

Most conventional red licorice contains wheat flour for its texture and binding properties. This makes it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, various certified gluten-free alternatives exist, requiring careful label reading to ensure safety and avoid cross-contamination.

Key Points

Traditional red licorice contains wheat flour: Most conventional red licorice brands, including Twizzlers and Red Vines, use wheat flour as a primary ingredient for binding and texture.
Not all red candies are licorice: Many fruity, chewy candies that resemble red licorice are not actually licorice and may be gluten-free, but labels must still be checked.
Gluten-free alternatives exist: Several brands, such as YumEarth, produce certified gluten-free red licorice using alternative flours like rice flour.
Read labels carefully for allergens: Always look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal and check the ingredient list for 'wheat' or other gluten-containing components, especially if you have celiac disease.
Beware of cross-contamination: If a product doesn't have a gluten-free certification, there is a risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment, even if wheat isn't an explicit ingredient.
Black licorice also contains wheat: Like its red counterpart, traditional black licorice is also made with wheat flour and is not typically gluten-free.

Why Is Wheat in Most Red Licorice?

For many, red licorice is a sweet, chewy snack that doesn't seem to contain any grain-based ingredients. However, the unique, pliable texture that consumers love is a direct result of wheat flour. This flour acts as a crucial binding agent, holding the candy's shape and providing its distinctive chewiness. Without it, the candy's structure would be different, failing to meet consumer expectations for traditional licorice twists. The manufacturing process involves creating a dough-like consistency, which is then extruded into the familiar rope shape. Wheat flour is integral to this process, as it provides the necessary elasticity and stability.

The Role of Wheat Flour in Confectionery

Binding Agent: Wheat flour helps hold all the ingredients together, preventing the final product from being too brittle or soft.
Texture and Chew: It's what gives licorice its characteristic soft, chewy mouthfeel, which is a major part of its appeal.
Extrusion Process: In factories, a dough made with wheat flour is cooked and pushed through machines to form the long, twisted ropes.
Bulking Agent: It provides bulk to the candy, contributing to its overall mass and calorie content.

Popular Brands and Their Gluten Status

If you have a gluten-related dietary restriction, knowing the ingredients of your favorite brand is essential. Many well-known red licorice products are explicitly labeled as containing wheat. Always check the packaging, but here is a quick overview of some common brands.


Brand	Contains Wheat?	Gluten-Free Statement	Safe for Celiacs?
Twizzlers	Yes	No product is labeled gluten-free.	No
Red Vines	Yes	The company explicitly states they are not gluten-free.	No
Wiley Wallaby	Yes	Contains enriched wheat flour.	No
YumEarth Organic	No	Certified gluten-free.	Yes
Lakrids by Bülow	No	Gluten-free, often using rice flour.	Yes
Darrell Lea	Yes	Their licorice products contain wheat flour.	No

Gluten-Free Red Licorice Alternatives

For those who must avoid wheat, there is no need to give up on chewy, fruity candy. A growing number of companies now produce gluten-free alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of traditional red licorice.

YumEarth Organic Strawberry Licorice: A popular choice that is certified organic and gluten-free. It uses ingredients like rice flour and rice syrup instead of wheat.
Jelly Belly Scotty Dogs: These are red, licorice-like candies that some in the gluten-free community have found to be safe, though you should always check the label for confirmation and cross-contamination warnings.
Other Candy Varieties: If a true licorice taste isn't necessary, many gummy fruit candies and jelly beans from brands like Yupik and Dare are also labeled gluten-free.
DIY Recipes: A determined home baker can find recipes online that use gluten-free flours and binders to create a homemade red licorice substitute. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and ensures it's safe for your diet.

Reading Labels for Gluten

For anyone with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, reading ingredient labels is the most critical step. The FDA requires that all food products containing wheat must explicitly list it as an allergen. However, even products without wheat on the ingredients list can pose a risk of cross-contamination if they are manufactured in the same facility as gluten-containing products.

Here are some key things to look for on a product label:

'Contains: Wheat': This is the most straightforward indicator that the product is not gluten-free.
Ingredient List: Scan the list for any form of wheat, including enriched wheat flour, wheat starch, or modified food starch (where the source is not specified).
'May contain' or 'Manufactured in a facility with...': These phrases indicate a risk of cross-contamination, which can be dangerous for individuals with severe gluten allergies.
Certified Gluten-Free Label: The most reliable sign that a product is safe is a gluten-free certification logo from a recognized organization, such as the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). This certification means the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Candy Choices

To the question, 'Does red licorice have wheat?', the definitive answer for most classic and popular brands is yes. The chewy texture that defines traditional red licorice is typically achieved with wheat flour, making these products unsafe for those on a gluten-free diet. Brands like Twizzlers and Red Vines are known to contain wheat and should be avoided. However, the landscape for gluten-free products has expanded dramatically, offering safe and delicious alternatives for consumers with dietary restrictions. By carefully reading ingredient labels and seeking out products with certified gluten-free seals, you can still enjoy a satisfying chewy candy. For the safest option, prioritize brands like YumEarth that are certified gluten-free or look into alternatives such as specialty gummies. Knowledge and a careful eye are your best tools for enjoying treats safely while managing a gluten-free lifestyle.

For more information on safe candy choices and hidden gluten, see the guidelines provided by trusted organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wheat flour is used in most red licorice as a binding agent to provide its characteristic chewy texture and structural integrity during manufacturing.

No, most Twizzlers products, including the red licorice twists, contain wheat and are therefore not gluten-free.

No, Red Vines are not gluten-free. The American Licorice Company explicitly states that Red Vines contain wheat flour.

The most reliable way is to look for products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the packaging. Brands like YumEarth offer gluten-free options.

No, if you have a wheat allergy, you must avoid products containing wheat, including most conventional red licorice. Always check the ingredient list for 'wheat'.

No, you should never assume a candy is gluten-free without reading the label. Many products that seem gluten-free, like some red licorice, actually contain wheat.

Yes, for individuals with high gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, cross-contamination is a concern. Even if a product does not explicitly list wheat, it may be unsafe if made in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products.