The Ingredient That Contains Gluten
RIESEN candy's primary gluten-containing ingredient is glucose syrup derived from wheat. Glucose syrup is a common ingredient in many confections, but its source is what determines if it is gluten-free. In North America, the manufacturer, Storck, explicitly lists wheat in its allergen warning. While glucose syrup derived from wheat is highly processed and may contain very low levels of gluten, the final allergen labeling is the critical piece of information for consumers with celiac disease or a severe wheat allergy. The specific allergen statement on US and Canadian packages leaves no ambiguity, clearly stating, "Contains: Wheat".
The Importance of Allergen Warnings
For those with celiac disease or a wheat allergy, an official allergen warning on the packaging is non-negotiable. It overrides any assumptions about individual ingredients. The warning on RIESEN candy serves as a clear signal that the product is not safe for those on a strict gluten-free diet. This warning also highlights potential cross-contamination risks, as the product is processed in a facility that handles various allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, and others. For celiac patients, even trace amounts of gluten can cause an adverse reaction, so a product with a definitive wheat allergen warning should be completely avoided.
Discrepancies in Regional Labeling
One source of confusion for consumers is the conflicting information provided by Storck in different regions. For example, the Storck UK website claims RIESEN is "basically gluten-free" because the gluten content is minimal and meets the standards of the German Coeliac Society. However, this does not apply to products sold in other markets like the US and Canada. The North American market has its own labeling standards, and Storck's websites for these regions clearly state they do not label their products as "gluten-free" due to the wheat-based glucose syrup. This highlights the importance of always checking the local packaging and relying on official allergen information for your specific country.
Comparison: RIESEN vs. Other Candies
This table provides a quick comparison of RIESEN candy with some other popular confectionaries regarding gluten content.
| Candy Brand | Gluten-Free Status | Key Allergen Warning(s) | Suitable for Celiacs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIESEN | No | Wheat, Milk, Soy | No |
| Hershey's Kisses | Yes (plain milk chocolate) | Milk, Soy | Yes |
| Sour Patch Kids | Yes | None listed | Yes |
| Twix | No | Wheat, Milk, Soy | No |
| Butterfinger | No | Peanuts, Milk, Soy | No |
| Skittles | Yes | None listed | Yes |
| Toffifee | "Virtually Gluten Free" in some regions | Milk, Soy, Hazelnuts | Check local packaging |
Tips for Finding Safe Candy Options
- Read the Label Every Time: Always check the ingredient list and allergen warning section of any food product, even if you've purchased it before. Formulations can change without notice.
- Look for Certification: Search for candies with a certified gluten-free label. This mark from a reputable organization, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), means the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards.
- Check Manufacturer's Website: Visit the manufacturer's official website and navigate to their consumer services or FAQ page for the most up-to-date allergen information for your region.
- Download an App: Use a food allergy app to scan barcodes and get instant information on a product's gluten-free status based on its ingredients and allergen warnings.
- Stick to Whole Foods: When in doubt, stick to whole, unprocessed foods or candies from brands you trust to be transparent about their allergen information.
The Final Verdict on RIESEN and Gluten
For consumers in the US and Canada with celiac disease or a wheat allergy, RIESEN candy is not safe to consume. The candy's ingredients include glucose syrup derived from wheat, and the manufacturer explicitly includes a wheat allergen warning on its packaging. The differing statements on various regional websites are a source of confusion, but the specific allergen labeling for your location is the most important piece of information. Always err on the side of caution when dealing with food allergies and make a habit of reading labels carefully. For a double-check on Storck's official position for your region, you can visit their consumer service website.
For a double-check on Storck's official position for your region, you can visit their consumer service website, like the one for the U.S. market, to confirm their allergy information.
Conclusion
In summary, despite the processing of its ingredients, RIESEN candy is not suitable for a gluten-free diet due to the inclusion of wheat-derived glucose syrup and a formal allergen warning. While regional labeling can cause confusion, the most reliable source is always the ingredient and allergen information on the packaging specific to your country. For those with celiac disease or a wheat intolerance, it is safest to avoid RIESEN and opt for confirmed gluten-free candy alternatives.
