Common Ingredients Found in Bebeto Sweets
Bebeto sweets are manufactured with a variety of ingredients to create their distinctive flavours and textures. The base of most gummy and jelly products from Bebeto relies on a combination of sweeteners and a gelling agent to create the classic chewy consistency.
Sweeteners and Gelling Agents
Glucose Syrup and Sugar: The primary sweetening agents found in virtually all Bebeto products are glucose syrup and sugar. This combination is standard for most gummy and jelly candies, providing the bulk of the flavour and energy content.
Beef Gelatine: For many of their chewy gummies, Bebeto uses beef gelatine as the primary gelling agent. This gives the sweets their signature texture. As a result, these specific products are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, though the company does offer alternatives.
Flavouring and Acidity
Fruit Juice Concentrate and Flavourings: To achieve their vibrant fruit flavours, Bebeto includes apple juice concentrate and other flavourings. The addition of real fruit juice concentrates contributes to the taste profile, allowing for a more natural-tasting sweet.
Acidity Regulators: Ingredients like citric acid and malic acid are used to regulate the acidity levels, providing a tangy or sour finish to many of the sweets, especially products like sour sticks and fizzy gummies.
Colours and Glazing
Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrates: Instead of relying solely on artificial dyes, Bebeto uses concentrates from fruits and vegetables like black carrot, radish, and apple to create the colourful appearance of their sweets.
Food Colours: While natural sources are used, some products may also contain food colours to enhance their visual appeal.
Glazing Agents: To prevent sweets from sticking together and give them a shiny appearance, glazing agents such as carnauba wax and beeswax are applied.
Diving Deeper: Ingredients by Product Type
Bebeto's product range includes a variety of sweets, and their ingredient lists can vary significantly. Comparing a classic gummy mix with a sour product highlights these differences.
Standard Gummy Mix vs. Sour Sticks
Bebeto's standard Gummy Mix contains the foundational ingredients like glucose syrup, sugar, beef gelatine, and fruit juice concentrates. The list is relatively straightforward for a standard chewy sweet.
In contrast, Bebeto Sour Sticks typically contain additional ingredients related to their sour coating and unique texture. These often include wheat flour, which is a significant allergen difference, and extra acids like malic acid.
Comparison Table: Bebeto Gummy Mix vs. Sour Sticks
| Ingredient Category | Bebeto Gummy Mix | Bebeto Sour Sticks (e.g., Black Currant) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Glucose Syrup, Sugar | Sugar, Glucose Syrup |
| Gelling Agent | Beef Gelatine | Beef Gelatine, Modified Starch |
| Flavouring | Apple Juice Concentrate, Flavourings | Natural Flavourings, Fruit Concentrate |
| Acidity | Citric Acid | Citric Acid, Malic Acid |
| Allergens | May contain gluten | Wheat Flour (Gluten) |
| Other Ingredients | Palm Oil, Glazing Agents | Palm Oil, Stabilisers, Emulsifier |
Dietary and Allergen Information
It is crucial for consumers with specific dietary requirements to check the packaging of each individual Bebeto product. The company has a broad range, and ingredients can differ based on the specific sweet and its market of sale.
Halal Certification
Bebeto proudly advertises that all its sweets are halal, making them a popular choice for consumers seeking halal-certified candies. This is achieved by using beef gelatine or plant-based alternatives in their products.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
While many of Bebeto's traditional gummy sweets contain beef gelatine, the company also offers a dedicated range of vegan-approved sweets. These vegan options use plant-based gelling agents instead of animal-derived gelatine, expanding their appeal to a wider audience.
Allergens
For those with allergies, some Bebeto products may contain allergens like wheat flour, which contains gluten. Manufacturers must disclose these on the packaging. Additionally, some products are made in facilities that handle other common allergens, leading to 'may contain' warnings. Always consult the packaging for the most accurate allergen information.
Conclusion: A Diverse and Inclusive Sweet Experience
From the basic building blocks of glucose syrup and sugar to the more specific inclusions of beef gelatine or wheat flour, the ingredients in Bebeto sweets vary considerably across their product lines. The brand's commitment to offering halal and vegan options demonstrates an understanding of diverse consumer needs. Consumers should always read the specific product's ingredient list for the most accurate details regarding allergens and dietary suitability, as this can differ from one sweet to another. By maintaining transparency and providing options for different dietary paths, Bebeto allows a wider audience to enjoy their fun and flavourful confections.
For more information on food product standards and labelling, visit the Food Standards Agency.
