What are the ingredients in Bon Bon Bum?

December 30, 2025 •

2 min read

First launched in Colombia in the 1970s, the iconic lollipop brand Bon Bon Bum has sold over 2 billion units annually worldwide. But what are the ingredients in Bon Bon Bum that create its signature fruity shell and bubble gum core, and what variations exist across its popular flavors?

Quick Summary

A comprehensive look at Bon Bon Bum's ingredients, covering the hard candy shell, bubble gum center, flavor differences, common additives, and allergen information.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The base recipe for all Bon Bon Bum lollipops includes sugar, glucose syrup, a non-edible gum base, and water.
Flavor Variations: Distinct flavors like Strawberry, Mandarin, and Lulo use unique artificial flavorings and specific combinations of food acids and colorants.
Common Additives: Food acids like citric acid (E330) provide tartness, while emulsifiers such as soy lecithin (E322) ensure a smooth texture.
Potential Allergens: Bon Bon Bum products contain soy and are manufactured in facilities that process peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and wheat, posing a risk of cross-contamination.
Artificial Colors: Various artificial dyes are used, including Allura Red (E129), which carries a warning in some regions about its potential effects on children's attention.
Dietary Status: Due to the risk of cross-contamination with milk and gluten in the manufacturing facility, the product may not be suitable for individuals with strict vegan or gluten-free diets.
Nutritional Profile: Bon Bon Bum is high in sugar, with very little to no fat, protein, or fiber.

The Core Components of the Bon Bon Bum Lollipop

Every Bon Bon Bum lollipop features a hard candy shell and a bubble gum filling.

Sweeteners and Syrups

Sugar, glucose syrup (or corn syrup), and sometimes invert sugar provide sweetness and texture. Glucose syrup helps maintain the candy's smooth texture.

The Bubble Gum Center

The chewy center is made from a non-edible gum base, along with water and soy lecithin as an emulsifier.

The Flavor-Specific Ingredients

Each flavor incorporates unique ingredients for its distinct taste and appearance.

Acids and Acidity Regulators

Citric acid (E330) provides tartness.

Artificial Flavors and Colors

Various artificial flavors and colors are used, including Allura Red AC (E129), Brilliant Blue FCF (E133), and Tartrazine (E102). Titanium dioxide (E171) is used for opacity. Allura Red (E129) may carry a warning in some regions regarding potential effects on children's activity.

Common Allergens and Dietary Concerns

Bon Bon Bum products contain soy lecithin and are made in facilities that also process common allergens.

Allergen Warning

Colombina's manufacturing facilities handle peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, and wheat, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

Is Bon Bon Bum Vegan and Gluten-Free?

Manufacturer warnings about potential traces of milk and wheat mean Bon Bon Bum may not be suitable for those with severe allergies or strict vegan/gluten-free diets.

Bon Bon Bum Flavor Ingredient Comparison

The full comparison of Bon Bon Bum flavors can be found on {Link: Colombina Bon Bon Bum Pops - Assorted Flavors, 24 France https://www.ubuy.fr/en/product/OPUVCC-colombina-bon-bon-bum-pops-24-ea}.

Conclusion: More Than Just Sugar and Gum

Bon Bon Bum lollipops are complex confections with a consistent base of sugar, syrup, and gum base. Consumers should be aware of the soy lecithin content and potential cross-contamination with allergens like milk, gluten, and nuts. Understanding what are the ingredients in Bon Bon Bum is important for those with dietary restrictions.

Colombina official site

Frequently Asked Questions

The gum base in Bon Bon Bum is a non-digestible, non-edible mixture of elastic compounds that provide the chewiness. Its exact composition is proprietary but is a standard component found in most chewing gums.

Bon Bon Bum products contain soy lecithin and may be manufactured on shared equipment with milk, egg, and other allergens, according to manufacturer warnings. Therefore, they are not strictly vegan due to the risk of cross-contamination, even if the primary ingredients are plant-based.

While some versions might be marketed as gluten-free, the manufacturer states they are produced in a facility that also processes wheat and gluten. As a result, those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should avoid them due to the risk of cross-contamination.

The specific colors vary by flavor, but common artificial dyes include Allura Red (E129), Brilliant Blue FCF (E133), Tartrazine (E102), and Sunset Yellow (E110). Some regional labels carry a warning about the potential effects of E129 on children's activity.

Yes, soy lecithin is a listed ingredient in Bon Bon Bum and serves as an emulsifier to ensure proper ingredient mixing.

Yes, individuals with allergies to soy, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, or tree nuts should be aware that Bon Bon Bum is made in facilities that handle these allergens. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination.

In addition to regular sugar, Bon Bon Bum contains glucose syrup (or corn syrup) and invert sugar, which contribute to its texture and sweetness.