The Core Components of Rowntree's Randoms
Rowntree's Randoms are primarily composed of glucose syrup, sugar, and gelatine. Glucose syrup and sugar provide the sweetness and chewy texture. Gelatine, a thickening agent derived from animal collagen, is crucial for the jelly-like consistency and makes the sweets unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Gelatine and Dietary Concerns
The presence of gelatine confirms that Rowntree's Randoms are not vegetarian. Plant-based gelling agents like carrageenan are also present. A vegan alternative, Rowntree's Pick & Mix, is available.
Flavour and Colour from Natural Sources
Flavouring in Randoms comes from concentrated fruit juices and natural flavourings. Colours are derived from natural fruit and vegetable concentrates like black carrot, hibiscus, and paprika extract, along with spirulina concentrate. This ensures the sweets are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Common fruit flavours include:
- Apple
- Blackcurrant
- Lemon
- Lime
- Mandarin
- Orange
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
List of Common Ingredients Found in Randoms
Key ingredients in Randoms include sweeteners such as Glucose Syrup and Sugar, Gelatine as the gelling agent, and various Acids like Citric and Malic Acid. Fruit components include concentrated juices and fruit and vegetable concentrates. Other ingredients are Glycerol as a humectant, various Vegetable Oils, Acidity Regulators like Sodium Citrate, Stabilisers such as Carrageenan, Carnauba Wax as a glazing agent, and natural Colours including Paprika Extract and Curcumin.
Comparing Different Randoms Variants
Ingredient lists can vary slightly between Randoms variants like 'Fizzy Cactuz' or 'Foamies'. While core ingredients are similar, specific acids, flavourings, and concentrates differ. This table outlines some distinctions:
| Ingredient Category | Standard Randoms (Jellies) | Fizzy Cactuz Randoms | Foamies Randoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Chewy jellies, foam-backed jellies | Fizzy, tangy jellies | Soft, foamy sweets |
| Key Acids | Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid | Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid | Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid |
| Unique Additives | Contains Stabilisers (Carrageenan, Locust Bean Gum) | Contains Spirulina Extract | Uses Palm Oil and Black Carrot Juice Concentrate |
| Special Flavours | Blackcurrant, Lemon, Strawberry, etc. | Raspberry, Kiwi, Passionfruit, Lime | Assorted fruit and creamy flavours |
Production and Safety Warnings
Randoms are made with natural ingredients and are free from artificial additives. A safety warning advises supervision for children under 4 due to choking risk.
Why Are Ingredients Important?
Knowing the ingredients is vital for allergy awareness and dietary restrictions like vegetarianism (due to gelatine).
Conclusion
Rowntree's Randoms contain glucose syrup, sugar, gelatine, fruit juice concentrates, and various additives. Natural sources provide flavours and colours, but gelatine makes them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. This combination creates the diverse range of Randoms.
More Information
Detailed product and nutritional information for Rowntree's Randoms is available on the {Link: Nestle Confectionery website https://www.nestle-confectionery.co.uk/brands/rowntrees/products/rowntrees-randoms-150g}.
