Which gummies are gluten-free? A comprehensive guide for safe snacking

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, many popular candies, including gummies, are naturally gluten-free but careful label-reading is essential to avoid hidden gluten sources and cross-contamination. Navigating the candy aisle requires vigilance to determine which gummies are gluten-free, as certain ingredients and manufacturing processes can pose a significant risk to those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to identify safe, gluten-free gummies by checking for certifications and specific ingredients. It also lists popular brands with gluten-free options and highlights the risks of cross-contamination.

Key Points

Check for Certification: The most reliable gummies are those with a certified gluten-free label from organizations like GFCO.
Read All Ingredient Labels: Always inspect the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources, even with trusted brands or typically safe products.
Identify Gluten Sources: Look out for ingredients such as wheat starch, malt extract, and undisclosed 'modified food starch'.
Understand Cross-Contamination: Be aware of products made on shared equipment with gluten; this risk is a serious concern for individuals with celiac disease.
Verify Regional Differences: The gluten-free status of some international brands, like Haribo, can vary by country, so check the packaging specific to your region.
Consider Vegan Gummies: Many plant-based gummies use pectin instead of gelatin, which often makes them naturally gluten-free; however, verification is still required.
Scrutinize Gummy Vitamins: Just like candy, gummy vitamins can contain gluten. Choose brands known for their gluten-free options, such as SmartyPants or Nordic Naturals.

Navigating the Gummy Aisle: What to Look For

For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the journey through the candy aisle can be fraught with uncertainty. While the core ingredients of many gummies—sugar, gelatin, flavoring—are inherently gluten-free, manufacturers often use additives or shared equipment that can introduce gluten. A successful gluten-free diet relies on diligent label reading and understanding the key warning signs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard for a gluten-free label is less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is a safe threshold for most individuals with celiac disease. However, not all products carry this certification, making it vital to know what ingredients to scrutinize.

Key Ingredients to Watch For

Certain ingredients are red flags when seeking safe gummies. Avoiding these is a primary step to ensure your snack is gluten-free:

Malt Extract or Syrup: Often derived from barley, this is a definite source of gluten.
Wheat Starch: Used as a binder or thickener, this is a common gluten source found in some gummy products, especially international varieties of brands like Haribo.
Modified Food Starch: If not specified as being derived from a gluten-free source like corn or potato, this can potentially contain gluten. Always check with the manufacturer if the source isn't listed.
Natural Flavors: This broad term can sometimes hide gluten-derived components. For severe sensitivity, contacting the company for clarification is best.

The Critical Role of Certified Labels

The most reliable way to guarantee a product is gluten-free is to look for a third-party certification. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) and the Celiac Support Association (CSA) are well-known certifying bodies. Products with these symbols have been independently tested and verified to meet strict gluten-free standards. Relying on an official certification removes much of the guesswork associated with reading ingredient lists and navigating cross-contamination risks.

Popular Brands Offering Gluten-Free Gummies

Fortunately, a growing number of brands cater to the gluten-free community. Here are some popular options based on manufacturer claims and gluten-free organizations:

Albanese Candy: Known for its wide variety of flavors, Albanese states that their gummies are gluten-free and fat-free, proudly displaying the claim on their website.
Enjoy Life Foods: This brand specializes in allergen-free products, including certified gluten-free chocolate snacks.
Jelly Belly: Most Jelly Belly jelly beans and candies are famously gluten-free, as well as being free of many other common allergens.
Smarties: All Smarties candy produced in the United States is gluten-free, vegan, and free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy. Note: Smarties produced in Canada are not gluten-free, which highlights the need to check labels based on your region.
Tootsie Roll Industries: The company states that as of September 2025, all of their confections are gluten-free, and they do not use any gluten-containing components.
Surf Sweets: This brand offers several certified gluten-free gummy options, including their Fruity Bears and Gummy Worms.
YumEarth: This brand is top 10 allergen-free and offers a wide array of organic, gluten-free candies, including gummies.
Haribo (U.S. Version): Some Haribo products, particularly the U.S. version of their Goldbears, are considered gluten-free. However, due to regional variations and cross-contamination risks, it's crucial to check the specific package you are purchasing.

Gummy Vitamins: An Often-Overlooked Category

Beyond candy, many people take gummy vitamins, and these also need to be vetted for gluten. Several reputable brands offer certified gluten-free options, and it's always wise to check the label for any binders or thickeners that might contain gluten. Notable gluten-free gummy vitamin brands include:

SmartyPants: This brand offers a range of gluten-free gummies for adults and children.
Nordic Naturals: Their gummy vitamins are specifically labeled gluten- and dairy-free.
Nature's Way: Known for high-quality supplements, they offer many gluten-free gummy formulations.

Comparison of Gummy Options


Feature	Albanese Gummy Bears	Haribo Goldbears (U.S.)	SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins	Vegan Gummies (Pectin-based)
Certified Gluten-Free?	Claimed on Website	Claimed for U.S. Version	Yes	Needs Verification
Vegan Status	No (Contains Gelatin)	No (Contains Gelatin)	No (Contains Gelatin, unless specified)	Yes
Cross-Contamination Risk	Low, based on manufacturer claims	Possible due to shared equipment; check label	Low due to certification and testing	Varies by manufacturer
Common Use	Candy	Candy	Supplement	Vegan Candy

The Real Risk of Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a reaction. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten-free products are processed on the same equipment or in the same facility as gluten-containing items. Some companies are transparent about this risk, while others may not be. For example, some brands manufacture both gluten-free and gluten-containing products on shared lines. If you have a severe gluten allergy, look for products that explicitly state they are manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility or carry a third-party certification that guarantees minimal risk.

Conclusion: Your Guide to a Gluten-Free Treat

Enjoying gummies on a gluten-free diet is absolutely possible with a bit of informed caution. The most critical steps are to thoroughly read all labels, specifically checking for ingredients like wheat starch and malt. Always prioritize products with a third-party gluten-free certification, as this provides the highest level of assurance against cross-contamination. With a wealth of safe and delicious options from candy to vitamins, including brands like Albanese, Smarties (U.S.), and specific offerings from Haribo (U.S.), you can confidently satisfy your sweet tooth while staying true to your dietary needs. Always remember that when in doubt, reaching out to the manufacturer is the safest route to a worry-free snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all gummy candies are automatically gluten-free. While many base ingredients are, gluten can be introduced through additives like wheat-based glucose syrup, flavorings, or cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Some Haribo products, like the Goldbears sold in the U.S., are considered gluten-free. However, formulations differ by region, and many versions sold internationally contain wheat starch. Always check the label on the specific package you are purchasing.

If a product is not labeled as gluten-free, modified food starch could potentially be derived from wheat. Reputable brands will specify the source (e.g., 'corn starch') or carry a gluten-free certification. It is best to contact the manufacturer to be certain.

Some gummy vitamins do contain gluten, often in binders or fillers, while many others are specifically formulated and labeled as gluten-free. Check brands known for gluten-free options, like SmartyPants, Nordic Naturals, or OLLY.

Cross-contamination is the risk that a gluten-free product comes into contact with gluten during production if processed on shared equipment. This is a serious concern for individuals with celiac disease, who should look for products with third-party gluten-free certification.

Gummies made with pectin are often vegan and do not contain gelatin, which does not contain gluten. However, they are not guaranteed to be gluten-free, as other ingredients or cross-contamination could still be an issue. Always confirm with the manufacturer.

This type of statement is not a regulated claim and does not guarantee the absence of cross-contamination. For those with a severe gluten sensitivity, a third-party 'certified gluten-free' label is the safest option.