Which Haribo products are gluten-free?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official company FAQs, the gluten-free status of Haribo candies varies significantly depending on the country of manufacture. Therefore, knowing which Haribo products are gluten-free requires careful attention to regional differences and product labeling.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of Haribo candies is not universal and is influenced by location and manufacturing practices. Many products are considered gluten-free in some regions, but label checks are essential due to variations and cross-contamination risks.

Key Points

Regional Variations: The gluten-free status of Haribo products changes significantly based on the country of production, so a product safe in the US may not be in Australia.
Check the Label: Always verify the current ingredient list on the product packaging, even for items you have purchased before, as recipes can change.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared manufacturing facilities, Haribo acknowledges that some products may contain traces of gluten, which is a concern for those with celiac disease.
Safe US Options: Many standard gummy candies in the US, like Goldbears and Happy Cola, are generally considered gluten-free based on ingredients.
Avoid These Products: Candies containing wheat flour, such as Licorice Wheels and Sour S'ghetti, should be avoided entirely.
UK Imports: In the UK, be cautious of imported products, which may carry cross-contamination warnings even if the locally made version is safe.

Regional Differences in Haribo's Gluten-Free Status

Navigating the world of Haribo products can be complex for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, primarily because the recipes and manufacturing processes differ greatly across international markets. What is considered gluten-free in the United States may contain gluten in Australia, and vice versa. This is due to local ingredient sourcing and production methods. For instance, while many Haribo products in the US and UK are manufactured without gluten-containing ingredients, the company often cannot guarantee against trace amounts due to shared equipment. Haribo Australia is more explicit, stating they do not have any gluten-free products due to the use of wheat-based ingredients in their facilities. This highlights why reading the label for the specific product and market is the most critical step.

Haribo Products Typically Considered Gluten-Free (USA)

In the United States, a number of Haribo products are widely considered gluten-free, though as always, consumers should verify the latest packaging information. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires any product labeled 'gluten-free' to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Based on current information and common formulations, many of the classic gummy candies fall into this category. These products typically use corn-derived glucose syrup instead of wheat-based alternatives. A comprehensive list often includes:

Goldbears (often debated due to wheat-derived glucose, but generally considered safe for celiacs due to refining)
Happy Cola
Happy Cherries
Twin Snakes
Peaches
Alphabet Letters
Fruity-Fruitti
TropiFrutti
Strawberries & Cream

Haribo Products Known to Contain Gluten

Not all Haribo products are safe for a gluten-free diet. Certain candies specifically contain wheat flour as an ingredient. These should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Notable gluten-containing products include:

Licorice Wheels: Both the Black and Red Licorice Wheels contain wheat flour.
Sour S'ghetti: This product also contains wheat flour.
Fruity Pasta: Similar to the above, this candy lists wheat flour as an ingredient.
Pontefract Cakes (UK): A specific product primarily available in the UK that contains wheat.
Konfekt: Some variations of this product may contain milk and gluten.

Decoding Haribo Labels and Cross-Contamination

For individuals with celiac disease, reading the label goes beyond just checking the ingredients. The company's stance on cross-contamination is equally important. Haribo has stated on various regional FAQ pages that because wheat-based products are produced in their facilities, cross-contamination cannot be entirely ruled out. This means that for some, the risk is too great, even if the primary ingredients are gluten-free. For the safest approach, look for products that are explicitly certified gluten-free by a third-party organization, though this is rare for Haribo. The company does highlight allergens in bold on its packaging, making it easier for consumers to spot wheat-based ingredients.

UK Specifics: The Starmix Example

In the UK, the situation can be different. Products like Starmix and Tangfastics are often listed as gluten-free, as the UK-manufactured versions do not contain gluten as an ingredient. However, a key caveat is that imported versions of the same products may carry a 'may contain traces of gluten' warning. This is a perfect example of why the consumer must check the specific packaging of the product they are buying, rather than relying on a general assumption.

Comparison Table: Haribo Gluten Status by Region


Product	USA	UK	Australia
Goldbears	Considered gluten-free but check label; uses refined wheat glucose	Majority are gluten-free, check for imported versions	Not considered gluten-free
Starmix	Check label; may contain wheat	Made gluten-free in UK, but check for imported versions	Not considered gluten-free
Happy Cola	Considered gluten-free	Considered gluten-free	Not considered gluten-free
Sour S'ghetti	Contains wheat; not gluten-free	Contains wheat; not gluten-free	Not considered gluten-free
Licorice Wheels	Contains wheat; not gluten-free	Contains wheat; not gluten-free	Not considered gluten-free
Twin Snakes	Considered gluten-free	Considered gluten-free	Not considered gluten-free

Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Gluten-Free Haribo Fans

Determining which Haribo products are gluten-free is not a straightforward task. While many classic gummy candies are made without gluten-containing ingredients in the US and UK, regional variations and the potential for cross-contamination from shared facilities mean you must always check the label. The safest approach is to stick to products clearly listed on official regional Haribo websites or to contact the company directly if you have severe sensitivities. The Haribo FAQs provide an essential starting point for your research. Always be vigilant, read the ingredients, and be aware of where your candy was produced.

Frequently Asked Questions

The gluten-free status of Goldbears is complex. In the US, they are generally considered gluten-free, despite using a wheat-derived glucose syrup. The refining process is believed to remove gluten proteins, making them safe for many celiacs. However, check the package for any cross-contamination warnings.

Haribo products known to contain wheat flour include Licorice Wheels (black and red), Sour S'ghetti, Fruity Pasta, and in the UK, Pontefract Cakes. These should be avoided by anyone following a gluten-free diet.

In the UK, the majority of Starmix is produced without gluten-containing ingredients and is considered gluten-free. However, imported varieties may carry a 'may contain' warning. In other regions like the US or Australia, you must check the specific packaging, as ingredient lists differ.

Yes, Haribo uses wheat-based ingredients, such as wheat flour, in some of their products. They also use glucose syrup derived from wheat in certain recipes, though this ingredient is highly refined and typically considered safe for celiacs.

Haribo cannot guarantee all products are free from gluten because they use ingredients containing wheat in some products within their facilities. This creates a risk of cross-contamination, and as a precaution, they may state that products could contain traces of gluten.

Yes, there are significant differences. While many products are made without gluten ingredients in both regions, the specific recipes and cross-contamination warnings vary. For example, Haribo UK states its locally manufactured products are gluten-free (except Pontefract Cakes), but imported items may not be.

The safest method is to read the ingredient label on every package, every time. For those with severe sensitivities, checking the official regional Haribo website's FAQ section for allergen information and contacting customer service can provide additional reassurance.