Are jelly beans gluten free? Why yes! Yes, they are. The Jelly Bean Factory’s gourmet jelly beans are gluten-free, but you may be wondering how they get to be so flavorful and have the right texture without using gluten.
Well, don’t you worry about a thing. We are going to talk about how our jelly beans are gluten-free and what makes them so tasty. So, sit back, relax and grab a snack…maybe some gluten free gourmet jelly beans!.
What is gluten? Why is it in my jelly beans? Or not in my jelly beans? Gluten is a protein that is found in barley and wheat. It’s used in food manufacturing to help foods hold their shape. Gluten is a sticky substance that can help foods keep their shape, like jelly beans, and keep their signature big flavor.
Unfortunately, not everyone can eat gluten. Gluten intolerance is very common and can cause some of our consumers pain or discomfort. Sometimes, gluten can lead to Coeliac Disease, which means your body doesn’t accept gluten. This means you can’t absorb nutrients and can get very sick.
We want as many people as possible to enjoy our tasty gourmet jelly beans here at The Jelly Bean Factory. So, we sent our jelly bean scientists to find a way to make our jelly beans without gluten. They had to be safe for everyone to eat and still have that huge flavour. Were they successful? Yes! Thanks to a little thing called glucose syrup.
Jelly beans are a beloved candy for many people across all ages. Their bright colors, sweet flavors, and chewy texture make them an irresistible treat. But for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, enjoying jelly beans often comes with hesitation due to concerns over gluten content. So are all jelly beans actually gluten-free? Let’s take a comprehensive look.
The Basics: Ingredients in Jelly Beans
The core ingredients in basic jelly bean recipes are relatively straightforward
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Starch
- Food coloring
- Flavorings
None of these typical ingredients contain gluten. However, some brands may use wheat starch or maltodextrin derived from wheat, barley, or rye. This is why it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the label and contact manufacturers about sourcing. Cross-contamination is also a potential issue in facilities that process other products containing gluten.
Popular Gluten-Free Jelly Bean Brands
Fortunately, many major jelly bean brands specifically formulate their recipes to be gluten-free:
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Jelly Belly – Their beans do not contain wheat, rye, barley or oats. They use cornstarch for the starch component. Jelly Belly has gluten-free certification from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
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Starburst – Starburst jelly beans do not contain any gluten ingredients. However, they don’t have GFCO certification, so there may be some risk of cross-contamination.
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Jolly Rancher – According to the company, Jolly Rancher jelly beans are gluten-free to at least 20ppm They are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility
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SmartSweets – This brand offers jelly beans sweetened with stevia instead of sugar. They are certified gluten-free to under 10ppm
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Surf Sweets – Surf Sweets are made in a dedicated gluten-free and allergen-free facility. Their jelly beans are GFCO certified with undetectable levels of gluten.
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Albanese – Albanese tests their jelly beans to ensure an undetectable gluten threshold below 5ppm. They are produced in a gluten-free facility.
Less Common Gluten-Free Options
Beyond the major brands, you can also find gluten-free jelly beans from:
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YumEarth – Organic jelly beans made with real fruit juices and natural colors. GFCO certified.
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Goody Good Stuff – These jelly beans are gelatin-free and made with fruit pectin instead of corn syrup. Produced in a gluten-free facility.
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Patch – Allergen-friendly jelly beans that are free of the top 9 allergens, including wheat. Made in a dedicated facility.
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Jelly Belly Sport Beans – A version of Jelly Belly beans formulated for athletes. Gluten-free with added vitamins and electrolytes.
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Unreal – Unreal makes gluten-free vegan jelly beans without corn syrup or artificial colors and flavors.
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Candy Tree – Specialty candy company offering gourmet gluten-free jelly beans in unique flavors like lavender honey and wild raspberry.
What to Look For When Buying
When purchasing jelly beans, be vigilant in checking labels for gluten-containing ingredients. Phrases like “made in a gluten-free facility” and certifications like GFCO are reassuring. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about testing protocols and the risk of cross-contamination in production. Also be cautious of bulk jelly beans from unlabeled bins, as their contents are unclear. Your safest bet is choosing a reputable brand that’s transparent about gluten-free status.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Jelly Beans
If you enjoy DIY projects, it’s possible to create your own customized gluten-free jelly beans at home. Look for simple recipes that use cornstarch instead of wheat starch. Make sure all the ingredients, like flavors and colors, are gluten-free. Choose pure juices or extracts over artificial flavorings that may contain hidden gluten. Use designated kitchen tools and thoroughly clean surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
Are Sugar-Free Jelly Beans Gluten-Free?
Many brands now offer sugar-free or reduced sugar jelly beans for people monitoring their sugar intake. Options like SmartSweets, Surf Sweets, and Goody Good Stuff make their sugar-free beans gluten-free as well. However, always verify the specific products, as formulas can vary. Some sugar-free candies use barley malt as a sweetener, which is not gluten-free.
The Bottom Line
While it’s smart to scrutinize labels and ask questions, many major jelly bean makers offer gluten-free varieties perceptive to food allergies and intolerances. Popular brands like Jelly Belly, Starburst, and Jolly Rancher are safe, reliable picks for gluten-free diets, alongside specialty brands tailored to food restrictions. With the right awareness and diligence, those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can enjoy the delightful colors and flavors of jelly beans. A grab bag of these chewy candies can be a delightful gluten-free treat.
What Is Glucose Syrup?
What is glucose syrup? Let’s start at the beginning. What is glucose? Glucose is sugar that the body needs to function. Glucose is found in a variety of different foods that the body breaks down into the necessary sugars we need.
What is glucose syrup and how does it work? And what is it doing in my jelly beans! We use these broken down, naturally occurring sugars to make glucose syrup. Glucose syrup isn’t quite the same as just glucose. Glucose is a carb found in most foods that the body has to break down to process. Glucose syrup is made by breaking down the glucose in these products. It is mainly found in starchy plants, such as corn and potatoes.
Our jelly bean scientists can use a process called hydrolysis to start a reaction that pulls out the glucose and makes a thick, sweet, gluten-free substance. This substance can then be used for all sorts of things. Unlike sugar, glucose syrup doesn’t crystalize or harden so it can be used to retain moisture.
That’s how we make sure that our jelly bean jars are always full of soft, juicy jelly that doesn’t lose its great taste. Glucose syrup can also be used as a thickening agent, much like gluten. Unlike gluten, glucose syrup isn’t made from wheat-based products.
Is Glucose Syrup Dangerous?
No, glucose syrup is not dangerous. Glucose syrup is perfectly safe if consumed responsibly. Glucose is a necessary sugar the human body needs to function. Of course, eating too much of anything can be harmful and glucose syrup is no exception. So, as irresistible as our gourmet jelly beans are, always munch responsibly.
I Tried EVERY Jelly Bean Flavor
FAQ
Can celiacs eat jelly?
Are Starbursts jelly beans gluten-free?
Which jelly beans are gluten-free?
Does Jelly Bean Factory have gluten?
Which Jelly Bean brands are gluten-free?
Jelly Belly, Starburst, and Surf Sweets are some popular gluten-free jelly bean brands. These brands prioritize gluten-free ingredients and provide clear labeling for consumers.
Are beans gluten free?
Beans should be gluten free, since they do not contain any wheat gluten. However, it is important to read labels, especially for canned beans because there might be additives that add gluten. Some of the additives to look out for are wheat starch, wheat flour, or any other wheat additives that could contain gluten. Your best bet is to look for canned beans labelled gluten free. Dry beans can also become contaminated with gluten if there is any cross-contamination with wheat during processing. The best bet is to wash beans before use, this should get rid of any potential gluten on dry beans.
Are gluten-free Jelly Beans vegan?
Yes, gluten-free jelly beans can be suitable for a vegan diet, as they do not contain any animal products. However, it’s always best to check the ingredients and contact the manufacturer to confirm their vegan status. 11. Do specialty candy shops carry a wide variety of gluten-free jelly bean options?
Are Jelly Belly beans gluten-free?
According to the Jelly Belly website, their jelly beans are gluten-free. Here is their official statement: “While each Jelly Belly flavor is unique, there are several characteristics all our Jelly Belly beans share. All our candies are gluten-free, peanut-free, dairy-free, fat-free and vegetarian-friendly. Neat, right?”