Swedish Fish are a chewy, sweet candy that have been around since the 1950s. But are these colorful little fish safe to eat if you have a peanut allergy? I did some research to find out.
A Brief History of Swedish Fish
Swedish Fish were first created in the 1950s by the Swedish candy company Malaco. They were brought to the United States by the Cadbury Company and production was eventually taken over by Cadbury’s subsidiary, Mondelēz International.
The fish-shaped candies come in a variety of bright colors like red, orange, and yellow Originally they had a unique lingonberry flavor, but today they are mostly known for their sweet, fruity taste Swedish Fish are chewy and made with a blend of corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and artificial flavors.
Why People With Peanut Allergies Worry About Swedish Fish
Many people with peanut allergies are understandably cautious about trying new foods especially processed snacks which can hide allergenic ingredients.
There are a few reasons why someone with a peanut allergy may be concerned that Swedish Fish contain peanuts or were contaminated with peanuts during production:
-
The chewy texture is similar to peanut butter candies or nougat which often contain peanuts.
-
Many gummy candies are made in facilities that also process peanut-containing products, putting them at risk for cross-contamination.
-
Candy packaging can sometimes be unreliable about indicating allergen information and warning labels.
So are these worries about Swedish Fish valid? Let’s explore further.
Do Swedish Fish Actually Contain Peanuts?
After thoroughly researching Swedish Fish ingredients, there is good news – Swedish Fish do not contain any peanut ingredients.
Here are the ingredients in original Swedish Fish, according to the manufacturer:
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Gelatin
- Citric acid
- Red 40
- Yellow 6
- Yellow 5
- Blue 1
- Carob bean gum
As you can see, peanuts are not listed at all in the ingredients. The corn syrup and sugar provide the sweetness, while the gelatin gives them the classic chewy Swedish Fish texture. The food dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 give the candies their bright, fruity colors.
So peanuts are definitely not directly added during Swedish Fish production. But what about cross-contamination risks?
Could Swedish Fish Be Cross-Contaminated?
Many candy factories produce multiple products on shared equipment, which introduces the risk of allergen cross-contamination. Are Swedish Fish produced in peanut-free facilities?
Unfortunately, Swedish Fish manufacturer Mondelēz does not label their candies as being produced in an allergen-free facility. While Swedish Fish ingredients are peanut-free, there is a chance they could contain trace amounts of peanuts due to shared equipment.
I contacted Mondelēz directly and they could not guarantee the Swedish Fish production process is completely peanut-free.
For example, their Sour Patch Kids are made on equipment shared with peanut products. So while the ingredients themselves are peanut-free, cross-contamination could occur.
Tips for Safely Enjoying Swedish Fish With a Peanut Allergy
While Swedish Fish themselves do not contain peanuts, the risk of trace contamination means they may not be suitable for those with severe peanut allergies. Here are some tips for enjoying them safely:
-
Carefully check the allergen labeling on Swedish Fish packaging each time before consuming.
-
Look for warning statements like “May contain peanuts” or “Made in a facility with peanuts”. Avoid consuming if these warnings are present.
-
Consider trying Swedish Fish from allergy-friendly brands like YumEarth instead, which use dedicated equipment.
-
If tolerable, consume a small amount first to test for a reaction before eating more.
-
Have epinephrine auto injectors on hand in case of an allergic reaction.
-
For young children, check with a doctor before introducing Swedish Fish or new candies into their diet.
While Swedish Fish themselves do not contain any peanut ingredients, the manufacturing processes may put them at risk for cross-contamination. Those with peanut allergies need to weigh the risks and exercise caution if choosing to eat them. Being an informed consumer, checking labels diligently, and having rescue medications available continues to be important.
Other Allergy-Friendly Swedish Fish Alternatives
For people with peanut and other food allergies looking for safer Swedish Fish options, here are some recommended alternatives:
YumEarth Organic Pops
YumEarth makes allergy-friendly gummy candies that are free of the top 9 allergens, including peanuts. Their Organic Pops come in Swedish Fish flavors like Cherry and Strawberry. They are made in a dedicated peanut-free facility.
SmartSweets Swedish Fish
SmartSweets are low-sugar Swedish Fish alternatives made without peanuts or other major allergens. They are produced in a facility free of peanuts and most other allergens.
Nutrijoy Sour Neons
Nutrijoy Sour Neons have a similar sour fruity taste to Swedish Fish. They are peanut-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
HI-CHEW Fruit Chews
HI-CHEW chewy fruit candies offer Swedish Fish-like texture and flavors. They are made in a peanut-free facility and free of most allergens. Certain flavors contain milk.
Surf Sweets Fruity Bears
Surf Sweets Fruity Bears are made with organic fruit juice and are free of peanuts, dairy, gluten, and other allergens.
Safe Swedish Fish for Halloween and Parties
Around holidays like Halloween, many people with food allergies need to carefully check candy ingredients for allergens. If you’re looking for allergy-friendly Swedish Fish to hand out or bring to parties, some good options include:
- YumEarth Organic Pops
- SmartSweets Swedish Fish
- Surf Sweets Fruity Bears
- Nutrijoy Sour Neons
When in doubt, choose Swedish Fish from brands that can guarantee production in a peanut-free facility. This helps limit risks for those with peanut and other food allergies who want to enjoy yummy Swedish Fish safely!
The Bottom Line on Peanut-Free Swedish Fish
While traditional Swedish Fish don’t actually contain peanuts as ingredients, the manufacturing processes make them risky for those with peanut allergies due to potential cross-contamination. Checking labels is important.
To be extra safe, look for Swedish Fish alternatives made by allergy-friendly brands in dedicated peanut-free facilities. With so many tasty Swedish Fish-like options available, people with food allergies don’t have to miss out!
No candy is worth an allergic reaction. By understanding Swedish Fish production methods and choosing safer alternatives, you can feel confident enjoying these chewy fish-shaped treats if you have a peanut allergy. Stay safe and keep your epinephrine auto injectors handy just in case!
Sweets sans the nine major food allergens
Every item on this page was chosen by PureWow editors, and the company may get paid through affiliate links in the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
There are 13 kids in the world who are allergic to some foods. If you want to give allergy-free candy to trick-or-treaters this year, or if someone in your family is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, or other foods, here are some of the best Halloween candies that everyone can enjoy. This list includes classics like Swedish Fish, Skittles, and even Pixy Stix! To help kids with food allergies even more, you can put a teal pumpkin outside your house every year to let people know that you’re also selling treats that aren’t food (hello, fake vampire teeth) Because it’s the ghosts that are supposed to be scary on Halloween, not the sweets.
Psst: It goes without saying that you should read the ingredient lists and labels before letting your kid dig in, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should also be aware that even if they are not listed on the ingredient label, candies can contain trace amounts of allergens if factories produce multiple products. (And “fun size” candies may be made on different equipment than their regular size counterpart, meaning brands your child previously ate without problems could cause a reaction.)
Don’t get scared! Check to see if the candy is made in a facility that is allergy-friendly and what allergens may be present. If it’s not clear from the label (which it usually is), check the company website or call them.
What Are The 9 Major Food Allergens?
Thanks to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act from 1938, all packaged food sold in the U.S. is required to identify the nine major food allergens, which cause the most severe allergic reactions triggered by foods. See the nine major food allergens, below:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish (i.e. bass, flounder, or cod)
- Crustacean shellfish (i.e. crab, lobster, shrimp)
- Tree nuts (i.e. almonds, pecans, walnuts)
- Wheat
- Peanuts
- Soybeans
- Sesame
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
People with food allergies often can’t eat chocolate, but these bars are vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. Yes, way!.
- It does not contain any milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, sesame, or shellfish.
Most food allergens are not in the classic aquatic candies. These are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Meaning that kids with these food allergies can dive in, worry-free.
- Not made with peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, fish, sesame, shellfish, or peanuts.
These bright bites are free from the most common food allergens and they’re made with real fruit juice, so they’re practically a health food. (Just divvy them into individual baggies to keep things germ-free.)
- No milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, or dairy.
Almost all little goblins and ghouls can happily tuck into these multicolored chewy candies. They don’t contain milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat or soybeans. (And even though they contain titanium dioxide, they meet FDA standards for food safety.)
- Free of: eggs, gluten, sesame, shellfish, fish, peanuts, wheat
Although not good for people with nut allergies, these chocolate-coconut bars are a great Halloween treat for kids who are allergic to eggs.
- It doesn’t have any dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, sesame, wheat, or dairy.
These gluten-free caramel cookie bars are great for everyone because they don’t have any wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, sesame, fish, shellfish, or gluten. Oh, and they’re also kosher and free from artificial dyes.
- It doesn’t have any dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, or wheat.
These guys are a classic Halloween candy (the pink and red ones, not the orange ones; no one likes those) that doesn’t contain the top eight allergens. No kid wants to feel left out.
- It doesn’t have any peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, dairy, wheat, sesame, eggs, or peanuts.
These sour candies don’t contain common allergy triggers and they’re also one of our all-time favorites. (Halloween isn’t just about the sweet stuff, you know. ).
- Free of: dairy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy
Don’t be fooled by the name—this candy is the coolest and will give you a good sugar rush for sure. It also doesn’t contain any dairy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, or soy. However, the packaging does say that Nerds may contain trace amounts of egg proteins because of how they were made.
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
No one said the classics were off-limits when it comes to allergy-friendly Halloween candy. These “milk-like chocolatey candies” are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and safe for people with allergies. They’re also easier to handle than a big candy bar when they melt.
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
How many rolls of these sugary tablets can you eat in one sitting? The limit does not exist. Good thing they’re allergen-free, vegan and made in peanut-free facilities.
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
When we talk about Smarties, these sweet-tart pops don’t have any of the eight most common allergens in them, and the soft texture won’t break anyone’s teeth in the meantime (just saying).
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
Gluten-free and free of 14 common allergens, such as dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, egg, and sesame, these chocolate bars are both crunchy and melty.
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
They’re chewy, sweet, naturally flavored and free of the top eight allergens and sesame—huzzah!
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
Not everyone is wild about chocolate, and that’s where these gummy bites come in. These O. G. Not only are Halloween candies free of the eight most common food allergens, they are also made in places that are peanut, tree nut, and gluten free.
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
If peanut butter is off limits, no worries. These chocolate cups are made with sunflower butter, which is peanut and tree nut allergy-friendly. (Psst: They’re also dairy free, made in allergy-safe facilities and kosher).
- It doesn’t have any eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, or fish.
We’ll trade you two peach and a mystery for one root beer. These mini pops don’t have any of the top eight allergens, plus sesame. They are also made in a facility that doesn’t have any peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, or sesame.
- Not made with: eggs, dairy, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, or dairy
Bubblegum on its own? Snooze. Bubblegum in a lollipop? Now you’re talking. It helps that these pops are made in facilities that are free of peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat, and they are a favorite among everyone.
- It doesn’t have any milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, or dairy.
Mike and Ikes are deliciously chewy and come in a variety of juicy flavors, but did you know they’re also a great Halloween candy choice for people with allergies? They don’t contain any dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, or wheat.
- It doesn’t have any wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish in it.
They’re basically just tubes of sour sugar, so anyone with a food allergy can have at ’em. (Just don’t come crying to us when your mouth is sore. ).
- Free of: wheat, sesame, fish, shellfish, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts
While those with dairy or soy allergies should abstain, Tootsie Rolls are loved by many.
- Free of: peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat
Theyre fruity and super chewy… whats not to like?
- Not made with sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, or wheat.
No matter if you had allergies or not, these fruity, stretchy taffy bars were always a fun surprise in your party bag at the end of the night.
