Are Twizzlers gluten free?
Everyone loves a sweet treat now and again, and licorice is a hit with a lot of people. But is it safe for anyone on a gluten free diet? The short answer is no - Twizzlers are NOT gluten free. Keep reading more to find out why…
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Is licorice gluten free?
Licorice is a super popular candy, especially the Twizzlers brand, but it’s one product you have to be really, really careful about if you’re on a gluten free diet.
Why is that? Well, a lot of brands contain gluten, so they are not safe for anyone on a gluten free diet. But don’t worry - I’ll let you know which brands you can and can’t eat!
But first, a little background on licorice…
What is licorice?
Licorice root, in its natural form, is cultivated in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It’s used as a flavouring in candies, foods, drinks and even tobacco products.
It’s also been used historically to treat issues with the liver, lungs, kidneys and circulatory system. Present day, it can be used as a supplement for digestive issues, menopause symptoms, and minor bacterial and viral infections (but hey, I’m no doctor - so talk to yours about this, okay?).
Licorice candy, what most people think of, is flavoured using licorice extract - but only the black licorice versions. The other flavours, such as the ever popular red Twizzlers, don’t contain any licorice at all! And to make it even more hilarious, sometimes licorice extract isn’t even in it - anise oil is used instead, which tastes and smells similar.
Is licorice good for you?
Licorice root, in its natural form and taken as a supplement, may have some health benefits, but that’s honestly up for you and your medical practitioner to decide. (There are also many risks to taking it, so please do your research and talk to an expert.)
There’s a rumour out there that licorice candy is good for you, probably because it may contain licorice extract, but let me clear this up for you:
Licorice candies are NOT healthy. They are still a sugary confection, and while very delicious, have no health benefits. (I still eat the gluten free versions though, because everyone deserves a treat now and again!)
Twizzlers ingredients
The sad fact is that Twizzlers are not gluten free. The reason? They all contain wheat flour. Such a bummer, I know!
Here’s what the classic strawberry Twizzlers are made of:
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Artificial flavour
- Citric acid
- Artificial colour
- Mineral oil
- Lecithin
Rainbow Twizzlers, Pull and Peel Cherry Twizzlers and Black Licorice Twizzlers all contain wheat flour.
Twizzlers products are NOT gluten free and SHOULD NOT be eaten by anyone on a strict gluten free diet.
Are Red Vines gluten free?
Red Vines are another popular licorice candy that come in both classic strawberry red and black licorice flavours.
Unfortunately, all Red Vines licorice products contain wheat flour and are not safe for anyone on a gluten free diet.
Gluten free licorice
This post feels a little bit doom and gloom, since both Twizzlers and Red Vines licorice products are not gluten free. I won’t leave you hanging since I have a list of gluten free Twizzler substitutes that you CAN eat!
Here’s a list of gluten free licorice you can safely eat without getting sick:
- Yum Earth: this brand is fantastic. All of their products are gluten free, as well as nut free and dairy free! Try these licorice products:
- Yum Earth Organic Gluten Free Strawberry Licorice
- Yum Earth Organic Gluten Free Pomegranate Licorice
- Yum Earth Organic Gluten Free Black Licorice
- Smart Sweets Red Twists: gluten free, no artificial sweetners and 90% less sugar than other brands.
- Gimbals Scottie Dogs Black Licorice & Strawberry Licorice: both of these products are gluten free and dairy free. They are also shaped like little dogs - who wouldn’t fall in love with that?!
Happy snacking!
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