Are Smarties Gluten Free?

Smarties are a fun chocolate snack. With the rise of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, we need to ask: are Smarties gluten free?

I’ll be breaking down exactly what goes into making Smarties, helping you make an informed decision about whether or not they’re an option for your snacking needs when on a gluten free diet.

When I was a child I always received Smarties for Halloween. I even bought them at the concession stand when going to the movies. They’re so tasty!

To be honest, for a long time, I never questioned if they contained gluten because I assumed they were just chocolate with a candy coating.

What are Smarties?

Smarties are a brand of candy that was first developed in 1882 in the UK and were known as chocolate beans. They are small, round, sugar-coated chocolates that come in a variety of colors.

In 1937 they were rebranded as Smarties. (Source)

Smarties Ingredients

The ingredients in Smarties are sugar, cocoa butter, skimmed milk powder, cocoa mass, lactose and protein from whey (from milk), wheat powder, butterfat (from milk), rice starch, Emulsifier: Sunflower lecithin, fruit and vegetable concentrates (carnauba wax, bees wax), natural vanilla flavoring, invert sugar syrup. (Source)

You might have noticed in the ingredients they have something listed as wheat powder.

What is wheat powder?

I couldn’t find an exact explanation of what wheat powder is. So I am going to assume it is wheat that is finely ground into a powder. So this ingredient would have gluten in it and would not be suitable for gluten free diets.

How are Smarties Made?

Smarties are made by mixing the ingredients together and then pouring the mixture into molds. The molds are then cooled and the candies are removed. They are then coated in sugar and food coloring. 

Are Smarties Gluten Free?

Unfortunately, Nestle Smarties are not gluten free since they contain wheat powder. However, there are a few brands of candies that are similar to Smarties that are gluten free. 

Gluten Free Smarties Brands

Don’t worry, if you love Smarties and want to eat them on a gluten free diet below are a few brands you can try that are not only gluten free but contain healthier ingredients.

These would be great for Halloween and the holidays or as a fun snack. All of these brands are gluten free.

• Yumearth Choco Yums (free of peanuts, gluten, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish and soy)
• UNREAL Milk Chocolate Gems (gluten free, soy free)
• No Whey Foods Choco No No’s (dairy Free, Peanut Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, Gluten Free)

Are Smarties vegan?

No, Nestle Smarties are not vegan. They contain whey, butterfat, and beeswax.

If you refer to the list of alternative Smarties brands above, you will find vegan options.

More Is It Gluten Free Guides

• Are M&M’s Gluten Free?
• Is Milky Way Gluten Free?
• Are Snickers Gluten Free?
• Are Skittles Gluten Free?
• Are Starburst Gluten Free?

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