You’re about to tuck into a bag of your favourite sweets, but instead of anticipation, you feel nervousness. For a lot of you, this is an everyday reality.
You can find gluten in countless snacks, which can be a hidden danger if you live with celiac disease—a condition affecting roughly 1 in 100 people in the UK.
But, don’t despair. There’s good news! You can get your mitts on hundreds of gluten-free sweets. They offer safe indulgences that don’t skimp on flavour.
From the explosion of fruity Skittles to the fizzy surprise of Flying Saucers, enjoying your favourite treats without gluten is possible and pleasurable.
Here are some top picks that keep the taste and ditch the gluten.
Why Is Gluten a No-Go for Some?
But what’s all the fuss about gluten, anyway? Well, gluten is a protein. You can find it in wheat, barley, and rye. Essentially, it’s a glue that holds bread and cakes together – it gives them that gorgeous, stretchy texture.
But not everyone can tolerate this ingredient all that well. It’s bad news for someone with celiac disease. Unfortunately, their body wrongly attacks gluten. It perceives it as a threat. When this happens, their small intestine can become damaged, leading to all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, pain, and fatigue.
Other Celiac Symptoms
Someone with celiac can experience a whole raft of symptoms. But they aren’t just digestive. Several suffer from joint pain, headaches, and even a feeling of brain fog. Plus, if you suffer from conditions like arthritis or thyroid issues, eating gluten can actually make things worse.
It's no wonder that some people decide to cut gluten out completely. Sure, part of the benefit might come from eating fewer carbs in general, but the main goal is to feel better. And isn’t that something you want? Whether it’s to dodge the discomfort or just to see if it makes a difference, scrapping gluten can be life-changing for a lot of folks.
But Why Go Gluten-Free?
Well, for starters, if you have celiac disease, you have no choice other than to side-step gluten since it triggers your immune system to go wild, causing severe damage to your digestive tract.
But it's not just about celiac. Some people find cutting out gluten helps cool down inflammation. Ditching it from your diet can also manage symptoms of other tricky conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
And even if you don’t have an autoimmune disorder, removing gluten from your diet can sometimes just make you feel better—less bloated, more active. So, a gluten-free diet isn’t a fad—actually, it can be a serious lifestyle change if you’re aiming for better health.
The Best Gluten-Free Sweets
Just because you’re cutting out gluten, doesn’t mean you’ve got to bid farewell to all things sweet. Here’s the lowdown on some excellent sweets that totally fit the gluten-free bill.
Skittles
Skittles are a hit with everyone, whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart. These little colourful gems are jam-packed with fruity flavours that totally make good on their promise to "Taste the Rainbow." And the cherry on top? They're entirely gluten-free. So go ahead, grab a handful (or three) and take a sweet ride without any gluten woes.
Starburst
Remember the '90s? Then you’ll probably recall when Starburst went under the name Opal Fruits. Yep, they swapped the name to match the U.S. branding. But those addictive flavours? Totally unchanged.
Have a favourite? Strawberry, orange, lemon—whichever you pick, it’s all good news. These chewy little bursts of joy are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. So, go on, grab a pack and relive those sweet memories or create some new ones, guilt-free!
Love Hearts
Ah, Love Hearts—those fizzy little sweets that probably remind you of exchanging candy with friends on Valentine's Day. If you haven't had the pleasure yet, you're in for a treat. Each candy comes stamped with a cheeky message, great for sparking a smile or even a giggle.
What's even better? They fit right into a gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian diet, and they're nut-free too. So, you can munch away without any qualms. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or trying them for the first time, Love Hearts are sweet, simple fun.
Millions
Could you honestly put down a bag of Millions? Good luck with that! These little chewy balls are seriously moreish. Packed with huge hits of flavour like bubble gum, strawberry, orange, blackcurrant, and cola, they’re a delight in every bite. Just get yourself a handful—or maybe four —and start chewing. Heads up, though - they’re extremely chewy, so your jaw's in for a workout. But, it’s more than worth it.
Haribo (Some Products)
Haribo — that's a name that just screams fun, right? Whether you're three or thirty-three, chances are Haribo gummies have made their way into your heart (and your shopping basket) at some point.
They're the kings of the candy world, known far and wide for their squishy, chewy, fruity goodness. And guess what? Tons of their products are gluten-free! Yep, you can chew on these favourites without care:
- Strawberries
- Starmix
- Tangfastics
- Super Kid's Mix
- Fizzy Cola Bottles
- Twin Cherries
- Rattle Snakes
Keep in mind, though — while their famous Goldbears might seem like a safe bet, the classic versions are made with glucose from wheat. So, if you're leaving gluten out, you might want to pass on those and stick to the safe list above.
Percy Pigs
It's impressive that a retail chain like Marks & Spencer became even more famous once it started selling Percy Pigs. Funnily enough, when the sweets were first launched, the bosses at M&S weren't sure they'd sell!
Percy Pigs are one of the UK's favourite sweets, and while they're expensive, the mix of foam and gummy textures is a deliciously tasty treat. With zero gluten and 100% natural flavourings, there's a reason these little pigs are so moreish.
Dulce
Who would’ve thought? Marks & Spencer hit the jackpot with Percy Pigs, even though they were a bit of a gamble at first. When these sweets first hit the shelves, the bigwigs at M&S were crossing their fingers, unsure if they’d actually catch on.
But catch on they did, and how! Percy Pigs have become a bit of a cult classic across the UK. They’re a tad pricier, sure, but oh so worth it. Not a lot beats sinking your teeth into that perfect blend of squishy foam and chewy gummy.
Plus, they’re gluten-free and made with all-natural flavours so you can eat at ease. No wonder everyone keeps coming back for more of these adorable treats!
Barratt Milk Bottles
Remember those classic milk bottle sweets? A lot of them sneak in some gluten, but Barratt has gone above and beyond. They’ve whipped up a gluten-free version that packs a powerful flavour punch. These chewy little delights are subtly sweet and safe for anyone bypassing gluten. When you pop open a bag, the only thing you’ll miss is the last piece!
Flying Saucers
Now onto a true British icon—the Flying Saucer. These aren’t your ordinary sweets. Pop one in your mouth, and it’s a whole experience. The sherbet inside starts tingling your tongue, building up to a zesty crescendo, just out of this world. And guess what? They're gluten-free and low on calories. So, if fizzy sweets are your thing, these saucers are set to soar right to the top of your snack list.
The Wrap Up
So, going gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up all the good stuff. Sweets are a staple in many of our diets, and thankfully, moderation is still the name of the game. You can absolutely indulge in new tastes and treats without feeling left out.
It’s inspiring to see how many brands are jumping on the gluten-free diets bandwagon, giving you even more options than before. For now, though, why not get yourself a pack of Flying Saucers, toss a few Skittles in your mouth, or pucker up for some Dulce sour sweets? Go ahead and treat yourself—your health is covered!