Are smarties candy gluten-free?

Have you ever wondered if Smarties are gluten-free? Find out the answer and more about these popular little candies.

Smarties in the U.S. are a type of sweet, tropical candy in the shape of little tablets in various colors. They come wrapped in clear plastic in little rolls and are a popular candy, especially around Halloween. But did you know these aren't the only candy named Smarties?

A bag of halloween smarties opened with a few rolls spilled out along with one busted showing the little pieces of smarties candy.

Jump to:

Are Smarties gluten-free?
Smarties in the U.S.
Smarties in Canada and other countries.
Ingredients in Smarties.
Allergy-friendly candy.
Conclusion.
More gluten-free foods.
Comments and Ratings

Are Smarties gluten-free?

The answer to whether or not smarties are gluten-free lies in where in the world you are buying smarties candies and which variety. Smarties candies can either be wafer sugar candies or candy-coated chocolate candy.

Smarties in the U.S.

In the U.S., Smarties are small little pieces of tropical candy that come in six different flavors. These flavors are orange, pineapple, cherry, strawberry, grape, and orange cream, with each flavor a different color.

Smarties in Canada and other countries.

Smarties outside of the United States, for example, in Canada, are actually little candy-coated chocolate pieces. These are similar to M&M's.
These chocolate smarties contain wheat flour, which makes them not gluten-free and not safe for those on a gluten-free diet to consume. So be sure you are always checking ingredient labels when you are looking at candy from different places around the world.

Note: these chocolate candies are also popular in the UK, Germany, Australia, and other countries.

Ingredients in Smarties.

Looking at this bag of Halloween Smarties candies bought in the U.S., the ingredients are as follows.

Dextrose, citric acid, calcium stearate, natural and artificial flavors, color (red 40 lake, yellow 5 lake, yellow 6, lake blue 2.)
According to the packaging, smarties do not contain wheat or gluten ingredients.

Up close look at the label on a bag of smarties candy.

Note: Smarties packaging is not labeled certified gluten-free.

Allergy-friendly candy.

In the U.S., according to their manufacturer, "Smarties^® and our entire line of products are free from the nine major food allergens. All products are free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame." (https://www.smarties.com/our-candy/)
With that, it makes smarties safe for people with various food allergies and intolerances to consume them safely.
Smarties are even considered vegan candy.

Note: Smarties (in the U.S.) do contain corn or corn derivatives, so smarties are not considered grain-free, but they are gluten-free.

Looking down on a bag of Smarties candy in their trick or treat bag.

Conclusion.

Smarties, tropical wafer candy sold in the U.S., are gluten-free free and safe to consume on a gluten-free diet. Smarties chocolate candies sold around the world are not gluten-free and should not be consumed on a gluten-free diet.

More gluten-free foods.

Find out if your favorite candy and foods are actually gluten-free. Don't see one you want to know about? Feel free to ask, and I will see what I can find out.