Sour Patch Kids – one of the most popular sour candies in the USA, with the signature “sour then sweet taste” and chewy texture. A favorite with kids and adults alike. But for those following a special diet (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), you may be wondering: Are Sour Patch Kids vegan? Are Sour Patch Kids gluten-free? We’re here to clarify.

What Are Sour Patch Kids Made Of?

Before we jump into the main questions, let’s quickly look at what is found in original Sour Patch Kids (U.S. version):

• Sugar
• Invert sugar
• Corn syrup
• Modified corn starch
• Tartaric acid
• Citric acid
• Natural and artificial flavor
• Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1

Now, let’s break down the answers.

Are Sour Patch Kids Vegan?

Short Answer: Yes, technically speaking, but with a couple of caveats.

Sour Patch Kids do not contain gelatin, which is a very common non-vegan ingredient found in gummy candies. They do utilize modified corn starch for texture.
So ingredient-wise, they seem vegan.

However, here’s the disclaimer:

• Sugar: For producers in the USA, the sugar used can be produced with bone char (animal bones), which does not make it vegan. Unfortunately, this info isn’t typically disclosed on the label.
• Artificial Colors (ex. Red 40, Yellow 5): These artificial colors are made synthetically in a lab (not from animals), however they are tested on animals, which some ethical vegans may be concerned about.

Verdict: If you consider yourself a dietary vegan (purely trying to avoid animal products), Sour Patch Kids may be acceptable. If you consider yourself an ethical vegan (avoiding animal exploitation/testing/etc. in any and all forms), you may want to abstain from Sour Patch Kids.

Are Sour Patch Kids Gluten-Free?

Short Answer: Yes, Sour Patch Kids are gluten-free.

Sour Patch Kids do not have gluten in the ingredients, and there are no ingredients used in the regular formula containing wheat, rye and barley.

What About Cross-Contamination?

Sour Patch Kids are not gluten-free certified, however Mondelez (their parent company) states that they do not have any known wheat processing or gluten contamination (in their manufacturing process.)

If you have celiac disease and/or a severe gluten allergy, it is your best policy to always:

• Check the packaging (ingredients can differ by region)
• Double-check with the maker.

To sum up: Sour Patch Kids are safe for the majority of gluten-free diets, but due to lack of gluten-free certification, it may not be suitable for those who have extreme sensitivity.

Conclusion

• Vegan? Technically yes, but all ethical vegans should be aware of their sugar processing and the use of artificial colors.
• Gluten-free? Yes, ingredient-wise, but not certified.

If you’re looking for guaranteed vegan or gluten-free candy alternatives, there are many smaller brands out there that use organic sugar, no artificial colors, and clearly labelled with certifications.

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