Are Dots gluten-free?

Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It is known to cause digestive issues in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Many people with these conditions have to avoid foods that contain gluten. One such food that people often question is Dots candy. In this article, we will explore whether Dots are gluten-free or not.

What Are Dots?

Dots are a type of candy that was first introduced in 1945 by Mason Reese. They are small, chewy, fruit-flavored candy pieces that come in different colors. Dots are a popular candy among children and adults alike.

Ingredients in Dots

To determine whether Dots are gluten-free, it’s important to look at the ingredients. The ingredients in Dots candy are:

• Sugar
• Corn Syrup
• Modified Food Starch
• Malic Acid
• Natural and Artificial Flavors
• Sodium Citrate
• Artificial Colors (including Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)

Are Dots Gluten-Free?

After examining the ingredients, we can conclude that Dots candy is gluten-free. None of the ingredients listed above contain gluten. The modified food starch used in Dots is derived from corn, which is a gluten-free grain.

It’s important to note that some manufacturers may use wheat starch as a thickener in their candy. However, Tootsie Roll Industries, the manufacturer of Dots candy, states that they do not use wheat starch in any of their products, including Dots.

Cross-Contamination

Even though Dots candy does not contain gluten, there is still a risk of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination can occur when gluten-free foods come into contact with foods that contain gluten.

To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, Tootsie Roll Industries has implemented a gluten-free manufacturing process. They thoroughly clean their equipment before manufacturing gluten-free products to prevent any cross-contamination. They also test their products to ensure they are gluten-free.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dots candy is gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to consume. However, it’s important to always check the ingredients and manufacturing processes of products to ensure they are gluten-free.