Description
When you first transition to a gluten free lifestyle, whether due to Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the “candy aisle anxiety” is real. You find yourself flipping over every package, squinting at ingredient lists, and wondering if “modified food starch” is your friend or foe. If you’ve been craving that iconic, stretchy, tangy chew of an Airhead, we have some sweet news for you: Most classic Airheads bars are considered gluten free!
However, as any seasoned gluten free traveler knows, the devil is in the details. At Gluten Free Journey, we believe a diagnosis shouldn’t mean a “dry-food sentence,” but it does require being an informed consumer. Here is everything you need to know about enjoying Airheads safely.
The Gluten-Free Breakdown: What’s Safe?
According to the manufacturer, Perfetti Van Melle, the classic Airheads Bars (including the regular and sour varieties) do not contain gluten ingredients. These bars are primarily made from sugar, corn syrup, maltodextrin, dextrose, and modified corn starch. Because they use corn-based starches rather than wheat-based ones, they are a go-to choice for many in the gluten free community.
The following varieties are generally considered gluten ingredient free:
- Airheads Bars (All classic flavours like Cherry, Blue Raspberry, and Watermelon)
- Airheads Gravity Feed Bars
- Airheads White Mystery (The fan-favourite!)
The “Red Flag” Varieties (Avoid These!)
This is where it gets tricky. Not all products under the Airheads brand are created equal. Specifically, the Airheads Xtremes line (including belts and bites) contains wheat flour as a primary ingredient. These are strictly off-limits for anyone following a gluten free diet. Always double-check the label for “Xtremes,” as the packaging looks similar to the safe bars but the ingredients are vastly different.
Additionally, while some Airheads Bites and Gummies do not list gluten ingredients, they are often processed on shared equipment or in facilities that handle wheat. If you are highly sensitive or have a zero-tolerance cross-contamination policy, you may want to stick to the individually wrapped bars which have a lower risk profile.
The Mystery of the “White Mystery”
One of the most frequent questions we get is: “Is the White Mystery flavour gluten free?” The answer is yes! The “mystery” isn’t actually a secret ingredient; it’s a clever way for the factory to minimize waste. When the production line switches from one flavour (like Cherry) to another (like Watermelon), the “White Mystery” is the batch created during the transition where the flavours mix. It’s a delicious surprise every time, and perfectly safe for your gluten free journey.
More Than Just a Snack: Edible Clay
Did you know Airheads are often called “edible clay” by DIY bakers? Because they are so pliable, you can use them to create gluten free cake decorations. Simply microwave a bar for 5-8 seconds to soften it, and you can mold it into flowers, ribbons, or even little animals. It’s a fantastic way to add color and fun to a gluten free birthday cake without worrying about the cross-contamination often found in pre-made fondant.
Final Thoughts for Celiac Disease
While Airheads bars are not Certified Gluten Free by a third party like the GFCO, they are a widely accepted “mainstream” gluten free treat. As always, manufacturers can change recipes at any time. We recommend doing a quick scan of the “contains” statement on the back of the wrapper every time you buy.
Stay sweet, stay safe, and keep enjoying the journey!
Frequently Asked Questions About Airheads
Q1. Are all Airheads candy products gluten free?
A1. No. While the classic Airheads Bars are considered gluten free, other varieties like Airheads Xtremes (belts and bites) contain wheat flour as a primary ingredient. Always check the specific product line before purchasing.
Q2. Are classic Airheads Bars safe for people with Celiac disease?
A2. The manufacturer, Perfetti Van Melle, states that Airheads Bars are gluten-free and meet FDA standards (containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten). Many individuals with Celiac disease enjoy them safely, but they are not third-party certified.
Q3. Why does the package say “Gluten Free” but also “Manufactured in a facility that processes wheat”?
A3. This is a common source of confusion! Under FDA guidelines, a product can be labeled “gluten free” if it contains less than 20ppm of gluten. The “processed in a facility” statement is a voluntary warning about potential cross-contamination. If you have a severe sensitivity to airborne wheat or shared lines, you may want to proceed with caution.
Q4. Are Airheads Xtremes gluten free?
A4. No. Airheads Xtremes (including the Belts, Bites, and Sourfuls) contain wheat flour and wheat starch. These are not safe for those on a gluten-free diet.
Q5. Is the “White Mystery” flavour gluten free?
A5. Yes! The White Mystery flavour is simply a mix of the existing gluten free bar flavours without added colour. It follows the same gluten free ingredient profile as the other standard Airheads bars.
Q6. Are Airheads Bites and Airheads Gummies gluten free?
A6. While Airheads Bars are tested for gluten, the Bites and Gummies lines are typically not tested for gluten by the manufacturer. While they may not list gluten ingredients, they do not carry the gluten free claim and have a higher risk of cross-contamination than the bars.
Q7. Do Airheads contain modified food starch?
A7.Yes, Airheads contain modified food starch, but it is derived from corn, not wheat. This makes it safe for those avoiding gluten.
Q8. Are Airheads produced in a nut-free facility?
A8. Yes! Airheads bars are a popular choice for school snacks because they are produced in a facility that does not process peanuts or tree nuts. However, always check the individual wrapper for the most current facility statement.
Q9. Are Airheads Bars vegan and dairy-free?
A9. Airheads Bars do not contain dairy, eggs, or gelatin, making them vegan-friendly. (Note: Airheads Gummies often contain gelatin, so they are generally not vegan).
Q10. Are Airheads certified gluten free?
A10. No, Airheads are not certified by a third-party organization like the GFCO. They are considered “naturally” gluten free and are labeled as such based on the manufacturer’s internal testing and ingredient sourcing.
Q11. Which Airheads products should I definitely avoid?
A11. If you are strictly gluten free, you must avoid:
- Airheads Xtremes Belts
- Airheads Xtremes Bites
- Airheads Soft Filled Bites
- Airheads Xtremes Sourfuls
Q12. Does Airheads Gum contain gluten?
A12. According to the manufacturer, Airheads Gum is not tested for gluten and does not carry a gluten free claim, though it does not typically list wheat-based ingredients.
Q13. Where can I find the gluten free label on Airheads?
A13. On the regular bars, look for a small “Gluten Free” text or icon, usually located near the ingredient list or the “distributed by” section on the back of the wrapper.
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