Is Panda licorice gluten-free?

Panda licorice is a popular Finnish sweet that has been on the market for decades. Many people following a gluten-free diet may wonder if Panda licorice is a safe option for them. In this article, we discuss whether Panda licorice is gluten-free and what that means for a gluten-free diet.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It gives the dough its flexibility and helps the pastries to rise. For some people, such as those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, gluten can cause serious health problems. That’s why it’s important to know which foods contain gluten and which don’t.

Panda licorice ingredients

The ingredients of Panda licorice can vary slightly depending on the type of product, but traditional licorice is typically made from ingredients such as:

• Wheat flour
• Sugar and syrup or molasses
• Licorice extract
• Salt and flavorings

Always check the ingredient list on the package of the specific product.

Is Panda licorice gluten-free?

Unfortunately, traditional Panda licorice is not gluten-free because it contains wheat flour, which is a gluten-containing ingredient. This means that traditional Panda licorice is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Gluten-free options

Although traditional Panda licorice is not gluten-free, there are gluten-free licorice alternatives available on the market. In these products the wheat flour is typically replaced with gluten-free ingredients such as corn starch or rice flour. These products can be found in specialty food stores and well-stocked markets.

To identify a gluten-free product, check the packaging: gluten-free licorice is usually clearly labeled “gluten-free”, and you can also check the ingredients list to make sure it does not contain wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains.

Summary

Traditional Panda licorice is not gluten-free because it contains wheat flour. This makes it unsuitable for celiacs and people with gluten sensitivity. However, there are gluten-free licorice options that can be a good option for those who want to enjoy licorice without the health problems caused by gluten.

You can read more information about gluten-free products and celiac disease on the Keliakialiitto website.