Are Zotz Gluten Free? – The Fun Italian Candy!
Zotz candy is a popular sour-sweet treat that has been around for decades. It first appeared in the 1960s and was invented by an Italian immigrant named Frank Ferrara. Today’s Zotz comes in many different varieties, including gummy, strawberry, blue raspberry, and more! I also answered Are Zotz Gluten Free? Read below!
Is Zotz Gluten Free?
Yes, Zotz candy is gluten-free. It does not contain any wheat-based ingredients or other sources of gluten. However, it can still potentially come into contact with gluten during production as the same production lines are used for different varieties of Zotz. If you have a severe allergy to gluten, it’s best to avoid eating Zotz altogether.
However, with my experience many people on a gluten-free diet find that they can safely enjoy the delicious taste of Zotz without triggering an allergic reaction! Enjoy!
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Ingredients in Zotz Candies
The primary ingredient in traditional Zotz is sugar. Always check the labels of your Zotz to determine which ingredients are included.
- Sugar
- Light Corn Syrup
- Citric Acid
- Water
- Unflavored Powdered Gelatin
- Fruit Juice Concentrate (various flavors)
- Food Coloring (optional)
Nutritional Information for Zotz Candy
Zotz candy contains no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. It is an excellent source of carbohydrates, with approximately 19g per serving (2-3 pieces). Zotz also contains very small amounts of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.
Is Zotz bad for you?
No, Zotz candy is not necessarily bad for you. As with all foods, it should be consumed in moderation. Zotz are high in sugar which can lead to cavities and weight gain if eaten too often. They also contain food coloring which has been linked to various health issues such as allergies and skin irritations.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat without the worry of additives, consider making your own Zotz-inspired treats at home. I have shared how you can make at home below.
Candy-like zotz
Candy like Zotz includes the
- Classic Sour Patch Kids,
- Swedish Fish,
- and Warheads.
They also come in a variety of flavors to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! Enjoy!
Another similar candy is Nerds gluten-free (My view) which are small, crunchy candies with an intense sour flavor. Again, these are also gluten-free so they’re safe for people on a gluten-free diet.
Dietary Profile of Zotz Candy
The traditional Zotz candy does not contain any gluten ingredients and is therefore suitable for those following a gluten-free diet. However, as mentioned above, some of the newer varieties may contain wheat flour or other wheat-based ingredients, so it’s important to check labels carefully before consuming them. Zotz also contains sugar and corn syrup which can contribute to tooth decay if consumed in large quantities.
What Were the Advertising Slogans for Zotz?
The original advertising slogan for Zotz was “Let your Zingers Fizz!”.
It was later changed to “Zotz—It’s a Roller Coaster Ride!”
More recently, their advertisements have featured humorous slogans such as “Zotz—You Can Count On Us… To Make Your Tongue Do the Twist!”.
“Zotz—The Candy That Pops In Your Mouth!”
How Are Zotz Candy?
Making Zotz is a two-step process. First, the liquid-flavored center is made by combining grape or apple juice with citric acid and other flavorings. Then, this mixture is poured into molds and covered in a hard sugar shell. The candy is then left to dry and set before being packaged for sale.
What Does Zotz Taste Like?
Zotz has a unique sour-sweet taste that is hard to describe. The original Zotz has a mildly sweet, tart flavor from the grape or apple juice, and then a fizzy center that adds an extra kick of sourness. Some of the newer varieties are much sweeter than the originals, with flavors like strawberry and blue raspberry.
Does Zotz contain allergens like peanuts, tree nuts or milk?
No, Zotz candy does not contain any of these allergens. However, it is important to remember that the same production lines are used to make different varieties of Zotz, and other products may contain nut ingredients so you should always check labels carefully and avoid consuming anything that could potentially cause an allergic reaction.
Where are Zotz made?
Zotz candy is made in several factories across the United States, including a factory in Illinois and another in Rhode Island. The exact locations of the factories are not published for security reasons but the company has stated that their products meet all applicable safety and quality standards.
How To Store Zotz Candies
Zotz candy should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The candy will keep for up to 5 days if stored properly. Be sure to check the expiration date before consuming as the candy can start to lose flavor and texture over time. Enjoy!
Alternatives for People Seeking a Gluten-Free Treat
If you are looking for a gluten-free treat, Zotz candy is a great option. However, there are many other delicious treats that are also suitable for those on a gluten-free diet. Try making homemade gummies using gelatin and fruit juice or smoothies blended with frozen fruits and honey. You could also try baking with almond flour and coconut sugar to make tasty cookies, cakes, and brownies!
Recipe for Homemade Gluten-Free Zotz-Inspired Treats
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon citric acid (available in most grocery stores)
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons flavored fruit juice concentrate
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar, corn syrup, citric acid and water over low heat until all ingredients are dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the powdered gelatin until it is completely dissolved.
- Add the fruit juice concentrate and food coloring (if using). Stir until everything is combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into molds of your choice (such as ice cube trays or candy molds). Make sure to leave enough room for them to expand when they set!
- Let sit at room temperature for several hours until firm.
- Gently remove from molds and enjoy!
Your homemade Zotz-inspired treats are now ready to be enjoyed! Be sure to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days. Your gluten-free friends will love these delicious treats!
Final Thoughts
Zotz candy is a great-tasting treat that is suitable for those on a gluten-free diet. With the right ingredients and some patience, you can easily make your own Zotz-inspired treats at home. These homemade treats are sure to be enjoyed by all of your friends, regardless of dietary restrictions!
Cheers!
