Curly Wurlys are one of Britain’s most endearing chocolate bars, known for their loopy, latticed shape and satisfying chew. With their stretchy caramel centres and coating of milk chocolate, they have been a favourite treat for both children and nostalgic adults since the 1970s. Whether enjoyed straight from the wrapper or slightly warmed for extra gooeyness, Curly Wurlys have a unique texture and taste that sets them apart. But for those who follow a gluten free diet, one big question remains. Are Curly Wurlys safe to eat?

What Exactly Is in a Curly Wurly

The Curly Wurly is a simple creation, but its texture is what makes it stand out. It consists of a narrow strip of golden, stretchy caramel that has been shaped into a wavy lattice, then covered in a layer of creamy milk chocolate. There are no fillings, nuts or biscuits inside. The experience is all about the chew. The ingredients list includes glucose syrup, sugar, vegetable fats, milk solids, cocoa, whey powder and emulsifiers. These are fairly standard components in many classic chocolate bars, and on the surface, none of these jump out as obvious gluten sources.

The Gluten Question

While the core ingredients in Curly Wurlys do not include wheat, barley or rye, which are the main culprits when it comes to gluten, this does not automatically mean they are gluten free. The issue comes down to manufacturing practices. Like many mass-produced chocolate bars, Curly Wurlys are made in factories that also handle other products which may contain gluten. For this reason, Cadbury includes a disclaimer on the packaging that the product may contain wheat or may contain gluten. This means there is a risk of cross contamination during production, even though gluten is not used in the actual recipe.

Can You Eat Them on a Gluten Free Diet

If you are following a gluten free diet for lifestyle reasons or have a mild sensitivity, you may be comfortable with the small risk of trace gluten. However, if you are coeliac or must avoid gluten completely due to medical reasons, then Curly Wurlys are not considered safe. In the UK, for a product to be labelled gluten free, it must contain fewer than 20 parts per million of gluten and have no risk of cross contamination. Since Cadbury cannot guarantee this for Curly Wurlys, they do not carry a certified gluten free label.

Are There Gluten Free Alternatives

There are many gluten free chocolate and caramel bars available on the market today, including options from free-from ranges in supermarkets. Brands such as NOMO, Moo Free and others offer similar textures and flavours without the gluten risk. While these might not have the same nostalgic appeal as a Curly Wurly, they can be a good choice for those looking for a safe treat. Alternatively, some gluten free baking recipes attempt to recreate the chewy caramel and chocolate combination in homemade form.

A Bit of Curly Wurly History

The Curly Wurly was first launched in the UK in 1970 by Cadbury and quickly became popular thanks to its fun shape and chewy texture. It was designed to be playful and affordable, often sold as a pocket-money treat. Its wavy design is both eye-catching and practical, helping to stretch out the caramel and chocolate for maximum chew time. It has remained virtually unchanged in terms of recipe and branding, which is part of its nostalgic charm.

Final Thoughts

So, are Curly Wurlys gluten free? The recipe itself does not include gluten containing ingredients, but due to the risk of cross contamination during manufacturing, they are not considered gluten free. For people with coeliac disease or strong gluten sensitivities, it is best to avoid them and opt for certified alternatives. That said, the Curly Wurly remains a much loved British classic, known for its unique shape and chewy satisfaction. If you can enjoy one safely, it is a treat that continues to deliver sweetness with every stretchy bite.

0 comments