Is Mamba Fruit Chews Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first place I look is the allergen warning, and Mamba is very clear: CONTAINS WHEAT. However, to understand the full scope, we need to analyze the specific ingredients that cause this flag.

The primary culprits are the sweeteners and texturizers. The ingredients list includes Glucose Syrup (From Wheat Or Corn) and Sorbitol (From Wheat Or Corn). While these ingredients can theoretically come from corn, manufacturers typically source from the most cost-effective available crop. In this case, the presence of wheat in the allergen statement confirms that these specific batches were derived from wheat. Wheat-based glucose syrup is processed to remove most gluten proteins, but it is not considered safe for those with Celiac disease due to potential trace remnants and the strictness of the diet.

Additionally, the texture of Mamba relies on Gelatin. While gelatin is gluten-free, it is an animal byproduct (usually pork or beef), making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. The colorants, specifically Black Carrot Juice Concentrate and Turmeric Oleoresin, are natural and safe, but they cannot redeem the wheat content found earlier in the list.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Mamba Fruit Chews are essentially concentrated sugar. The primary ingredients are Sugar and Glucose Syrup, which are simple carbohydrates. A single serving (roughly 7 pieces) contains around 130 calories, almost entirely from sugar (approx. 18g).

There is virtually no fiber, protein, or micronutrients in this product. The Palm Oil provides a small amount of saturated fat, which helps give the chew its waxy, pliable texture. For those monitoring blood sugar or caloric intake, these chews offer 'empty calories'—energy without nutritional benefit. They fit into a diet only as an occasional, strictly controlled treat, but they do not support overall health goals.