Does Riesen contain dairy or gluten?

Yes. Riesen contains whey and butterfat (dairy) and is made with glucose syrup derived from wheat (gluten). It is not safe for those with Celiac disease or dairy allergies.

Is Riesen good for weight loss?

No. Riesen are high in calories and sugar. They are a confectionery treat, not a weight-loss food.

Where can I buy Riesen?

Riesen are widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and on Amazon.

Is Riesen safe for kids?

Yes, Riesen are generally safe for children, but they are sticky and chewy, so parents should be cautious with younger children to prevent choking.

Is Riesen Halal?

Yes, Riesen chocolates are considered halal. Based on the ingredient list provided by the manufacturer, Storck, there are no haram ingredients like pork gelatin, alcohol, or animal-derived shortening. While they are safe for halal consumption, they do contain common allergens like dairy, soy, and wheat.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a candy is halal, we look for specific red flags. For Riesen, the ingredients are surprisingly straightforward for a mass-produced chocolate. The primary ingredients are glucose syrup, sugar, and semisweet chocolate.

The semisweet chocolate is the most critical component to analyze. It contains chocolate liquor (the non-alcoholic cocoa mass), cocoa butter (a plant-based fat), and butterfat. The presence of butterfat confirms that these are dairy chocolates, which is permissible (halal) as long as the animal was slaughtered correctly, which is standard for dairy cows in the US and Germany. There is no mention of animal-derived shortening or lard.

Another potential concern in candies is gelatin, often used for texture. Riesen does not list gelatin. Instead, it uses food starch-modified and the natural chewiness of the reduced sugar syrup to achieve its signature texture. Finally, the emulsifier used is soy lecithin, a plant-based ingredient, rather than mono and diglycerides which can sometimes be derived from animal sources. Therefore, from a strictly ingredient standpoint, Riesen passes the halal test.

Nutritional Value

Riesen are a dense, chewy candy, meaning they are high in sugar and calories relative to their size. A standard serving contains a significant amount of added sugar and carbohydrates derived primarily from glucose syrup and sugar. Because the main binder is syrup and chocolate, the fat content is moderate but comes from both cocoa butter and palm oil.

For those monitoring their sugar intake, Riesen should be eaten in moderation. They provide a quick energy boost but lack substantial vitamins or minerals. The 'reduced minerals whey' adds a trace amount of calcium, but it is not a significant source. If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, these are not suitable due to the high sugar content.