Is Sweettart candycanes Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a candy is Kosher, we look for hidden animal products or alcohol-based flavorings. Fortunately, the Sweettart candycanes ingredient list is surprisingly clean from a Kosher perspective.

The base ingredients—corn syrup and sugar—are plant-derived and perfectly acceptable. The acidity comes from malic acid and sodium citrate, both of which are synthetic or mineral-based, not derived from animals. The flavorings are listed as natural and artificial flavors. In the absence of the word 'vanilla' (which often implies alcohol) or specific fruit extracts requiring insect-derived enzymes, these are generally considered Kosher compliant, especially in a mass-produced item like this.

Regarding colorants, the combination of Red 3, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Red 40, and Red 40 lake are all synthetic coal-tar dyes. They do not contain animal products, making them acceptable for a Kosher diet. There are no flags found on this label.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these candy canes are essentially empty calories. The primary ingredients are corn syrup and sugar, meaning the candy is almost entirely simple carbohydrates. There is virtually no protein, fiber, or essential vitamins.

If you are monitoring your sugar intake, these should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a snack. The high glycemic load can spike blood sugar levels rapidly. Additionally, the presence of Yellow 5 and Red 40 has been a topic of discussion regarding sensitivity in children, though they are FDA-approved.