You know that classic, light toffee candy known as sponge candy? Is it gluten-free? Good news candy lovers: you can have this special treat and not worry about gluten! Find out the surprising ingredients in sponge candy and why it’s ALMOST always gluten-free.
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Is Sponge Candy Gluten-Free?
Yes, Sponge Candy is completely gluten-free.
So if you have gluten-intolerance or celiac disease, you can enjoy a sweet treat like Sponge Candy and not worry about eating gluten.
Gluten-Free Ingredients in Sponge Candy
The main ingredients in sponge candy are sugar, corn syrup, baking soda and vinegar.
That’s basically it!
All of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free so high-fives to the candy lovers!
Honestly, I was kinda surprised to learn that sponge toffee has such a short ingredient list.
I figured there might be some “special ingredients” or artificial flavors. But not so!
Traditional sponge candy is mostly just sugar and SCIENCE
Role of the ingredients in sponge candy
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is the main sweetener used in sponge candy.
- Corn Syrup or Golden Syrup: These syrups are used to create a smooth texture and prevent sugar from crystallizing during the cooking process. Corn syrup is commonly used in the United States, while golden syrup is more common in the United Kingdom and some other countries. If dark corn syrup is used, it gives a deeper and richer flavor profile.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a key ingredient that causes the candy to foam and expand, creating that characteristic sponge-like texture.
- Vinegar or Cream of Tartar: These acidic ingredients are sometimes added to help activate the baking soda and create the chemical reaction necessary for the candy to expand and become porous (aka filled with the holes!)
- Flavorings: Vanilla extract or other flavorings may be added to boost the flavor.
What is sponge candy?
Sponge candy, also known as honeycomb toffee or cinder toffee, is a type of candy with a very unique texture and a sweet, crunchy taste.
That’s where sponge candy gets it’s name from: the inside looks like a sponge!
It has this porous and airy structure that resembles a sponge, with many small, irregular holes and a brittle, crunchy consistency when you bite into it.
Sponge candy is typically golden or amber in color and comes in various shapes, often broken into irregular pieces or cut into small cubes.
The main flavor of sponge candy is well, SWEET. It has hints of caramelized sugar too.
Some recipes may include flavorings like vanilla extract for added taste.
Sponge candy is enjoyed as a sweet treat or dessert.
It’s often served as a standalone candy, but it’s also used as an ingredient or topping for other desserts, such as ice cream sundaes, cakes, or chocolates to give texture and a satisfying CRUNCH
And depending on where you are in the world, sponge candy is known by different names in different places!
For example, it’s called “sponge candy” in some parts of the United States and “seafoam candy” in others! It’s “honeycomb toffee” in the United Kingdom and Australia, “cinder toffee” in the UK, and “sponge toffee” in Canada. Even the term “angel food candy” refers to this sweet treat!
How is sponge candy made?
Sponge candy is good example of how baking truly is a SCIENCE
To make sponge candy, the sugar, corn syrup, baking soda and vinegar are combined and cooked to a high temperature to create a molten sugar mixture.
Once the mixture reaches the right temperature and consistency, it’s poured into molds or onto a surface to cool and harden.
It’s during the cooling process that the baking soda causes the candy to expand and create those air pockets, giving the sponge candy that, well, sponge-like look and texture.
And it’s those classic air bubbles give sponge candy it’s look and name!
You CAN make sponge candy at home but it’s not the easiest thing to make – you need a candy thermometer and you really have to keep a close eye on the mixture as the sugar dissolves so it doesn’t burn.
To get a finished product looking and tasting like traditional sponge candy, you have to be precise and follow a well-tested recipe.
Not into fussy baking methods? Me NEITHER. If you’re looking for an EASY sweet treat to make without gluten ingredients, check out this 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge (Easy Recipe!)
When is sponge candy NOT gluten-free?
So yes, sponge candy doesn’t contain any gluten BUT there could be a catch.
Sometimes, sponge candy is coated in chocolate. This MAY introduce trace sources of gluten into the product.
Depending on the brand and manufacture, other gluten-containing ingredients could be used.
Some brands use cocoa butter, chocolate liquor or different flavorings that could introduce gluten.
So you have to check the label of the ingredients or on the manufacture’s website to make sure that the chocolate is also gluten-free.
Otherwise though, sponge candy is naturally gluten-free and a go-to choice for those of us with gluten intolerance when needing a sweet treat (we all do sometimes!)
Other Gluten Free Candy Options
So, besides gluten-free sponge candy, what other options are there for gluten-free candy?
Here’s a few ideas to get your candy / chocolate fix without the bloat from gluten:
- Candy Corn
- Chocolate Vanilla Caramels
- Giant Cola Bottle Gummies
- Gummi Worms
- Hersey chocolate bars
- Jelly Belly 50 Flavour Mix
- Jolly Rancher Candy Assorted Flavours
- Milk Duds
- Milky Way Dark Chocolate Bar
- O’Henry Chocolate Bar
- Pay Day
- Reese’s Pieces
- Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cup
- Salt Water Taffy
- Tootsie Mini Rolls
- Skittles, including Berry
- Vanilla Caramels
- York Peppermint Patties – label reads “may contain wheat”. No gluten containing ingredients listed
The bottom line on sponge candy
So now you know, sponge candy or toffee candy or whatever you want to call it, is gluten-free.
One catch: just watch for dark chocolate sponge candy or any kind of sponge candy that has a chocolate coating on it.
To be sure that layer of chocolate doesn’t introduce any gluten ingredients, check that label or ingredients.
Happy Sweet-Treat Snacking!
~April
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The post Is Sponge Candy Gluten-Free? (eat only THIS kind!) first appeared on AfterCuriosity.
