Frequently Asked Questions
How are Surf Sweets different from other gummy candies and jelly beans?
Surf Sweets products are made with natural colors and flavors, organic fruit juice and sweeteners, and provide you with your daily allowance of Vitamin C. We are also one of the only candies made without corn syrup.
Why should I be concerned about artificial colors?
A recent study completed by the British medical journal The Lancet, showed that artificial colors and preservatives increased hyperactivity and decreased attention span in a wide range of children with and without learning disabilities. A number of food and candy manufacturers in Europe are now removing artificial colors, flavors and preservatives from their products. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a position paper which suggested removing artificial colors and preservatives from the diets of children experiencing ADHD behaviors (http://www.feingold.org/aap.html). Artificial colors are primarily coal-tar derivatives made from chemical compounds which are made when coal is distilled.
Are your products gluten-free and casein-free?
Yes, all of our products are both gluten-free and casein-free. Casein is the protein found in dairy.
Are your products peanut-free?
Yes, all of our products do not contain peanuts and are produced and packaged in a facility free of peanuts.
Are your products corn-free?
All of our candies are produced in molds made out of corn starch and, therefore, our candies may contain trace amounts of corn starch. In addition, some of our natural flavors are made with corn alcohol. While corn starch and corn alcohol do not contain corn protein, we understand that everyone has different levels of sensitivity to corn. We encourage everyone to talk with their doctor and to make their own decisions about what foods are (or are not) safe for them to eat.
What is carnauba wax? Is it renewable?
Carnauba wax is an extremely useful natural renewable resource used as a coating for some of our candies. It is harvested from the leaves of the Carnauba palm which is only grown in certain regions of Brazil. It should not be confused with palm oil palms grown in Southeast Asia.
The wax is harvested following traditional procedures. Palm leaves are cut and dried in the sun. The wax is then obtained from a film powder that coats the leaves. After cutting, the trees then continue to grow new leaves until the next harvest. The process does not damage the trees and the use of carnauba wax creates an economic incentive to keep these trees standing.
Are your products produced and/or packaged in a facility with other common allergens?
No, our products are produced in a facility free of: wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, tree nuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish.
Are your products produced in the United States?
Yes.
Are your products Feingold approved?
Yes, Surf Sweets are Stage 2 Feingold approved. You can learn more about the Feingold diet at http://www.feingold.org
Are your products Vegetarian?
Seven of our products are Vegetarian (Fruity Bears, Gummy Swirls, Jelly Beans, Sour Berry Bears,Sour Worms, Fruity Hearts and Spring Mix Jelly Beans). Our Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms contain gelatin so they are not vegetarian.
Are your products Vegan?
Five of our products are Vegan (Fruity Bears, Gummy Swirls, Sour Berry Bears, Sour Worms and Fruity Hearts).
