Is Angel Delight Gluten Free? A Coeliac’s Take on This Classic 90s Dessert

Daily writing prompt

Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

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There’s something about Angel Delight that just takes me right back.

Not the posh stuff, I’m talking the proper wobbly, suspiciously fluffy dessert you whisked up in a plastic bowl and shoved in the fridge for what felt like forever.

For me, it was always the butterscotch. That golden, weirdly addictive flavour that tasted like sugary velvet. But honestly? I had a soft spot for the banana one too. It didn’t even taste like real banana, more like how banana sweets wish they tasted. Still, I loved it. Like pudding and perfume had a baby.

It always came served in those old stained Tupperware tubs that every house had, usually the ones that still smelt faintly of fridge no matter how many times they’d been washed. And yet it tasted amazing. One spoonful and I’m back at the kitchen table, legs swinging, trying to look innocent while secretly hiding my peas under the mash.

I honestly can’t wait to make it for Ollie one day. He’s at the age where food still feels like magic, and I just know the wobble alone will blow his tiny mind. The challenge will be stopping him sticking his fingers in before it’s set…

Now, being coeliac means the usual routine: check the label like your life depends on it. Some flavours like strawberry, banana, and butterscotch don’t have gluten-containing ingredients and no “may contain” warnings, so they’re usually safe.

⚠️ But here’s the catch: a lot of the No Added Sugar versions do come with a “may contain gluten” warning even if the regular ones don’t.
No idea why. Just one of those frustrating things.

👉 So for me, it’s simple. If there’s any “may contain” warning at all, I won’t touch it. I’ve been glutened before by foods that looked fine and no pudding, no matter how nostalgic, is worth spending the next day curled up regretting my choices.

But when I do find a packet that’s safe? You’d better believe I’m whisking it up with the same excitement I had when I was 9.
Probably while Ollie watches, asks 37 questions, and then announces he actually wants the pink one instead.

Which Angel Delight Flavours Are Gluten-Free?

✅ Usually safe (no gluten ingredients, no may contain):

• Butterscotch
• Banana
• Strawberry

⚠️ Flavours that often carry “may contain gluten” warnings:

• Chocolate
• No Added Sugar versions (across flavours)

👉 Always check the packaging, ingredients and warnings can change.