Gummy bears are available in an incredible range of flavors, from fruity to tangy to chocolate-infused delights. If you're torn between multiple options, here are six of the best gummy candy flavors that you need to try!
Gummy Bears: History, Best Flavors, Ingredients, & Fun Facts
Gummy bears, also known as gummi bears, have captivated candy lovers worldwide for decades. These chewy, fruity, and colorful delights have a rich history, a variety of flavors, and a unique composition that makes them an irresistible treat.
From classic fruit gummy bears to li hing mui gummy bears and even chocolate-covered gummy bears, this tiny bear-shaped candy has evolved in countless ways. Whether you love traditional bear gummy candy or prefer unique Hawaiian candy varieties, there’s a gummy bear for everyone.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history, best flavors, ingredients, and fun facts about gummy bears, so let’s get started.
The History of Gummy Bears: How It All Started
Gummy bears, also known as gummi bears, have a fascinating history dating back to the 1920s. Hans Riegel, the founder of the Haribo company in Bonn, Germany, created the first gummy bear candy. The name "Haribo" is derived from the first two letters of his first and last names and his hometown, Bonn.
Inspired by the dancing bears often featured in German street festivals, Riegel developed the Tanzbär ("dancing bear"), a small, fruit-flavored gummy candy. These early gummies were slightly larger and differently shaped than the modern gummy bear we know today.
In the 1960s, Haribo introduced the Goldbär ("gold bear"), an updated version of the gummy bear that was smaller and had a more refined shape and recipe. The Goldbär quickly became Haribo’s flagship product and remains its most iconic creation.
Gummy candies became a staple in Germany throughout the mid-20th century, but their global popularity truly surged in the 1980s. During this time, other manufacturers, like Trolli, began producing gummy candies in the United States, introducing new varieties and solidifying gummy bears as a worldwide favorite.
Today, gummy bears are a beloved treat enjoyed by millions, with their origin rooted in the ingenuity of Hans Riegel and his Haribo company. Today, gummy bears are produced by multiple gummy bear brands, including Asia Trans & Co and Island Princess, each offering unique twists on the classic bear-shaped treat.
Gummy Bear Ingredients: What’s Inside These Chewy Treats?
The ingredients in gummy bear candy vary depending on the brand, but most traditional gummies contain:
- Gelatin: Gives gummy bears their signature chewy texture
- Sugar & Corn Syrup: Provide sweetness and structure
- Citric Acid: Adds a slight tartness
- Fruit Flavors: Natural or artificial flavors that define each bear’s taste
- Food Coloring: Creates the vibrant hues of the best gummy candy
- Coatings: Some brands coat gummy bears with wax, starch, or sugar to prevent sticking
Vegan & Alternative Gummy Bears
Traditional bear gummy candy is made with gelatin, which comes from animal collagen. However, vegan gummy bears use plant-based alternatives like pectin or agar-agar, making them a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Chocolate Gummy Bears
For those who love the combination of chewy and creamy, Chocolate covered gummy bears are a dream come true. These gummy candies are coated in smooth, rich chocolate, giving them a luxurious taste with a fruity surprise inside.
Whether you’re hiking outdoors, working at your desk, or indulging in a midnight snack, chocolate gummy bears are the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings.
Li Hing Mui Gummy Bears
If you’re looking for a Hawaiian candy experience with a unique twist, Li hing mui gummy bears are a must-try! These gummies are coated with li hing mui powder, a blend of dried salted plum that adds a sweet, tart, and slightly salty kick.
They come in a variety of flavors like cherry, orange, and lime—so whether you love classic fruit gummy bears or want a bold, tangy twist, li hing gummy bears will keep your taste buds entertained.
Gummy Bears Flavored With Lemon Peel
If you can’t get enough of citrus flavors, these lemon peel gummy bears will be your new favorite.
Infused with a bold, tangy lemon essence and lightly dusted with zesty lemon peel, this Hawaiian snack delivers a mouthwatering blend of sweet and tart flavors. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys a refreshing twist on traditional gummy bear candy.
Li Hing Mui Pineapple Fruit Gummy Bears
Want to indulge in a mouthwatering snack with a unique flavor? Li Hing Mui Pineapple Fruit Gummy Bears are a must-try! These delightful gummies are infused with sweet pineapple essence and coated in tangy li hing mui powder, creating a uniquely flavorful Hawaiian snack that's both sweet and savory. If you’re feeling adventurous, this bear gummy candy is one you won’t want to miss.
Li hing mui pineapple fruit gummy bears bring together Hawaiian flavors and a tropical twist. These delicious fruit gummies are infused with sweet pineapple flavor and coated in li hing mui powder, giving them a sweet, savory, and tangy balance that makes them stand out from regular fruit gummy bears. If you’re looking for a uniquely Hawaiian candy experience, these gummies should be at the top of your list.
Island Princess Chocolate-Covered Pineapple Gummy Bears
For the ultimate fusion of chocolate and tropical flavors, try the Island Princess Chocolate-Covered Pineapple Gummy Bears.
This gourmet bear gummy candy combines juicy pineapple-flavored gummy bears with a rich chocolate coating, making it a decadent treat with a tropical flair. Whether you love chocolate gummy bears or fruity Hawaiian snacks, this is one of the best gummy bear candy choices for indulgence.
If you’re a fan of gummy candy, these 5 gummy bear flavors are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you love classic fruit gummy bears, li hing mui gummy bears, or chocolate-covered gummy bears, there's a perfect gummy bear treat waiting for you.
Gummy Bear Facts: Everything You Need to Know
Gummy bears are more than just a chewy, fruity delight—they have a rich history and some surprising facts that make them even more interesting! Here are some fun and little-known gummy bear facts that every candy lover should know:
Gummy Bears Were Inspired by Dancing Bears
The original gummy bear candy was inspired by the trained dancing bears that entertained crowds in Germany. Hans Riegel, the creator of Haribo, wanted to bring that joy into a chewy, delicious candy!
The World’s Largest Gummy Bear Weighs Over 5 Pounds
If you love bear gummy candy, imagine biting into a 5-pound gummy bear—that’s over 6,000 calories of pure chewy goodness! This giant treat is nearly 1,000 times the size of a regular gummi bear.
Gummy Bears Have Been to Space
In 2016, a group of students launched a gummy bear into space using a weather balloon. Talk about taking the best gummy candy to new heights!
They Were Originally Slightly Bigger and Softer
The first gummi bears, called “Tanzbären” (dancing bears), were a bit larger and softer compared to today’s best gummy bears, which have a firmer texture.
There Are Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears!
Love chocolate? Chocolate-covered gummy bears blend the chewiness of gummi bears with the rich creaminess of chocolate, making them a favorite treat for candy lovers who enjoy a mix of textures and flavors. You can even try Island Princess Chocolate-Covered Pineapple Gummy Bears for a tropical twist!
Hawaiians Have Their Own Gummy Bear Twist
In Hawaii, li hing mui gummy bears are a popular Hawaiian snack. These gummies are coated in li hing mui powder, a sweet, sour, and salty dried plum seasoning, making them an irresistible Hawaiian candy favorite.
There’s a Gummy Bear Song with Over a Billion Views!
If you haven’t heard it yet, "I'm a Gummy Bear" (also known as "The Gummy Bear Song") became a viral sensation worldwide, with over 2 billion views on YouTube!
You Can Freeze Gummy Bears for a Fun Texture
Want an extra-chewy treat? Freeze your gummy bear candy for a cold, chewy, and slightly crunchy experience!
From their long history to their fun flavors, gummy bears have earned their place as one of the world’s most beloved candies.
Why Gummy Bears Are the Perfect Treat for All Ages?
Gummy bears are one of the rare treats that bring joy to every generation. Whether you're a kid enjoying a sweet snack or an adult indulging in a nostalgic treat, gummy bears appeal to people of all ages. But what makes them so special?
A Wide Range of Delicious Flavors
One of the best things about gummy bear candy is the variety of flavors. Whether you love classic fruit gummy bears like cherry and orange or unique twists like li hing mui gummy bears, there’s a flavor for everyone. Some adventurous choices include lemon peel gummy bears and chocolate-covered gummy bears, offering exciting new tastes beyond the standard fruity flavors.
Fun, Playful Shapes That Kids Love
While the best gummy bears are known for their bear shape, they come in other fun shapes like gummy worms, rings, and cola bottles. These playful designs make them a hit at parties, snack time, and even baking projects.
The Perfect On-the-Go Treat
Gummy bears are bite-sized and convenient, making them the ideal treat for road trips, movie nights, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're hiking or just need a sweet pick-me-up at work, bear gummy candy is easy to carry and enjoy anywhere.
Nostalgic Appeal for Adults
Many adults love gummy bears not just for their taste but for the memories they bring back. Whether it’s the first candy from childhood or a snack shared with friends, gummy bears hold a special place in people’s hearts.
A Unique Chewy Texture
Unlike other candies, gummy bears have a chewy, bouncy texture that makes them fun to eat. They aren’t a one-bite-and-done treat, so you can savor them longer. Pro tip: Freeze gummy bears to make them even chewier!
Healthier Alternatives Exist
For those watching their sugar intake, there are sugar-free gummy bears and gummy bears made with real fruit juice. There are even vegan gummy bears made with pectin instead of gelatin, making them a guilt-free indulgence!
Perfect for Pairing with Other Treats
Gummy bears aren’t just for snacking—they’re great for mixing with popcorn, pretzels, ice cream, and yogurt. You can even use them in drinks, adding a chewy surprise to cocktails or mocktails.
From their colorful, chewy appeal to the variety of flavors, gummy bears are the perfect candy for all ages. Whether you prefer classic fruit gummy bears, Hawaiian snacks like li hing mui gummy bears or chocolate gummy bears, there’s a bear gummy candy for everyone to enjoy.
How to Pair Gummy Bears with Other Treats
While gummies are a great standalone Hawaiian snack, they pair well with other treats. Wondering how to pair them? Consider these pairings for a fun twist:
- Pair gummies with pretzels for a salty and sweet treat
- Pair gummy candies with popcorn for a chewy and crunchy snack
- Pair gummies with chocolate for a fruity and rich treat
- Add gummy candies to smoothies or yogurt to give them more depth
- Add gummies to your cocktails or mocktails to elevate their appearance and taste
How to Store Gummy Bears for Maximum Freshness
Gummy bears may seem like an easy snack to stash anywhere, but keeping them fresh and flavorful takes a little more care than you might think. Nobody wants sticky, stale, or rock-hard gummies, right? Here’s a quick guide to storing your gummy bears the right way:
Seal the Deal with Airtight Containers
Once you open a bag of gummy bears, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable zip-top bag. This keeps air out and prevents them from drying out or getting too sticky. Bonus: a sturdy container also keeps curious ants and other pests away from your sweet stash!
Keep Cool, Not Cold
While storing gummies in the fridge may seem like a good idea, it can make them hard and less enjoyable to chew. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place, like your pantry or a cupboard. If you live in a warmer climate, you can refrigerate them, but let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging.
Avoid the Sun
Direct sunlight can make gummies melt into a gooey mess. Store them away from windows and heat sources to maintain their perfect texture. No one wants a melted gummy puddle!
Where to Buy The Best Gummy Bears
Shopping for bear gummy candy? Look no further than Snack Hawaii. At Snack Hawaii, we offer a wide selection of gummy bears. Whether you enjoy sweet, sour, or salty snacks, you're sure to find gummies that will tantalize your palate on our online store.
FAQs
What Are Gummy Bears Made Of?
Gummy bears are made from sugar, glucose syrup, starch, flavoring, food coloring, citric acid, and gelatin. Gelatin is an animal protein obtained from animal skin, bones, and cartilage. However, vegan gummy bears replace gelatin with pectin or agar, which are plant-based products.
Are Gummy Bears Gluten-Free?
Some gummy bears are gluten-free, while others aren't. If you want to purchase gluten-free gummies, check the label to ascertain the brand contains no gluten.
Are Gummy Bears Vegan?
Most gummy bear candies are not vegan because they contain gelatin. However, some brands offer vegan gummy bears made with pectin or agar-agar.
How Long Do Gummy Bears Last?
Stored properly, gummy bears last up to a year. Keep them in an airtight container away from heat and moisture for freshness.
Can You Melt Gummy Bears?
Yes! Gummy bear candy melts at high temperatures and can be used for baking, syrups, or toppings.
Are Sugar-Free Gummy Bears Healthier?
Sugar-free gummy bears contain fewer calories and carbs, making them a better option for low-sugar diets. However, they often contain sugar alcohols (like maltitol), which can cause digestive discomfort if eaten in excess.
Are Gummy Bears a Healthy Snack?
Gummy bear candy is a fun treat but not the healthiest snack. They are high in sugar and carbs and lack essential nutrients. However, some healthier alternatives include sugar-free gummy bears, fruit juice-based gummies, and vitamin-infused gummy bears for added benefits.
Can Dogs Eat Gummy Bears?
Dogs shouldn't eat gummy bears. They can be unsafe for them due to their high sugar content and potential to cause digestive issues, especially brands that contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
Can Gummy Bears Be Used in Recipes?
You can use gummies in cake and cookie recipes. You can also use them as a topping for ice cream to make it more attractive and enhance its flavor.
What is the Coating on Gummy Bears?
Gummy bear producers usually coat gummy bears with a variety of coatings, including cornstarch, sugar, wax, citric acid, or even beeswax, to alter the flavor, texture, and appearance of gummies.
