Gummy bears, Sour Patch Kids, and Jelly Babies are some of the most popular and beloved candies in the world. These gummies come in a variety of shapes, often depicting living things such as bears, babies, or worms. Many brands, including Basset's, Haribo, Betty Crocker, Hersheys, Disney, and Kellogg's, make different types of gummy treats that are usually aimed at young children. The term 'gummi' originated in Germany and 'jelly candies' is more common in British English. So what makes gummy candies so special? A gummy is characterized by being a soft but chewy candy with a jelly base and a fruit-like flavor.
Today, the iconic gummy bear can be found in twelve different flavors (cherry, strawberry, lemon, apple, orange, mango, grapefruit, watermelon, lime, blue raspberry, grape and pineapple), dipped in sour sugar and molded into any shape you can imagine. Exciting shapes such as emojis, worms or dinosaurs make them the perfect gift for all ages. Like most candies, gummy candies start with a number of important ingredients. While the details vary from candy to candy, most gummy candies include sugar, corn syrup, jelly, flavors, and colors. Some types of gummy candies may also include pectin, agar, corn or potato starch, wheat flour, tartaric acid, or citric acid.
Each of these ingredients has a purpose and each recipe is designed to create delicious and perfectly chewy candies. The gummy bear originated in Germany where it is popular under the name Gummibär (gummy bear) or Gummibärchen (little gummy bear). There are many types of gummy worms and Trolli produces firefly gummies with a bright color and sour sugar. The Times scientists have studied adding xylitol - a sugar substitute that protects teeth - to gummies to fight tooth decay. Food acids such as citric acid and malic acid are also added to give gummies a sour taste.
Gelatin is one of the most popular ingredients and creates a texture that is common in gummy bears and gummy worms. Favorite gummy candies come in all shapes, flavors and sizes but the only thing they have in common is their irresistible texture.