Gummy bears are some of the world’s best-loved sweets. Soft, colourful, with intense fruit flavours – they attract both children and adults. From classic to more imaginative shapes, their variety can surprise. Although traditional gummy bears often contain significant amounts of sugar, which does not make them a favourite with dieters, healthier alternatives are appearing on the market that allow you to enjoy these sweets without remorse. But what exactly are gummy bears and how are they made?
What are gummy bears?
Gummy bears are some of the most distinctive sweets that have won the hearts of lovers all over the world. Their basic composition is a mixture of gelatine, sugar or other sweeteners, as well as flavours and colours, which give them their unique taste and appearance.
How were the first gummy bears created?
The origins of gummy bears date back to the 19th century, when numerous confectioners were looking for new ways to create sweets with unusual textures. It was then that they began to experiment with sugar and gum arabic, a natural ingredient extracted from the resin of acacia trees. By adding fruity essences and flavours, the first elastic-textured treats were created and quickly gained popularity.
The real revolution in the world of gummy bears, however, came in 1922, when German confectioner Hans Riegel – now more widely known as the founder of the Haribo company – created gummy bear-shaped jellies. He was the one who used gelatine as a key ingredient, resulting in an extremely springy texture. His invention, known as the ‘Goldbär’ (golden bear), ushered in the era of gummies, which has become a symbol of innovation in confectionery.
What are gummy bears made of?
Gummy bears are a treat whose key to success lies in carefully selected ingredients. Gelatine plays a central role in this process – it is what gives Gummy bears their characteristic springy texture. Gelatine is a colourless and tasteless substance, which makes it the ideal base for creating sweets with a variety of flavours and colours.
In industrial production, gummy bears are made from a combination of sugar syrup, water and gelatine. They are also enriched with colourings and flavourings that give them an intense taste and eye-catching appearance. It is these additives that determine their diversity – from classic fruit flavours to more exotic and unusual compositions.
There are also vegan Gummy bears on the market, in which gelatine is replaced by agar-agar or pectin, allowing for a similar texture but without the use of zoonotic ingredients.
What are Haribo gummy bears made of?
Haribo gummy bears are some of the most recognisable sweets in the world, and their success lies in their carefully developed recipe. Basic ingredients such as glucose syrup, sugar and dextrose give them their distinctive taste and appearance. Glucose syrup is responsible for their crystalline transparency, sugar for their sweetness and dextrose enhances the taste. Pork gelatine also plays a key role, giving gummy bears their elasticity and resilience.
Although gelatine is one of the main ingredients, Haribo also includes alternatives, such as agar and vegetable starch, in selected products for vegetarians. In this way, the brand responds to the diverse needs of its customers.
For years, Haribo has relied on natural colours and flavours to give its gummies their intense colours. The colours are obtained from anthocyanins, chlorophyll or vegetable charcoal, among others, and the ingredients affecting the flavour come from natural extracts from fruit, vegetables and herbs such as blackcurrant, oranges, grapes, carrots, spinach or nettle.
Haribo gummy recipes are constantly being refined to create products that are tasty, diverse and in tune with trends. It is this combination of tradition and innovation that has made Haribo gummy bears enduringly popular with consumers for decades.
How are gummy bears made?
The process of creating gummy bears begins with a design of the shape, which is sometimes created as a hand-drawn sketch on paper. The drawing is then digitised and processed in specialised graphics software to create a three-dimensional model. It is at this stage that manufacturers assess whether the design meets their expectations in terms of aesthetics and functionality. A team of specialists is involved in the realisation of each idea, taking care of every detail so that the finished product meets customer expectations.
When the design is ready, it moves on to the phase of creating the production matrix. Using special machines such as milling machines, gypsum moulds are prepared, which serve as the basis for the casting models. These moulds are then reproduced.
The production of the gelatine mass is the next stage. The basic ingredients, such as gelatine, glucose syrup, sugar and other additives, are thoroughly mixed and heated to produce a uniform liquid consistency. To enrich the taste and colour of the gummies, natural flavourings, fruit juices and colourings are added to the mass. The finished mass is poured into previously prepared moulds, in which it takes on its characteristic shapes.
After shaping, the gummy bears undergo a cooling and hardening process, which usually takes several days. During this time, the products acquire their springy structure. Once this stage is complete, gummies are gently removed from the moulds and undergo additional processes, such as polishing, which gives them a smooth and glossy surface.
Finally, the finished gummy bears are packaged under the right conditions, with the optimum temperature and humidity, to maintain their highest quality and freshness. They are then packaged in bulk and distributed to shops, from where they go straight onto the shelves to delight the palates of consumers all over the world.
Gummy bears and their healthier alternatives
Although gummy bears are a widely loved snack, nutritionists often point out that their high calories and low nutritional value make it a good idea to limit their intake. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to give up the pleasure altogether. Healthier alternatives are increasingly appearing on the market that allow you to enjoy the sweet taste of gummy bears without remorse or worry. What is worth considering when choosing such products?
Sweeteners
Traditional gummy bears contain large amounts of sugar or glucose syrup, which are a source of empty calories. Healthier versions are often based on natural sugar substitutes such as erythritol, stevia or xylitol. These substitutes are considered safe and are low in calories, helping to reduce the risk of obesity, tooth decay or type 2 diabetes. In addition, their low glycaemic index means that they do not cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels.
Avoiding sugar syrups
It is worth choosing Gummy bears that do not contain sugar syrups, such as the particularly popular glucose-fructose syrup. They are a concentrated source of carbohydrates with a high glycaemic index, which has a negative impact on the body’s carbohydrate balance. Instead, opt for products based on natural ingredients and less processed sweeteners.
Natural flavours and colours
The composition of healthy gummy bears is often enriched with natural flavours and colours, derived from fruit, vegetables or spices (such as carrots, beetroot or turmeric). Artificial additives, although common in the food industry, can negatively affect concentration and overall well-being, so it is worth minimising their consumption.
Functional additives
Healthier gummies are increasingly being enriched with health-promoting ingredients – including collagen, vitamins and minerals. As a result, they can not only satisfy the appetite for sweets, but also provide the body with valuable nutrients.
In conclusion, when choosing gummy bears, it is worth reading their ingredients carefully and going for products based on natural ingredients and sugar substitutes. This way, you can enjoy your favourite sweets in a healthier and more valuable form.
How to make gummy bears?
Homemade gummy bears are a great alternative to ready-made products: they are simpler in composition, free of artificial additives and can be customized to suit your tastes. With just a few ingredients, you can create a healthy and tasty snack that will satisfy younger children and adults alike.
Ingredients needed to make homemade gummy bears
- 300 ml of your favourite fruit juice (e.g. orange, raspberry or apple),
- 1 tbsp lemon juice to enrich the flavour a little,
- 4 tbsp. gelatine or, for a vegan version, 2 tbsp. agar agar,
- 1 tbsp honey, sugar or other sweetener (optional, depending on your preference).
How to make homemade gummies?
- Pour the fruit juice into a small pot and pour in the gelatine. Gently stir to allow the gelatine to start dissolving. If you are using agar agar, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packet – agar requires a short boil.
- Add lemon juice to intensify the fruity flavour of the gummies, and honey or sugar if you want them a little sweeter. Mix thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients combine into a smooth paste free of any lumps.
- Place the pot with the mixture over a low heat and heat gently, stirring constantly. Make sure the gelling agent (gelatine or agar) dissolves completely, but do not bring the mixture to the boil so that it loses its structure.
- When the mixture is ready, carefully pour it into silicone moulds in your favourite shape. If you do not have any, you can use a flat dish and cut the mixture into pieces later.
- Set the moulds or dish aside in the fridge for about 2-3 hours until the gummies have fully set and are ready to be taken out.
Homemade gummy bears – additional tips
- Experiment with different types of juice to create a variety of flavours.
- Add pieces of fruit to the mixture before pouring to enhance the texture and appearance of the gummies.
- If you want more intense colours, you can use natural colourings such as turmeric, beetroot juice or spirulina.
Homemade gummy bears are not only a healthy snack but also great fun in the kitchen! Perfect for dessert, a snack for children or as a healthy addition to your lunchbox.
What are gummy bears made of and how are they produced? | Summary
Gummy bears are not only a favourite snack of many generations, but also a fascinating example of the combination of tradition and modern technology in confectionery. Their composition – gelatine, sugar, glucose syrup, colours and flavours – although simple at first glance, requires a complex production process. From the design of the shapes, to the preparation of the jelly paste, to the packaging, each stage combines creativity and precision to deliver a product that meets the expectations of gourmets.
The variety of gummy candies means that everyone, regardless of their tastes, is sure to find something to their liking. Classic fruit flavours, vegan alternatives or gummy bears with added vitamins are just some of the options available on the market. Due to growing awareness in society, consumers are increasingly opting for products with natural ingredients that are free of artificial colours and flavours, allowing them to enjoy their favourite sweets in a healthier version.
For those who like to experiment, a great idea is to prepare homemade gummy bears. Not only does it give you full control over the ingredients, but it’s also great fun in the comfort of your own kitchen. With simple recipes, you can create original, unique sweets that are a tasty and healthy alternative to shop products.
Gummy bears are more than just ordinary sweets – it’s the history, creativity and constant development that keeps them evolving in taste and form. Whether you choose traditional products or create your own versions at home, one thing is certain: gummy bears will always remain a symbol of sweet pleasure that can make anyone smile.