Gummies are among the most beloved sweets in the world. Soft, colorful, and bursting with intense fruity flavors—they attract both children and adults. From classic bears to more elaborate shapes, their variety can be surprising. Although traditional gummies often contain large amounts of sugar—which doesn’t make them a favorite of dietitians—the market is seeing increasingly healthier alternatives that let you enjoy these treats without guilt. But what exactly are gummies, and how are they made?
What are gummies?
Gummies are one of the most distinctive candies that have won the hearts of sweet lovers worldwide. Their basic composition is a blend of gelatin, sugar or other sweetening agents, as well as flavorings and colorants that give them their unique taste and appearance.
How were the first gummies created?
The origins of gummies date back to the 19th century, when numerous confectioners were searching for new ways to create sweets with an unusual texture. That’s when they began experimenting with sugar and gum arabic, a natural ingredient obtained from the resin of acacia trees. By adding fruit essences and flavorings to it, the first treats with an elastic structure were created, quickly gaining popularity.
The true revolution in the world of gummies came in 1922, when the German confectioner Hans Riegel—now better known as the founder of Haribo—created a gummy in the shape of a bear. He was the one who used gelatin as the key ingredient, which made it possible to achieve an exceptionally springy texture. His invention, known as the “Goldbär” (golden bear), ushered in the era of gummies, which became a symbol of innovation in confectionery.
What are gummies made of?
Gummies are a treat whose success lies in carefully selected ingredients. Gelatin plays the leading role in this process—it’s thanks to it that gummies gain their characteristic, springy consistency. Gelatin is colorless and flavorless, which makes it an ideal base for creating sweets with a variety of flavors and colors.
In industrial production, gummies are made by combining sugar syrup, water, and gelatin. They are also enriched with colorants and flavorings, which give them intense taste and eye-catching appearance. It’s precisely these additions that determine their variety—from classic fruity flavors to more exotic and unusual combinations.
There are also vegan gummies on the market, in which gelatin is replaced with agar-agar or pectin, allowing for a similar consistency without using animal-derived ingredients.
What are Haribo gummies made of?
Haribo gummies are among the most recognizable sweets in the world, and their success lies in a carefully developed recipe. Basic ingredients such as glucose syrup, sugar, and dextrose give them their characteristic taste and appearance. Glucose syrup is responsible for their crystalline clarity, sugar for sweetness, and dextrose enhances the flavor profile. A key role is also played by pork gelatin, which gives gummies elasticity and springiness.
Although gelatin is one of the main ingredients, Haribo also includes alternatives such as agar and plant starch in selected products intended for vegetarians. This way, the brand addresses the diverse needs of its customers.
For years, Haribo has emphasized natural colorants and flavorings, which give gummies their intense colors. The hues are obtained, among others, from anthocyanins, chlorophyll, or vegetable carbon, and the flavoring components come from natural extracts of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, such as blackcurrant, oranges, grapes, carrots, spinach, or nettle.
Haribo’s gummy recipes are continually refined, enabling the creation of tasty, varied products that align with trends. It’s this combination of tradition and innovation that has kept Haribo gummies popular among consumers for decades.
How are gummies made?
The process of creating gummies begins with a shape design, which sometimes starts as a hand-drawn sketch on paper. The drawing is then digitized and processed in specialized graphic software, which makes it possible to create a three-dimensional model. It’s at this stage that producers assess whether the design meets their expectations in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Each idea involves a team of specialists who take care of every detail to ensure the finished product meets consumer expectations.
When the design is ready, it moves to the production mold creation phase. Using special machines such as milling machines, plaster molds are prepared, which serve as the basis for making casting models. These molds are then duplicated.
Producing the gummy mass is the next stage. Basic ingredients such as gelatin, glucose syrup, sugar, and other additives are thoroughly mixed and heated to achieve a uniform, liquid consistency. To enhance the flavor and color of the gummies, natural flavorings, fruit juices, and colorants are added to the mass. The finished mass is poured into the previously prepared molds, where it acquires its characteristic shapes.
After forming, the gummies go through a cooling and setting process that usually lasts several days. During this time, the products develop their springy structure. Once this stage is complete, the gummies are gently removed from the molds and subjected to additional processes such as polishing, which gives them a smooth and shiny surface.
Finally, the finished gummies are packaged under appropriate conditions, maintaining optimal temperature and humidity to preserve the highest possible quality and freshness. They are then placed in bulk packaging, which is distributed to stores, from where they head straight to shelves to delight consumers’ taste buds around the world.
Gummies and their healthier alternatives
Although gummies are a widely loved snack, dietitians often point out that their high calorie content and low nutritional value mean their consumption should be limited. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to give them up entirely. Increasingly, the market offers healthier alternatives that let you enjoy the sweet taste of gummies without guilt or worry. What should you look for when choosing such products?
Sweetening agents
Traditional gummies contain large amounts of sugar or glucose syrup, which are sources of empty calories. Healthier versions often rely on natural sugar substitutes such as erythritol, stevia, or xylitol. These substitutes are considered safe and have low caloric value, which helps reduce the risk of obesity, tooth decay, or type 2 diabetes. Additionally, their low glycemic index means they don’t cause sharp spikes in blood glucose levels.
Avoiding sugar syrups
It’s worth choosing gummies that do not contain sugar syrups, such as the particularly popular high-fructose corn syrup. These are concentrated sources of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which negatively affects the body’s carbohydrate metabolism. Instead, reach for products based on natural ingredients and less processed sweetening agents.
Natural flavors and colorants
The composition of healthy gummies is often enriched with natural flavors and plant-based colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, or spices such as carrots, beets, or turmeric. Although artificial additives are common in the food industry, they can negatively affect concentration and overall well-being, so it’s worth minimizing their intake.
Functional additions
Healthier gummies are increasingly fortified with health-promoting ingredients— including collagen, vitamins, and minerals. Thanks to this, they can not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also provide the body with valuable nutrients.
In summary, when choosing gummies, it’s worth carefully reading their ingredients and opting for products based on natural components and sugar substitutes. This way, you can enjoy your favorite sweets in a healthier, more wholesome form.
How to make homemade gummies?
Homemade gummies are a great alternative to store-bought products—they’re simpler in composition, free of artificial additives, and can be tailored to your preferences. Just a few ingredients are enough to create a healthy and tasty snack that will satisfy both younger children and adults.
Ingredients needed to make homemade gummies
- 300 ml of your favorite fruit juice (e.g., orange, raspberry, or apple),
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor a bit,
- 4 tablespoons of gelatin or, for a vegan version, 2 teaspoons of agar,
- 1 tablespoon of honey, sugar, or another sweetener (optional, depending on preference).
How to make homemade gummies?
- Pour the fruit juice into a small pot and add the gelatin. Gently stir so the gelatin begins to dissolve. If you’re using agar, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package—agar requires brief boiling.
- Add the lemon juice to boost the fruity flavor of the gummies, and honey or sugar if you want them a bit sweeter. Mix everything thoroughly so all the ingredients combine into a uniform mass without any lumps.
- Place the pot with the mixture over low heat and warm gently, stirring constantly. Make sure the gelling agent (gelatin or agar) dissolves completely, but do not bring the mixture to a boil so it doesn’t lose its structure.
- When the mixture is ready, carefully pour it into silicone molds in your favorite shapes. If you don’t have molds, you can use a flat dish and cut the mass into pieces later.
- Place the molds or dish in the refrigerator for about 2–3 hours until the gummies are fully set and ready to remove.
Homemade gummies—additional tips
- Experiment with different kinds of juices to achieve a variety of flavors.
- Add pieces of fruit to the mass before pouring to enhance the texture and appearance of the gummies.
- If you want more intense colors, you can use natural colorants such as turmeric, beet juice, or spirulina.
Homemade gummies are not only a healthy snack but also great fun in the kitchen! Perfect for dessert, a children’s snack, or a healthy addition to a lunchbox.
What are gummies made of and how are they produced? | Summary
Gummies are not only a favorite snack of many generations but also a fascinating example of combining tradition with modern technology in confectionery. Their composition—gelatin, sugar, glucose syrup, colorants, and flavorings—though simple at first glance, requires a complex production process. From designing shapes, through preparing the gummy mass, to packaging—each stage combines creativity and precision to deliver a product that meets the expectations of connoisseurs.
The variety of gummies ensures that everyone, regardless of preference, will find something for themselves. Classic fruity flavors, vegan alternatives, or gummies fortified with vitamins are just some of the options available on the market. Due to growing public awareness, consumers are increasingly choosing products with a natural composition, free of artificial colorants and flavorings, which allows them to enjoy their favorite sweets in a healthier version.
For those who like to experiment, making homemade gummies is a great idea. It’s not only a chance for full control over the ingredients, but also excellent fun in the comfort of your own kitchen. With simple recipes, you can create original, unique sweets that will be a tasty and healthy alternative to store-bought products.
Gummies are more than just candy—they are history, creativity, and continuous development, which make their taste and form constantly evolve. Whether you choose traditional products or create your own versions at home, one thing is certain: gummies will always remain a symbol of sweet pleasure that can bring a smile to anyone’s face.
