The Sweet Beginning of Gummy Bears
Gummy bears are one of the most loved candies in the world. But they didn’t always exist. These chewy, colorful treats were first made in Germany. They came out in the early 1920s.
A candy maker named Hans Riegel created the first gummy bear. He started a company called Haribo. The name comes from the first two letters of his name and the city he lived in—Hans Riegel Bonn. In 1922, he made a soft, bear-shaped candy that became a hit.
Why Did Hans Riegel Choose a Bear?
Hans Riegel was inspired by trained dancing bears. These bears were part of street shows in Europe back then. Children loved watching the bears dance. Hans thought a small, chewy bear candy would make kids happy too.
His first gummy bears were called “dancing bear candies.” They were bigger than today’s gummy bears and made with gum arabic. This was before gelatin became the main ingredient.
How Gummy Bears Changed Over Time
Gummy bears have changed a lot since the 1920s. At first, they were made by hand in small batches. They were larger, harder, and came in only a few flavors.
In the 1960s and 70s, the recipe improved. Gelatin replaced gum arabic, which made the bears softer and stretchier. More fruit flavors were added. By the 1980s, gummy bears had become very popular across Europe.
Here’s a simple timeline of how gummy bears grew:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1922 | First gummy bear candy made by Haribo |
| 1960s | Gelatin added to improve texture |
| 1980s | Gummy bears arrive in the United States |
| 2000s | Vegan and organic gummy bears introduced |
Gummy Bears Come to America
Gummy bears didn’t show up in the United States until the 1980s. When they arrived, they quickly became popular. Kids loved their small size, bright colors, and fun flavors.
Soon, other candy companies started making their own gummy bears. These new gummy bears were packaged in different shapes, sizes, and tastes. Some were sour, while others had juice inside. Gummy bears had become more than just a candy—they were a trend.
Flavors and Colors of Gummy Bears
The first gummy bears came in just a few fruit flavors. Today, they come in many. Some of the most common are cherry, orange, lemon, pineapple, and raspberry. Each flavor has its own color.
Here is a chart of common flavors and their colors:
| Flavor | Color |
|---|---|
| Cherry | Red |
| Orange | Orange |
| Lemon | Yellow |
| Pineapple | Clear or White |
| Raspberry | Green or Blue |
Different brands use different flavors and colors. Some even make gummy bears that sparkle or change color in your mouth.
What Are Gummy Bears Made Of?
Gummy bears are made with gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, and flavoring. Gelatin is what gives gummy bears their stretchy, bouncy feel. It comes from animal collagen, so most gummy bears are not vegan.
Color and flavor are added to make the bears more fun. Some companies now use fruit juice and natural colors. These gummy bears are a bit healthier and more natural.
Vegan and Sugar-Free Gummy Bears
As people began looking for healthier snacks, companies made changes. Now, there are gummy bears for almost everyone. Some are vegan, made without gelatin. These use plant-based gels like pectin or agar-agar.
There are also sugar-free gummy bears. These use sweeteners instead of regular sugar. Some sugar-free bears can cause stomach problems if eaten in large amounts, so it’s best to eat just a few at a time.
Fun Facts About Gummy Bears
Gummy bears are now sold in almost every country. Haribo still leads the market, but other companies have followed. You can even buy giant gummy bears that weigh over five pounds!
In schools and science labs, gummy bears are sometimes used in fun experiments. People test how they grow in water or how long they can stretch. Gummy bears are not just candy—they’re part of pop culture.
There’s even a cartoon show called *Gummi Bears*, inspired by the candy. It aired in the 1980s and made the treats even more famous with kids.
Gummy Bears Today
Today, gummy bears are still a top-selling candy. You can find them in stores, gas stations, and even health shops. Some gummy bears come with vitamins inside and are used as supplements.
From their start in Germany in 1922 to now, gummy bears have stayed sweet, colorful, and fun. They’ve become a part of childhood and candy history.
Conclusion: A Sweet Treat With a Long Story
Gummy bears first came out in 1922, thanks to a smart candy maker in Germany. Since then, they’ve traveled the world and changed in many ways. Whether you enjoy them for the taste or use them in science class, gummy bears are here to stay.
Their fun shape, fruity flavor, and chewy texture have made them a candy favorite for over 100 years.