Why Are Gummy Bears So Good?
Why Is The Gummy Bear So Good: A Chewy Journey Through History, Science and Culture
Why is the gummy bear so good? A question every gummy candy lover wants to know the answer. We all have to agree that gummy bears have captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world for nearly a century now.
Lots of people like gummy bears! What's not to love, right? Personally, I think the best thing about them is their chewy texture and fruity flavours.
They're like little bursts of happiness in your mouth! Plus, they come in fun shapes and colours, which adds to the excitement. Overall, gummy bears are just a tasty and enjoyable treat that brings a smile to your face.
These colorful, chewy little bears have become more than just a candy; they're a cultural icon that spans generations.
In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the fascinating world of gummy bears, exploring the history behind the gummy bears, how are gummy bears created and the impact the gummy bears have ahd in the popular culture.
What is the history behind gummy bears?
The gummy bears story begins around the 1920s in Germany, where a confectioner named Hans Riegel Sr. had a vision.
During the 1920s the dancing bears were a very popular attraction in the European streets festivals and markets. Inspired by these dancing bears, Riegel set out to create a sweet treat that would bring joy to children and adults alike.
In 1922, Riegel founded Haribo, a name derived from the first two letters of his first name, last name, and hometown of Bonn.
Riegel's first creation was the "Dancing Bear" (Tanzbär), a fruit-flavoured gum candy that was much larger than the gummy bears we know today. These treats quickly gained popularity, even during the challenging times of Weimar Germany's hyperinflation.
Riegel's ingenuity and business acumen allowed him to keep his candies affordable, selling them for just one pfennig per pair.
As the years went by, the Dancing Bear evolved. In 1967, Haribo introduced the smaller, more iconic shape we now recognize as the classic gummy bear.
These "Gold Bears" (Goldbären) became an instant hit, cementing Haribo's place in the confectionery world and setting the stage for gummy bears to become a global phenomenon.
What makes a gummy bear chewy?
What makes gummy bears so irresistibly chewy? The secret lies in their carefully crafted ingredients and production process.
Traditional gummy bears are made from a mixture of sugar, glucose syrup, starch, flavouring, food coloring, citric acid and most importantly, gelatin. This combination creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that keeps us coming back for more.
Gelatin which is derived from animal collagen is the key ingredient that gives gummy bears their signature bounce and slow-melting quality that everybody adores.
Is gummy bears halal or haram?
Buzz Sweets own brand of gummy bears is made from pig gelatin which makes them not halal.
Gelatin is one essential ingredient used in all jellies and gummies to give out the jelly texture. Usually, the bones and skin of animals like bovines and pigs are used in preparing gelatin, which makes them haram.
The gelatin in this gummy bears is what allows these little bears to hold their shape while still providing that satisfying chew. The production process, known as the starch mogul method, is equally crucial in creating the perfect gummy bear.
In the starch mogul method, the gummy mixture is poured into starch molds that have been stamped with the bear shape. The candies are then left to set overnight, allowing them to achieve their ideal texture.
Once set, the bears are removed from the molds, polished and packaged for distribution. This process has remained largely unchanged since the early days of gummy bear production, a testament to its effectiveness in creating these beloved treats.
What are the gummy bear flavours?
One of the joys of gummy bears is the variety of flavours available.
Buzz Sweets gummy bears come in five classic flavours: raspberry (red), orange (orange), strawberry (green), pineapple (colorless), and lemon (yellow). However, as gummy bears have grown in popularity, so too has the range of flavours on offer.
Today, you can find gummy bears in almost any flavour imaginable, from classic fruit flavours to more adventurous options like bubblegum, cola or even savoury flavours. Some brands have even created gourmet gummy bears, infusing them with exotic fruits, herbs or spices to appeal to more sophisticated palates.
Interestingly, flavour preferences can vary significantly by region. What's popular in one country might be considered unusual in another, leading to a fascinating global tapestry of gummy bear flavours.
Do Gummy Bears Have Any Nutritional Value
While gummy bears are undeniably delicious, they've traditionally been seen as a treat with little nutritional value.
A standard serving of gummy bears is high in sugar and calories, leading some health-conscious consumers to seek out alternatives.
In response to growing health awareness, many companies have begun producing sugar-free or reduced-sugar gummy bears. These alternatives often use sugar substitutes like maltitol or stevia to provide sweetness without the caloric impact of traditional sugar.
While these options can be a good choice for those watching their sugar intake, it's worth noting that consuming too many sugar-free gummy bears can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort due to the sugar alcohols used as sweeteners.
Another trend in the gummy bear world is the rise of vegetarian and vegan options.
Traditional gummy bears contain gelatin, which is derived from animal sources. To cater to those following plant-based diets, some manufacturers have developed gummy bears using plant-based gelling agents like pectin or carrageenan.
These alternatives allow everyone to enjoy the gummy bear experience, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Perhaps the most intriguing development in the world of gummy bears is their use as a vehicle for vitamins and supplements. Gummy vitamins have become increasingly popular, especially for children or adults who struggle with swallowing pills. While these shouldn't be confused with candy, they do showcase the versatility of the gummy bear form.
Gummy Bears in Popular Culture
We cannot deny the indelible mark that gummy bears have left in the popular culture. Their cute, bear-shaped form has inspired countless other gummy candy shapes.
Sweets like the gummy worms and the Buzz Sweets blue sharks have been inspired by the gummy bears to even more elaborate designs like gummy pizzas or burgers. This proliferation of gummy shapes has only served to increase the overall popularity of gummy candies.
In the 1980s, gummy bears even inspired their own animated series. Disney's "Adventures of the Gummi Bears" brought these candies to life in a fantasy setting, further cementing their place in the cultural zeitgeist.
More recently, gummy bears have become the subject of various social media trends and challenges, proving their enduring appeal across generations.
What is the future of gummy bears
As we look to the future, it's clear that gummy bears will continue to evolve. Manufacturers are constantly innovating, experimenting with new flavours, textures and ingredients to keep consumers excited.
We're seeing a trend towards more natural ingredients, with some brands using real fruit juices and natural colourings in their gummy bears.
Sustainability is another key focus for the future of gummy bears. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, candy companies are exploring ways to make their production processes more sustainable and their packaging more eco-friendly.
Despite these changes, one thing remains constant: the simple joy that comes from eating a gummy bear.
Whether you prefer the classic flavours or are always on the lookout for the next big thing in gummy innovation, there's no denying the enduring appeal of these little bears.
From their humble beginnings in a small German candy factory to their current status as a global confectionery icon, gummy bears have come a long way. They've adapted to changing tastes and health concerns while maintaining their core appeal.
As we move forward, it's exciting to imagine what new adventures await these beloved chewy treats. What's your favourite gummy bear memory or flavour?