Want to learn more about one of the most popular candies in the world? Gummy bears are some of the most beloved candies for people of all ages. You’ll find them in different countries, and while there are some differences, they are mostly easy to recognize. They come in many shapes, textures, and sizes, so let’s dive into what led to this delicious gummy candy.
How Gummy Bears Started
The gummy bear had its debut in 1922, when Hans Reigel Sr., a German candy-maker, began selling them. Reigel had founded his candy company, Haribo, only a few years previously.
Gummy bears were first called “dancing bears,” named after the now mostly illegal practice of using bears for entertainment in festivals. These original gummy bears were larger and slimmer than the ones we have today. Over the years, Haribo changed their gummy bears in many ways, including renaming them “Goldbears” in the 1960s and overall changing their shape.
Now, the Haribo gummy bears come in six different flavors and are enjoyed around the world.
Types of Gummy Bears
While the Haribo gummy bears may have been the first on the scene, there are now many varied brands and kinds of gummy bears. Another well-known and beloved gummy bear is from Albanese. With 12 different fruit-flavored gummy bears, Albanese is a candy company that got its start in the 1980s. Its founder, Scott Albanese, who started the company with his wife, Debbie, worked hard to create unique flavor profiles for his gummy bears. After a lot of experimentation, he developed the 12 flavors we know and love today, which feature a revolutionary way that flavor mixes with gelatin.
If you travel and try gummy bears in other countries, you might notice that they have a firmer texture and different tastes than those in the United States – like many candies, the flavor profile and texture preferences drastically vary from culture to culture.
Browse our website today to see our wide array of gummy bear offerings – and other gummy candy!