No matter what stage of life you’re in, there’s no pick-me-up quite like a gummy bear. Believe it or not, these chewy, teddy bear-shaped candies are a fool-proof way of boosting both your energy and mood, what with their high carbohydrate content (the body’s No. 1 preferred source of fuel!) and adorable shapes that are *almost* too cute to eat. We researched the best gummy bears for you to add to your snacking arsenal based on numerous factors, including taste, ingredients and packaging.
There’s little chance that you lost your taste for those sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, sometimes both, treats. Gummy candies may not be a part of a balanced meal, but they’re delicious, colorful and—sometimes—the pick-me-up you need after a hard day. Or, heck, the pick-me-up you want after a pretty chill day when your only responsibility was rewatching Outer Banks for the third time this year.
The 7 Best Gummy Candies of 2023: Our Top Picks
| Best Overall Gummy Bears | Haribo Gummi Candy |
| Best Fancy Gummy Bears | Albanese World’s Best Gummi |
| Best Natural Gummy Bears | SmartSweets Fruity Gummy Bears |
| Best Vegan Gummy Bears | Haribo Gummi Candy |
| unique gummy candy | Black Forest Gummy Bears Candy |
| best organic gummies | YumEarth Gluten Free Gummy Bears |
| best sour gummy candy | Ferrara Candy Company |
No matter what stage of life you’re in, there’s no pick-me-up quite like a gummy bear. Believe it or not, these chewy, teddy bear-shaped candies are a fool-proof way of boosting both your energy and mood, what with their high carbohydrate content (the body’s No. 1 preferred source of fuel!) and adorable shapes that are *almost* too cute to eat. We researched the best gummy bears for you to add to your snacking arsenal based on numerous factors, including taste, ingredients and packaging.
1.Best Overall Gummy Bears：Haribo Gummi Candy
The vibrant colors of these candies, which come 12 bags to a box, are to *dye* for. They have citric acid to keep them fresher, longer, and certain flavors, like pineapple and strawberry, come in unexpected colors (strawberry is green and pineapple is white, for instance), to keep your tongue guessing. The gold packaging, meanwhile, is evocative of the sought-after Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka’s famous Wonka Bars, further adding to its nostalgic appeal.
2.Best Fancy Gummy Bears：Albanese World’s Best Gummi
With just 4 grams of sugar per bag, SmartSweets’ fruity gummy bears are packed with raspberry, apple, lemon and peach flavors that largely rely on natural sugar alternatives, such as allulose, monk fruit and natural fruit juices.
WHAT WE LIKE: Doesn’t it feel good to dig into the *whole* bag? In addition to their energy-boosting carbs, these single-serve bags are oh-so-satisfying to devour thanks to the 9 grams of prebiotic fiber they’re loaded with to promote better gut health. The sour, sugar-free coating also lends a surprising zest that will leave you feeling totally blissed out—and reaching for seconds.
3.Best Natural Gummy Bears：SmartSweets Fruity Gummy Bears
With just 4 grams of sugar per bag, SmartSweets’ fruity gummy bears are packed with raspberry, apple, lemon and peach flavors that largely rely on natural sugar alternatives, such as allulose, monk fruit and natural fruit juices.
WHAT WE LIKE: Doesn’t it feel good to dig into the *whole* bag? In addition to their energy-boosting carbs, these single-serve bags are oh-so-satisfying to devour thanks to the 9 grams of prebiotic fiber they’re loaded with to promote better gut health. The sour, sugar-free coating also lends a surprising zest that will leave you feeling totally blissed out—and reaching for seconds.
4.Best Vegan Gummy Bears：Haribo Gummi Candy
Pros
- Classic taste and great mouth feel
- Large 5 lb bag
- Produced in a nut free factory
Cons
- 5 flavors, whereas top pick has 12 flavors
- Not organic
- Made from beef gelatin, so not vegetarian
WHY WE LIKE IT: Iconic design that features a classic taste and texture and shipping in a 5 lb bag, having been produced in a nut free facility, making it perfect for kids who may have peanut allergies.
These Haribo Goldbears Gummi Bears are iconic, having originally been manufactured over 90 years ago, and are both delicious and texturally pleasing. This product ships in a large five pound bag, which is similar to our top pick, and each of these candies are produced in a nut free facility, making them perfect for children with nut allergies.
Though the five pound bag is certainly adequate for large families, it does only come with five flavors, whereas our top pick features 12 flavors. Also, this is not an organic product, nor or is it vegetarian, as it has ingredients sourced from beef. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the space lover in your home, take a look at one of these star wars gifts instead.
5.unique gummy candy：Black Forest Gummy Bears Candy
Pros
- Extremely juicy and delicious
- Colors sourced from fruits and vegetables
- Fat and gluten free
Cons
- 6 flavors, whereas top pick has 12 flavors
- Not organic
- Could contain trace amounts of nuts
WHY WE LIKE IT: Arrives in a huge 6 lb bag, the largest to be found on this list, with colors derived from natural ingredients, such as fruit and vegetables, and featuring a recipe that is both fat and gluten free.
These Black Forest Gummy Bears come in a large six pound bag, with availability up to 16 pounds, which is filled with delicious and extremely juicy gummies, with a recipe that adds color via real fruit and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes. We also loved that these gummy bears are both gluten free and fat free, suiting a wide variety of consumers.
It must be noted, however, that these candies are produced in a facility that also processes wheat and pine nuts, so trace amounts of both ingredients could remain. Additionally, this is not an organic formulation. This may not be among the perfect gifts for gamers, but nobody is going to turn down a six pound bag of gummy bears.
6.best organic gummies：YumEarth Gluten Free Gummy Bears
Pros
- 100% Organic formulation
- High quality ingredients, such as carrot concentrate and saffron
- Non GMO and free from many allergens
Cons
- Small 1.5 oz bag, though can be purchased in multipacks
- 4 flavors in pack, and they vary from pack to pack
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly product with a completely organic formulation that is free from GMOs and made without the use of most allergens, including nuts, eggs, dairy or soy.
These YumEarth Gummy Bears are an extremely budget-friendly option, while still coming in with many high end features, including a completely organic formulation that uses high quality and natural ingredients, such as carrot concentrate and saffron, for color. These gummies taste fantastic and we also loved that the recipe is free from GMOs and most common allergens, including nuts.
This is a small pack though, weighing just 1.5 ounces, though you can purchase multiple packs at the same time, up to ten. Also, there are only four flavors inside each bag and we found, during our testing, that they varied from bag to bag. If you want some more geek gifts, then you can also consider the best microscope that can be used for demonstrations or even teaching.
7.best sour gummy candy：Ferrara Candy Company
Pros
- Cute miniature design
- Great for ice cream and other desserts
- 5 lb bag
Cons
- Not organic or vegetarian
- Could contain trace amounts of nuts
WHY WE LIKE IT: Cute miniature gummies that are extremely soft to the chew, especially right out of the bag, with a sweet taste that goes well with ice cream and other desserts and arriving in a large 5 lb bag.
These Ferrara Candy Company Mini Gummy Bears are about half the size of traditional gummies and feature an extremely soft and pliant texture, especially right out of the bag, which we found a pleasure to chew. We also found that they paired well with ice cream and related desserts, due to both their size and their taste. The five-pound bag these arrived in was also great, and in line with our top picks.
This is not an organic or vegetarian formulation, however, so be sure to take that into consideration before purchasing. Additionally, these candies were processed in a facility that deals with nuts and wheat, so they could contain trace amounts of either ingredient. If you’re looking to make your gift a little more epic take a look at these star trek gifts too.
What to Look For in a Gummy Bear
There are a few things to look for when selecting the perfect gummy bear snack.
- Flavor: Typically, the label will display a bag’s flavor selections. Check them out to see if they’re to your liking (or if there are any off-limits ones you’d rather not go for). Then again, you don’t need to write off a whole bag if there’s one flavor you’re not into—we’re positive a hungry friend or co-worker would take them off your hands! If it’s long-lasting intensity that won’t fade mid-chew that you’re after, look for the addition of citric acid, which works to “wake up” the flavor.
- Dietary restrictions: A gummy bear (and all candy, for that matter) is considered vegan-friendly if it’s void of animal byproducts. Many types of gummy bears are made with gelatin, a derivative of pig collagen, so definitely steer clear of that if you’re leading a strictly plant-based diet. Additionally, gummy bears tend to be high in sugar. If you currently suffer from any conditions that might prevent you from safely consuming sugar or experiencing insulin spikes, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or migraines, you’ll want to check with your healthcare practitioner before treating yourself to gummy bears (you can also opt for a sugar-free version). Luckily, there are tons of gummy bears on the market that are geared toward folks with all kinds of dietary preferences and restrictions, whether you’re eating keto, paleo or allergen-free.
- Packaging: Did you know that we, as humans, eat with our eyes first? As trivial as it may seem, there is a lot to be said about an alluring bag that’s emblazoned with bold colors and patterns. Let your eyes guide your taste buds when choosing the perfect bag. It’s seriously part of the fun!
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we first ensured that each product we tried tasted delicious and that each was pleasant to chew. In other words, we wanted to make sure that these were fantastic candy options for your friends and family. We also liked packs that came with plenty of flavor choices, as many as 14 in the case of one of our picks.
As far as the ingredients, we were attracted to candies that were derived from natural sources, including fruit and vegetable juices and beet extract, among other relatively nutritious items. We must note, however, that even with healthy ingredients, gummy bears aren’t exactly a health food. Formulas that were non-GMO and free from common allergens were also highly preferred, especially in the wake of modern nut allergies.
We liked large bags, as big as six pounds, and items that offered not only multiple flavors, but unique tastes as well. Some of our chosen products contain flavors such as champagne and cherry chili, in addition to the standard flavors of orange, grape and strawberry, among others.
Best Gummy Bears Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
Taste
These are candies and, as such, you are going to want them to taste fantastic. Keep in mind that some of our top picks contain standard flavors, such as cherry and lemon, while others come with flavors that approach the bizarre, like champagne and sugared banana. Just read the fine print and make sure that the product you are about to purchase contains flavors that you are likely to enjoy.
Ingredients
While gummy bears will never quite become a health food, several modern manufacturers have tried to make things as healthy as possible, including a few of our picks. These brands create a product that tastes great, while using relatively healthy ingredients, such as beet extract and vegetable juice, among others. It is worth noting that gummy bears typically include gelatin as a key ingredient and gelatin is almost always made with some kind of animal byproduct.
Allergens and GMOs
Many parents are on the lookout for products that are manufactured in facilities that also process nuts and wheat, among other common allergens. We made sure to note when our picks were safe, and certified to be free of trace elements of nuts and other common allergens. Additionally, many modern candies do not include GMOs as part of their ingredient list.
BEST GUMMY CANDIES
Gummy candies are arguably one of the most satisfying types of candy ever invented. There’s just enough resilience when you bite down to fulfill that need to chew, and some brands suggest a serving size that’s in the double digits! The only problem is, there are so many options to choose from, how do you know which is best for you?
That depends on what you like. If you’re seeking the stalwart gummy bear, then the answer is easy. However, if you’re looking for something more unusual, like worms or spiders for a creepy Halloween treat, or you’d prefer organic gummies in prepackaged portions, then you’ll have to do a bit more searching.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
When shopping for something as subjective as gummy candies, the best way to discover what is right for you is to consider everything that’s available. Since this comes down to personal preference, we’ve decided to group all the different options into one section, so you have all the information you need in one convenient location.
Shape
The two most recognizable gummy candy shapes are bears and worms, but by no means does it stop there. You can find gummy candies in the shape of anything you desire, from cubes to flowers. There are lips, sharks, burgers, soda bottles, fruits, hearts, stars, gumdrops, rings, ghosts, bats, brains, rats, eyeballs, and much more. If you prefer something unconventional, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck, it just means you have to look a little harder.
Size
Gummy candy can be an irresistible treat with its diminutive size. Just popping one (or a half dozen) little morsels in your mouth might be perfect. However, there are always extremists, those who crave the jumbo-size items. If this is you, be careful, because biting into a gummy rat that is four inches thick is quite a different (unsettling?) experience. However, if you like giant snakes, thick worms, and oversize bears, you might want to consider something you can really sink your teeth into.
Flavors
Oddly enough, there isn’t a great deal of variety when it comes to flavors. Manufacturers tend to stick to the tried and true handful of fruity originals, such as orange, strawberry, pineapple, lemon, and raspberry. If you’d like greater diversity in flavors, it’s possible to find that, but it isn’t easy.
Coating: The coating on gummy candies is for more than decoration. If it looks like white, crystalline dust has settled on your bear or worm, chances are, it’s going to be sour. The sweet gummy candies, on the other hand, have a chocolate coating. Some people prefer a sweet and salty combination. If that’s your taste preference, the salty coating will likely be something that you have to add yourself.
Colors
Colors are akin to shape in that you can find almost anything you desire, from blue sharks to purple bears. The only caution is to be aware that the colors don’t always match the flavor you may expect, such as the green-colored, strawberry-flavored gummy bears.
Additives
Additives can be good or bad. Many parents are not fond of artificial sweeteners and dyes in food. Luckily, you can purchase gummy candy made with certified organic fruit juice. Additionally, you can find gummy candies that are vitamin enriched or even caffeinated. If this is what you desire, these gummy candies will likely cost considerably more. Note that gummy vitamins are not candy. Be very careful about purchasing an item that may become dangerous if you or your child consumes more than the recommended amount.
And, if you cannot or do not eat sugar, you don’t have to miss out. Gummy candies are also available in sugar-free options.
Quantity
If you’re having a party, go for the big bag. However, if you’re like most of us, popping these little treats can be so addicting that it’s hard to stop. If that sounds like you, it’s usually best to limit your purchase to one 4- or 5-ounce bag at a time.Many parents prefer purchasing pre-packaged portions so they can easily add them to their child’s lunch for a tiny sweet treat. Also, if you get these packages, at least you won’t feel so guilty when you can’t stop yourself from consuming an entire bag.
GUMMY CANDY PRICES
As a rule of thumb, the price of gummy candies is fairly consistent. You can expect to pay roughly $1 per ounce. However, if you want less expensive gummy candies, the ones closer to $0.50 per ounce, be prepared for a tougher, not-so-gummy chewing experience.
Also, the price for quality gummy candy typically comes down when you purchase in bulk. The only reason you would want to spend more per ounce on gummy candy is if they’re vitamin-fortified or made with special ingredients like real fruit juice, they’re labeled organic, or they’re sugar-free. Some of these special candies can be as much as $5 per ounce.
HOW GUMMY CANDY IS MADE
If you’ve ever wondered how gummy candy is made, ponder no longer. The following is a brief outline of the process used to create these chewy wonders.
- Ingredients (see the FAQ section) are mixed together.
- Mixture is melted at 115°F.
- Molds are stamped into trays of cornstarch.
- Melted candy is poured into the cornstarch molds.
- Molds are refrigerated for about 12 to 15 hours.
- Cornstarch molds are emptied and sifted so the cornstarch can be used again for molds.
- Candied are spun and blasted with air to remove any remaining cornstarch.
- Candies are coated with mineral oil to make them shiny.
- Quality control carefully inspects and removes any misshapen candies before packaging.
OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY GUMMY CANDY
Although the traditional way to enjoy gummy candy is straight out of the bag, there are other ways to enjoy these candies. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Topping ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Adding to milkshakes
- Decorating cakes and cupcakes
- Dipping in chocolate
- Filling popcorn balls
- Baking into cookies, Rice Crispy treats, or donuts
- Decorating Halloween brownies
- Melting
- Freezing
- Salting
- Dropping in coffee
- Dipping or soaking in alcohol (for adults of legal age only)
- Fishing (used as bait)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular gummy bear flavor?
Generally speaking, orange and cherry are the most popular flavors, but we like to think every flavor has its own merits, including pineapple and, gasp, even grape.
Are gummy bears bad for you?
Well, they certainly are not a green juice, that is for sure. Gummy bears are primarily made from sugar, though the source of sweetness can vary from product to product, from unhealthy additives such as high fructose corn syrup to healthier alternatives like beet extract and vegetable juice.[1]Are Gummy Bears Bad for You?
What are the ingredients used to make gummy candy?
Although the ingredients and the ratios used vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, the main ingredients used to make gummy candies are gelatin, sugar, and corn syrup. Coloring and flavoring are also added to make gummy candy even more fun to eat.
My gummy candy is hard. Is there any way to soften it?
Possibly. The firmness of gummy candy depends on its concentration of gelatin. As the water evaporates, even soft candies can become hard. The best way to get them soft again is to let them soak in some warm (not hot) water. You’ll have to keep an eye on the gummy candies to get them to the right consistency, but about 20 minutes can be enough. The new problem is the freshly softened gummy candies will melt together if you just throw them in a bag or pile them on top of each other. For best results, place them on a cooling rack until they dry out enough that they won’t stick together.[2]Exactly How To Soften Hard Gummy Bears
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