Gummy worms also called Gummi Worms are a popular type of

gummy candy Gummies, gummi candies, gummy candies, or jelly sweets are a broad category of gelatin-based chewable sweets. Gummi bears, Sour Patch Kids, and Jelly Babies are widely popular and are a well-known part of the sweets industry. Gummies are availabl ...

that are shaped like

worm Worms are many different distantly related bilateral animals that typically have a long cylindrical tube-like body, no limbs, and no eyes (though not always). Worms vary in size from microscopic to over in length for marine polychaete wor ...

s. They are made from a mixture of

sugar Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food. Simple sugars, also called monosaccharides, include glucose, fructose, and galactose. Compound sugars, also called disaccharides or double ...

corn syrup Corn syrup is a food syrup which is made from the starch of corn (called maize in many countries) and contains varying amounts of sugars: glucose, maltose and higher oligosaccharides, depending on the grade. Corn syrup is used in foods to softe ...

gelatin Gelatin or gelatine (from la, gelatus meaning "stiff" or "frozen") is a translucent, colorless, flavorless food ingredient, commonly derived from collagen taken from animal body parts. It is brittle when dry and rubbery when moist. It may also ...

, and

flavoring A flavoring (or flavouring), also known as flavor (or flavour) or flavorant, is a food additive used to improve the taste or smell of food. It changes the perceptual impression of food as determined primarily by the chemoreceptors of the gusta ...

s, and are typically sold in plastic bags or containers.

History

The first gummy worms were created by the German candy maker

Haribo Haribo ( ) is a German confectionery company founded by Hans Riegel Sr.. It began in Kessenich, Bonn, Germany. The name "Haribo" is a syllabic abbreviation formed from Hans Riegel Bonn. The company created the first gummy candy in 1960 in the for ...

in the early 1980s. The company's " Goldbären" (Gold Bears) were a popular gummy candy, and the worm shape was created as a new twist on this existing product. Gummy worms quickly became popular in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

and have been a staple candy ever since. The worm shape quickly gained popularity in Europe and soon made its way to the United States. Haribo's gummy worms were initially imported and sold in specialty candy stores but soon became a mainstream candy. Other candy companies also started to produce their own versions of the candy, with different flavors and colors being introduced to the market. The gummy worm's unique shape and texture made it a versatile candy that could be used in various ways, such as being a topping for ice cream sundaes and an ingredient in baking recipes. Gummy worms have also become a popular choice for Halloween trick-or-treaters and party favors, and are used in various entertainment venues such as mini-golf courses and carnival games. The gummy worm's lasting popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal and the joy it brings to candy lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

Gummy worms are made from a mixture of

, and

s. They are typically colored with

food dyes Food coloring, or color additive, is any dye, pigment, or substance that imparts color when it is added to food or drink. They come in many forms consisting of liquids, powders, gels, and pastes. Food coloring is used in both commercial foo ...

and have a fruity flavor. The ingredients are mixed together and heated until they form a liquid. The liquid is then poured into molds shaped like worms and left to cool and harden. Once the gummy worms are removed from the molds, they are often dusted with a light coating of sugar to give them a slightly sticky texture. It is worth noting that Gummy candies are not recommended for people with specific dietary restrictions such as vegetarians and vegans as it contains Gelatin which is derived from animal collagen.

Popularity

Gummy worms have become a beloved candy for people of all ages. The candy's unique shape and texture, paired with a wide variety of flavors and colors, have made it a staple in the candy industry. The gummy worm's fun and playful shape makes it a favorite among children, and its variety of colors and flavors makes it appealing to adults as well. Gummy worms are also popular as a topping for ice cream sundaes and as an ingredient in baking recipes. They have become a popular choice for Halloween trick-or-treaters and party favors, and are used in various entertainment venues such as mini-golf courses and carnival games. Gummy worms have also become a cultural phenomenon, with multiple brands producing them, and have been featured in various media such as music videos, TV shows, and movies as a symbol of nostalgia and fun. Brands such as Trolli, the creator of Sour gummy worms and other varieties of gummy candies, have become a household name. In conclusion, gummy worms popularity is undeniable and continues to bring joy to people of all ages, making it a beloved candy for over four decades.

Variations

Gummy worms come in a wide variety of flavors, colors, and sizes. The traditional gummy worm flavor is a fruity taste, but more recently, gummy worms have been produced in a wide range of flavors such as sour, chocolate, and even hot and spicy. The most popular gummy worm flavor is the classic fruity taste, but sour gummy worms have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among adults. These sour gummy worms have been created by brands such as

Trolli Trolli is a German manufacturer of confectionery. Its American arm was sold in 1996 and became a confectionery brand used by Ferrara Candy Company. Trolli sells gummy candies, marshmallows, and soft licorice gums in over 80 countries and has fac ...

, which have also produced other varieties of gummy candies. Some gummy worms are also coated in sour sugar or have a sour gel filling, which adds an extra layer of tanginess. Some gummy worms are also shaped into different forms such as rings, brains, and even dinosaurs. Gummy worms also come in different sizes, from bite-size to large worms that can be cut into smaller pieces. With the wide variety of flavors, colors, and sizes, gummy worms have something to offer for everyone.

References

{{Reflist Gummi candies