A Quick Guide to Different Types of Gummies

- Friday, April 26, 2024

What will you eat when craving something sweet? I think nothing beats a bite of gummy that can delight your taste buds right away. Yet, when you take a walk down the candy aisle at a grocery store, I'm sure you will be overwhelmed by all the sweet choices there. With so many options available, how do you know which types of gummies to buy? Keep reading. You'll be able to know what gummies best fit your needs by the end of this post.

What Do You Know About Gummies?

Gummies

Everyone knows gummies are chewy confections widely available in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. They are made in various colors, sizes, shapes, and flavors. These popular sweet treats are enjoyed by people of all ages.

In recent years, gummies also have become a fun way for health-conscious people to consume dietary supplements. Additionally, they are even consumed as a legal edible form of cannabis-infused products in many areas around the globe.

When Did Gummies Come Out?

gummy histroy

The history of the gummies can be traced back to the early 1900s. In 1920, a German candy maker named Hans Riegel invented a chewy sweet in his kitchen. Inspired by dancing bears that entertained people at street festivals at that time across Germany, in 1922, Hans Riegel shaped his new candies like bears.

These are now the gummy bears we see today. By the way, here's an interesting fact: Gummies were not widely popular until the 1980s when they hit the American market.

The Evolution of Gummies

As gummy candies went viral worldwide, more and more confection companies have ventured into the world of gummies. These chewy wonders have since been made into all sorts of shapes, flavors, and types beyond just gummy bears.

Shapes: From worms and rings to cola bottles and even human brain shapes, quite a lot of fun and unique gummy varieties have emerged endlessly.

gummy shape

Flavors: The traditional gummy bears are fruit-flavored. Today, we can find sour gummies, citrus flavors, spicy ones, and even more unique options.

gummy flavor

Types: Palatable and chewable natures make gummies a great alternative to traditional forms of supplements. Gummy vitamins and functional gummies started to gain popularity among health-conscious people. In addition, cannabis-infused gummies hit the market in the last decade. They offer a discreet and fun way for individuals to consume cannabis.

gummy type

What Are the Different Types of Gummies?

As more companies enter the gummy market, making your products stand out from competitors has become a big challenge. These companies have done a lot of research and investment in developing new gummies. Here, let's explore some popular types of gummies based on different classifications.

Below is a detailed breakdown of different types of gummies.

Classification

Description

Ingredients-based

Gelatin-based Gummies

These are traditional gummies. Made with gelatin for that classic chewy texture. Yet, these gummies are not suited for vegetarians or vegans, as gelatin comes from animal collagen.

Pectin-based Gummies

Specially made for those looking for a vegetarian or vegan option. Formulated with pectin, a plant-based gelling agent, instead of gelatin. The texture is slightly different from gelatin, but these gummies are just as tasty.

Agar-based Gummies

Another great vegetarian option. Derived from seaweed. Use agar-agar as a gelling agent to offer a chewy texture for the gummies.

Fruit Juice-based Gummies

Made for those who prefer a more natural option. Primarily formulated with fruit juice or puree. Deliver a delicious fruity sweetness without adding any artificial flavors.

Functional

CBD Gummies

Infused with CBD extract. CBD is a chemical present in the hemp plant, but it doesn't cause a high. Help reduce pain, anxiety, and depression. A popular choice for getting a calm mind and gentle relaxation.

Vitamin Gummies

A more convenient way to take dietary supplements daily. Contain various vitamins and minerals. Come in a tasty chewable texture especially useful for individuals with difficulty swallowing.

Probiotic Gummies

Infused with probiotics. Probiotics are live, active bacteria that help improve gut health. Taking probiotic gummies daily can help keep your gut healthy and boost your immune system.

Omega-3 Gummies

Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil or algae oil. Provide essential nutrients to improve your brain and heart health.

Collagen Gummies

Contain collagen peptides. Collagen can help promote healthier skin, hair, joints, and nails. Great for anti-aging support, helping you stay young.

Energy Gummies

Packed with caffeine or other energy-boosting ingredients. Provide you with a quick energy boost. A great option when you need extra energy to get through your day.

Flavor-based

Fruit-flavored Gummies

The traditional gummy bears are fruit-flavored treats. Come in many flavors, including apple, lemon, orange, strawberry, grape, peach, mango, cherry, and more. Offer a burst of fruity flavor. This makes them go-to sweets with both kids and adults.

Sour Gummies

Coated with sour sugar or powder. Help to wake up your taste buds. Feature a tangy twist. Perfect choices if you love a combination of sweet and sour flavors.

Dietary Preferences

Sugar-Free Gummies

Made without added sugars. Sweetened with sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. If you're a gummy lover but want to cut out sugar, you can enjoy these gummies without the guilt.

Vegetarian/Vegan Gummies

Often use agar or fruit pectin as gelling agents to create a gelatin-like texture. Free from any animal-derived ingredients. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

Age-specific

Adult Gummies

Formulated with the specific nutritional needs of adults in mind. Contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals important for adults. A convenient way to ensure you get all the nutrients you need daily.

Kids Gummies

Typically feature an appealing taste, fun shapes, and colors. Can be an enjoyable and convenient snack option to ensure your kids get the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

Nutritional Content

High-Fiber Gummies

Support digestive health. Promote regular bowel movements. A palatable way to increase fiber intake and keep your digestive system happy.

Low-Calorie Gummies

Formulated with reduced calorie content. Often sweetened with sugar substitutes to reduce their calorie content.

 

What Are Different Types of Gummies Made of?

As seen from the above table, there are indeed three major types of gummies. They are gummy candies, gummy vitamins, and edible gummies. What are the main ingredients in these gummies enable them to serve different purposes? Let's check them out!

Gummy Candies:

Gummy Candies

Gelatin: A key ingredient that gives gummy candies their chewy texture.

Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.

Corn Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps prevent crystallization of sugar.

Citric Acid: Adds a sour flavor and helps balance the sweetness.

Natural and Artificial Flavors: Provide the desired taste, such as fruit flavors.

Food Coloring: Adds natural, vibrant colors to the gummies.

Gummy Vitamins:

Gummy Vitamins

Gelatin or Pectin: Used as a gelling agent to give the gummies their texture.

Vitamins and Minerals: Various vitamins (such as vitamins C, D, E, and B vitamins) and minerals (such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium) are added to provide nutritional benefits.

Sugar or Sugar Substitutes: Used to sweeten the gummies and improve the taste.

Natural Flavors: Provide a pleasant taste.

Citric Acid: Helps preserve the gummies and provides a tart flavor.

Edible Gummies (Infused with CBD, THC, etc.):

Edible Gummies

Gelatin or Pectin: Used as a gelling agent to give the gummies their texture.

Active Ingredient (e.g., CBD, THC): Provides the intended benefits.

Sugar or Sugar Substitutes: Used to sweeten the gummies and improve the taste.

Natural Flavors: Provide a pleasant taste.

Citric Acid: Helps preserve the gummies and provides a tart flavor.

How Are Gummies Made?

Gummy making can be divided into homemade production and commercial production.

Following a trusted recipe is essential if you want to make gummies at home. Ingredients, cooking temperatures, mixing times, and molding techniques are all you need to master. Want to know the exact steps and recipe? You can check out our detailed guide to making gummy bears at home.

For commercial gummy manufacturing, the right gummy making equipment, recipe, and related expertise are important factors in producing consistent, high-quality products on a larger scale.

No matter the production methods and types of gummies, the process of making gummies generally includes the following steps:

1. Preparation of ingredients

2. Cooking and mixing

3. Depositing or molding

4. Cooling and setting

5. Demolding

The Bottom Line

Gummies come in all sorts of varieties, from delightful candies to beneficial supplements and even cannabis-infused treats. Whether you savor them as a sweet indulgence, a boost of essential nutrients, or for their therapeutic effects, gummies provide a fun and convenient way to enjoy a range of flavors and benefits suited to your tastes and needs.

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