How to Make Gummy Bears Soft Again?

Have you ever flipped through a bag of gummy bears only to find that they have silently turned into hard gummy marbles? We've all been there.

But before you resign yourself to a trip to the dentist, take a deep breath. This blog post will show you how to effectively soften those hardened gummy bears so you can change that frown and enjoy your favourite treat again.

Why Are Your Gummy Bears Not Soft Anymore?

Your gummy bears not being soft is likely affected by a number of factors, but all have to do with their ingredients and how they are stored.

1. Moisture Loss

The main ingredient in gummy bears is gelatin, which forms a gel with water and sugar. If exposed to air for a long period of time, the water in gummy bears can evaporate, causing them to become less soft.

2. Improper Storage

High temperatures and low humidity accelerate water loss, so if gummy bears are left open on the counter or stored in hot environments, they can harden more quickly.

3. Improper Ingredient Ratios

A balanced ratio of gelatin, sugar and water is critical to the texture of gummy bears.  If there is not enough water in the gelatin, the gummy bears may not be soft enough at first and will harden more easily over time.

What Can You Do To Keep Your Gummy Candy From Getting Hard?

If you don't want your gummies to harden, storage is the key. Store your gummy candies in an airtight container, preferably one made of a thick, non-porous material such as glass or a heavy-duty plastic container. This will minimise the exposure of gummy bears to the air and prevent moisture loss.

In addition, store your gummy bears in a cool, dry place. Avoid high temperatures or direct sunlight, both of which can accelerate the hardening of your gummy candies.

Perhaps you could also use the power of the refrigerator. While the fridge may not be suitable for all situations, it can be a temporary solution for short-term storage, especially in hot and humid climates. However, be aware that some gummies may become slightly harder due to the cooler temperatures, but they will still be pleasantly chewy.

How to Make Hard Gummy Bears Soft Again？

Don't feel discouraged if you didn't store your gummy bears right at the beginning. There is still hope for rock-solid gummy bears! Below we've provided several effective ways you can bring back their soft, chewy texture.

• Water Bath Method

Here, you will need a bowl, warm water and paper towels. Place the hardened gummy bears in a bowl and pour in enough warm water to completely submerge them. Let the gummy bears soak for 15-20 minutes. Warm water will work faster at this point, but be careful not to use boiling water as it will melt the gummies.

Wait a while to check the gummies. If the gummies are not soft enough after 20 minutes, soak them for a few more minutes. Once you know the gummy bears are as soft as you want them to be, use a colander to pull the gummies out of the water and pat them dry with a paper towel if necessary.

• Microwave Heating Method

You need to be more careful if you are going to use a microwave. This method is more suitable for small batches and requires close attention. This is because gummy bears can melt very quickly in the microwave. First, you can place paper towel on the microwave-safe plate. Then lay the gummy bears on the paper towel in order.

Microwave these gummy bears on low power (30% or defrost setting) for 5-10 seconds at a time. After each interval, remove the plate and check the texture of the gummies. If they are not soft enough, microwave for another 5 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them or the gummy bears will melt or soften unevenly.

• Bread Method

This method relies on the moisture in the bread to soften the gummy bears. You will need a slice of fresh, soft bread. Please avoid crusty or toasted breads as they do not release enough moisture. Next, place the gummy bears in an airtight container with your slice of bread.

Cover the container tightly and leave it at room temperature for a few hours or even overnight. The bread will slowly absorb the excess moisture from the air, allowing the gummy bears to regain their moisture and get soft again. Remember, this is not a quick fix and will require some patience on your part.

How to Prevent Gummy Bears from Getting Sticky When Softening Them?

If you're using the water bath method to soften gummy bears, then make sure you use lukewarm water, such as bath water temperature, rather than hot water. Also, soak the gummies for a short period of time - a few minutes should be enough, not hours. The longer you soak them, the more water they absorb and the stickier the gummies are likely to become.

If you are using the microwave to soften gummy bears, short heating times are key! Heat for a few seconds at a time and check on the gummy bears often. Under excessive heat, they may melt and become very sticky.

Once you have made the gummy bears soft, you can gently wipe the gummies with a paper towel to soak up any moisture on the surface. If the gummies aren't very sticky, spread them out on a paper towel to dry for a few minutes. Don't leave them out too long or they will get hard again.

The Bottom Line

With these simple methods mentioned above, you'll be able to turn hard-as-a-rock gummy bears back into a delightful, chewy snack. Remember, proper storage is the key to preventing gummy bears from becoming hard.

But, even the best laid plans can go wrong. If you find yourself with a bag of hardened gummy bears, don't despair! Grab a bowl of warm water or paper towels and follow our tips for bringing gummy bears to life. For more information on gummy bears, check out our top blog posts below or contact us today for personalised candy storage advice!

• How to Make Gummy Bears Without Gelatin: Your Fun and Easy Guide
• Do Gummy Bears Expire? Chewy Treats and Their Shelf Life
• A Quick Guide to Different Types of Gummies
• Vitamin Gummies vs. Pills: Which One Should You Choose?