Gummy candy facts for kids
Collection of gummy candies at a market
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| Alternative names | Gummies, jelly sweets |
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| Type | Confectionery |
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Created by | Fryers of Lancashire |
| Main ingredients | Gelatin |
| Variations | Gummi bear, Jelly Babies, gummi worms |
Gummies, also known as gummy candies or jelly candies, are a popular type of chewy sweet. They are made mostly from gelatin, which gives them their unique bouncy texture. You can find gummies in many fun shapes, sizes, and flavors.
Contents
What are Gummies?
Gummies are a kind of confectionery, which is another word for candy. Their main ingredient is gelatin, a substance that comes from animal collagen. Gelatin helps gummies hold their shape and gives them that famous chewiness.
Main Ingredients
Besides gelatin, gummies usually contain:
- Sugar, for sweetness.
- Glucose syrup, which helps keep them soft.
- Flavorings, like fruit juices or artificial flavors.
- Colors, to make them look bright and appealing.
- Citric acid, which gives them a slightly sour taste.
How Gummies are Made
Making gummies is a cool process! First, all the ingredients are mixed together in big kettles. This creates a thick, syrupy liquid.
Molding and Drying
Once the mixture is ready, it's poured into molds. These molds come in all sorts of shapes, like bears, worms, or fruit. After the gummies are molded, they need to dry. This drying process can take a few days. It helps them become firm and chewy. Sometimes, they are coated with sugar or a sour powder for extra flavor.
The History of Gummy Candies
Gummy candies have been around for a long time. One of the earliest forms of gummy candy was created in the United Kingdom by Fryers of Lancashire.
The Gummy Bear Story
The most famous gummy candy, the gummy bear, was invented in Germany. A candy maker named Hans Riegel started the Haribo company in 1920. In 1922, he created the first gummy bear, inspired by dancing bears at street fairs. He called them "Dancing Bears." These little bears quickly became very popular around the world.
Different Kinds of Gummies
There are so many types of gummies to enjoy!
- Gummy bears: These are the classic, bear-shaped candies.
- Gummy worms: Long, wiggly candies often with two colors.
- Gummy rings: Shaped like rings, often with a sugary coating.
- Fruit snacks: Often shaped like different fruits, sometimes made with real fruit juice.
- Jelly Babies: A popular type of gummy from the UK, shaped like small babies.
- Cola bottles: Shaped like tiny soda bottles with a cola flavor.
Why Kids Love Them
Gummies are popular because they are fun to eat. Their chewy texture is satisfying, and they come in many exciting flavors and shapes. They are a favorite treat for many kids and adults alike.
Related Sweets
- Jelly beans are another type of chewy candy. They are smaller and have a harder shell, but a soft, chewy inside, similar to gummies.
Images for kids
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Fruit flavored gumdrops
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Haribo gummy bears were first made in Germany.
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Various gummy food items: a cola bottle gummy, a gummy hot dog, a pizza, a hamburger, and a box of fries
See also
In Spanish: Pastilla de goma para niños
