Haribo Gummy Bears: A Sweet Journey Through History & Flavor

When it comes to chewy, fruity candies, nothing beats the original Haribo gummy bears. Known worldwide for their playful bears logo and delicious flavors, Haribo has been delighting candy lovers for more than a century. Whether you’re enjoying Haribo sugar free gummy bears, fruity Haribo berries, or classic Haribo gummy candy, there’s always a reason to smile with Haribo.

Haribo’s story begins in 1920 in Bonn, Germany, when a young confectioner named Hans Riegel Sr. decided to turn his passion for sweets into a business. With just a copper pot, a rolling pin, and a small kitchen, he started producing handmade candies that quickly became popular with locals. The name HARIBO comes from HAns RIegel BOnn, honoring both the founder and his hometown.

In 1922, Hans Riegel created the first gummy candy shaped like dancing bears, originally called the “Dancing Bear.” These early gummy bears were larger and slimmer than today’s version and sold individually at a time of high inflation in Germany, making them accessible to almost everyone. This innovation became the foundation for the iconic Haribo Goldbear.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Haribo steadily expanded its production, refining its candy-making process and introducing new flavors and varieties. After World War II, Haribo rebuilt its business, focusing on quality and consistency. By the 1950s, the company had become a household name in Germany, celebrated for its colorful gummy treats and the cheerful bears logo, symbolizing joy and fun.

The 1960s and 1970s marked Haribo’s international expansion. The brand began exporting its products across Europe, capturing the hearts of children and adults alike. Over the decades, Haribo introduced new gummy shapes, fruity flavors, and eventually sugar-free options, ensuring the brand stayed modern while maintaining its traditional favorites.

Today, Haribo continues to lead the gummy candy market. From classic Haribo gummy bears to innovative options like Haribo Berries, Haribo Wild Berry, and Haribo sugar free gummy bears, the brand remains synonymous with chewy, fruity, and colorful candy enjoyed by all ages.

The chewy, fruity flavor of Haribo gummy bears comes from a carefully balanced blend of ingredients that gives them their iconic texture and taste. Understanding the gummy bears Haribo ingredients helps explain why these treats have remained a favorite for generations.

1. Sugar and Glucose Syrup

The foundation of any Haribo gummy candy is sugar and glucose syrup. Sugar provides sweetness, while glucose syrup contributes to the chewy texture that makes gummy candies so addictive. This combination ensures that each bite is soft but resilient, giving that satisfying “chew” that fans love.

2. Gelatin

Gelatin is a key ingredient in Haribo gummy bears, responsible for their signature bounce and chewiness. Derived from animal collagen, gelatin transforms liquids into a flexible, gummy texture. This ingredient is what allows Haribo gummy bears to hold their shape while still being soft and enjoyable to eat.

3. Citric Acid

Citric acid adds a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness in Haribo gummy candy. It enhances the fruity flavors in classic gummies, berries, and wild berry flavors, giving them a refreshing, tangy note that keeps your taste buds coming back for more.

4. Fruit and Plant Extracts

Haribo uses natural and artificial flavors along with fruit and plant extracts to create the wide variety of tastes in their gummies. These extracts give Haribo gummy bears their distinct fruity notes, from cherry and raspberry to lemon and orange, as well as in specialty flavors like Haribo berries and Haribo Wild Berry.

5. Coloring Agents

Color plays a big role in making Haribo gummy candy so appealing. Haribo uses both natural colors from fruit and plant concentrates, and some approved artificial colors, to create the vibrant appearance that fans instantly recognize. The colorful bears logo is reflected in the assortment of gummy colors that make the candies fun to eat.

6. Sugar-Free Alternatives

For fans who want a lower-sugar option, Haribo sugar free gummy bears replace traditional sugar with alternatives like maltitol syrup. This allows you to enjoy the same chewy texture and fruity flavors while reducing sugar intake.

Each ingredient in Haribo gummy bears has a purpose. From the chewy consistency created by gelatin and glucose syrup to the fruity taste enhanced by citric acid and natural extracts, the combination delivers the perfect gummy experience. Whether you’re enjoying classic Haribo gummy bears, tangy Haribo berries, or innovative Haribo Wild Berry flavors, the ingredients work together to create a candy that’s both fun and satisfying.

The Haribo collection includes:

• Haribo Gummy Bears – The classic Goldbears in fruity flavors.

• Haribo Sugar Free Gummy Bears – A guilt-free chewy treat.

• Haribo Berries – Soft, berry-shaped gummies with tangy flavor.

• Haribo Wild Berry – A delicious new twist with mixed berry taste.

• Haribo Gummy Candy Mixes – A playful variety of textures and tastes.

You can explore all of these sweet favorites in the Haribo collection at Swedish Candy Land.