We’ve seen some unusual candy in our time. We’ve seen it all, from magical instant gummy candy to twerking pudding to salsa spaghetti candy. But there’s one candy category we’ve been ignoring, and it’s only gotten weirder and weirder while we’ve been looking the other way: gummy candy.
What began with worms and bears and the odd Coca-Cola bottle has evolved into a pantheon of the almost unbelievable. Of course, there are candies designed to intentionally shock and gross people out, but there are also strange gummy candies with almost no explanation. What on earth possessed us to immortalize these items in gummy form? Here are some of the strangest gummies we’ve seen, ranging from “Oh that’s kind of cute” to “OMG!”
Box of Boogers Gummy Candy
We prefer not to think of boogers and candy in the same sentence, as we do urine samples. That hasn’t stopped Box of Boogers candy from making squishy green gummy candies that look like something you’ve picked out of your nose.
If the texture doesn’t make you scream, the three distinct flavors will: Snottermelon, Sour Green Boogy, and Lemon Loogy. Please put an end to it!
Lightning Bugs Gummy Candy
This candy will transport you back to your childhood if you grew up in a state or country where lightning bugs exist. When you pick up the lightning bug candy, it will light up. What causes it to light up? We think it’s quite unusual. This is a candy that children will enjoy.
Smart Sweets Fruity Gummy Bears
Isn’t it satisfying to eat the *entire* bag? These single-serve bags are oh-so-satisfying to eat thanks to the 9 grams of prebiotic fiber they’re loaded with to promote better gut health, in addition to their energy-boosting carbs. The sour, sugar-free coating adds a surprising zest that will have you completely blissed out—and reaching for seconds. SmartSweets’ fruity gummy bears have only 4 grams of sugar per bag and are packed with raspberry, apple, lemon, and peach flavors that rely heavily on natural sugar substitutes like allulose, monk fruit, and natural fruit juice.
Albanese 12 Flavor Gummi Bears
Life is like a gummy bear bag: you never know what you’ll get! This is especially true of this five-pack of Albanese gummy bears, which contains 12 different flavors in a sweet, soft, and chewy bite. These flavors are different from the typical lemon and cherry. Mango, pink grapefruit, and blue raspberry, to name a few, are also included, making this a dessert table in a bag. They contain carnauba leaf wax to prevent sticking as well as citric acid.
Sugarfina Bubble Bears
These Sugarfina gummy bears are infused with vintage Dom Pérignon champagne and have sophisticated flavors of Brut and Rose. They are also available in stackable cubes, which will look great on a tablescape (and even better on your dessert plate). Despite their name, these adorable packaged gummy bears are non-alcoholic (the alcohol is cooked out of the candy), making them a great way to start the party in your mouth while still being able to drive home. To give the gummies a sweet, fruity flavor, natural flavors such as black currant and carrot are used.
Yumearth Gummy Bears
These organic YumEarth gummy bears are made in a peanut-free facility and are suitable for those with allergies, including soy, egg, and dairy sensitivities. Delicious flavors like Pomegranate Pucker and Perfectly Peach will be as much fun to say as they will be to eat. These gummy bears are made with certified organic ingredients, natural colors derived from apple, pumpkin, and lemon concentrates, and come in single-serve portions, so you can toss ’em in your work bag without hesitation.
Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears Muddy Bears
You don’t have to choose between your two favorite snacks. You can have your chocolate and eat it, too, with Muddy Bears. Because these bears are enrobed in creamy milk chocolate, you’ll feel fuller for longer than if you ate the gummy bears alone. Consider a chocolate-covered gummy bear, such as these from Muddy Bears, for something extra-special. The fruity flavors will complement the confectionary treat perfectly.
Honey Gummy Bears by Lovely Candy Co
A combination of cane sugar and honey provides plenty of sweetness in delectable flavors like apple and orange. This delicious, small-batch snack may be a good choice for those on plant-based diets because it is gelatin-free; however, because the brand’s substituted honey is derived from bees, it may not be suitable for vegans. Natural ingredients such as spirulina, as well as fruit and vegetable juices, are used to color these gummy bears.
Project 7 Gummy Bears
If animal byproducts, sugar, and carbs are four words that don’t go together (we’re looking at you, keto fam), you should try these vegan Project 7 gummies, each of which contains only 3 grams of sugar and 6 grams of carbohydrate. In addition to being keto-friendly, these gummies are also vegan because they don’t use gelatin for stickiness, and they’re naturally colored with spices like turmeric for their distinct flavors (think Front Porch Lemonade and Blackberry Kiss). Even better, the company collaborates with seven different non-profits.
Jelly Belly Cinnamon Gummy Bears
Jelly Belly is best known for its jelly beans, but its bears are equally as tasty, especially when they come in fiery flavors like spicy cinnamon. These Jelly Belly gummy bears come in a resealable package, allowing you to safely store them and keep their soft and chewy texture. They’re lightly dusted with sugar and will keep your breath cinnamon-fresh.
A gummy bear (or any candy, for that matter) is vegan if it contains no animal byproducts. Many types of gummy bears contain gelatin, a derivative of pig collagen, so avoid them if you follow a strictly plant-based diet. Furthermore, gummy bears are high in sugar. If you have any conditions that may prevent you from safely consuming sugar or experiencing insulin spikes, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or migraines, you should consult your doctor before indulging in gummy bears (you can also opt for a sugar-free version). Fortunately, there are a plethora of gummy bears on the market that cater to people with a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions, whether you’re eating keto, paleo, or allergen-free.