Gummy candies have a special place in the hearts of candy enthusiasts, thanks to their incredible variety of flavors, shapes, and textures. Whether you’re into classic gummy bears, sour gummy worms, sour belts, or innovative 3D shapes, there’s a unique gummy candy for just about everyone. At Redstone Foods, with nearly 60 years in the candy business, we’ve seen how gummies have evolved and adapted to new trends and flavors. While our preferences might have changed over the years, our passion for great gummy candy has only grown stronger! Gummies offer an unparalleled canvas for creativity and fun. From iconic bears and worms to more imaginative shapes like sushi, cola bottles, and even planets, the possibilities are seemingly endless. The infinite spectrum of fun and fruity flavors is just as wide, covering every flavor under the sun, often accompanied by unique textures and adventurous twists like sour or spicy coatings.
Why Gummy Candies Are So Popular
Gummy candies are a beloved treat enjoyed by people of all ages. These chewy, fruity morsels come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, making them a fun snack to share with friends and family. From classic gummy bears to more adventurous options like sour worms and fruit slices, there’s a gummy candy out there to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a sweet indulgence or a fun party favor, gummy candies are a delicious and playful option that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The Evolution of Gummies
According to one analysis, the gummy candy category is already worth nearly $500 million, and it’s expected to grow into a $750 million business by 2032, proof positive that our obsession has no signs of slowing. And what’s not to love? Gummy candies are sweet, they’re chewy, dentists hate them (or maybe love them, since candy gives them business), and they’re impossible to stop eating, especially for anyone who loves sinking their teeth into that QQ texture (a Taiwanese term for that bouncy, boba-esque chewing experience we love).
Top 7 Gummy Candies of 2025
Here’s a curated list of the top seven gummy candies that stand out in 2025 for their flavor, texture, and overall appeal. Each product has been evaluated based on taste tests and consumer feedback, ensuring you get the best options available.
1. Haribo Goldbears Gummi Candy
This classic really sets the standard for what a gummy bear should be, which makes sense considering that Haribo founder Hans Riegel invented the gummy bear in 1922. The texture is a little toothier than your average generic-brand imitator, and the pineapple (clear) flavor is especially compelling. Iconic and timeless! Hailed as the original gummy bear, Haribo’s gummi candy has been tantalizing our taste buds for just shy of 100 years! The vibrant colors of these candies, which come 12 bags to a box, are to *dye* for. They have citric acid to keep them fresher, longer, and certain flavors, like pineapple and strawberry, come in unexpected colors (strawberry is green and pineapple is white, for instance), to keep your tongue guessing. The gold packaging, meanwhile, is evocative of the sought-after Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka’s famous Wonka Bars, further adding to its nostalgic appeal. Buy on Amazon
- Pros: Iconic flavor, perfect chewiness, vibrant colors.
- Cons: Contains gelatin, not suitable for vegans.
2. Albanese World’s Best 12 Flavor Gummi Bears
Albanese proudly proclaim themselves as the “World’s Best” and if the manufacturing of gummy candy was an Olympic sport, we think these would take home the gold medal every time! These gummies are proudly made in the USA and are an incredibly flavorful gluten free and fat free snack! With 12 different flavors, including cherry, pink grapefruit, watermelon, strawberry, orange, blue raspberry, lime, grape, green apple, mango, pineapple and lemon, there are not many flaws to these delicious bears. Not overly sweet, these are for anyone who prefers original-flavored candy to their sour counterparts. Buy on Amazon
- Pros: Wide flavor variety, soft texture, gluten-free.
- Cons: Can be too soft for those preferring a firmer chew.
3. Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers
If you’d asked me to make this list 20 years ago, when I was a mouthy 17-year-old with a penchant for candy, I’d have put Trolli’s Sour Brite Crawlers at the top of my list. And while my palate has expanded since then, there’s still no denying the appeal | of these dual-flavored worms coated in sugar and citric acid for the perfect amount of sour-sweet punch. Trolli sour brite crawlers will drive you crazy, they are so funny that they are they are so popular on the market. These are caterpillar-shaped sticks of gummy candies which have sweet and sour taste, every piece of them has a mixed taste, such as cherry-lemon, strawberry-grape and orange-lime, isn’t it interesting? Buy on Amazon
- Pros: Intense sour flavor, fun shapes, great texture.
- Cons: Sour coating may be too intense for some.
4. JOLLY RANCHER Gummies
JOLLY RANCHER Gummies offer a delightful mix of soft and chewy candies that are perfect for any occasion. Each 7-ounce bag is filled with vibrant flavors like green apple, blue raspberry, cherry, grape, and watermelon, making them a tasty treat for your snack breaks at home, work, or on the go. Their convenient packaging allows you to easily share them at birthday parties, weddings, or baby showers. Plus, these gummies bring a splash of color and flavor to holiday celebrations, ensuring that your candy selections for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Halloween, and Easter always stand out. Buy on Amazon
- Pros: Bold fruit flavors, shareable packaging.
- Cons: Flavors can feel artificial to some tasters.
5. Sour Patch Kids
With a name like “Sour Patch Kids,” you’d think that this gummy candy would be one of the sourest options on the market. Unfortunately, though, that’s not really the case. Of course, there’s definitely some sourness there ¡ª right when you put the candy in your mouth. But that lovely brightness fades far too quickly, leaving you with a sweet, fruity base that frankly just doesn’t taste that good, regardless of which flavor you’re supposed to be enjoying. Then there’s the texture. While most gummies have a bit more bounciness to them, these are soft and chewy. You get a little resistance when biting into them, but it doesn’t yield that same super gummy texture I’m looking for in this kind of candy. Buy on Amazon
- Pros: Widely available, fun for mixed candy bowls.
- Cons: Sourness fades quickly, less bouncy texture.
6. Hey Yum Organic Gummies
Hey Yum’s packaging alone draws us to this organic Danish candy brand. The Magic Forest pack, which is Hey Yum’s answer to the Haribo Starmix, has gummy elves, butterflies, and owls, and is decorated with a furry dark green blob-shaped creature with a tiny pink hat and large, round eyes. The apple-, blackcurrant-, elderberry-, and raspberry-flavored gummies all boast distinct colors and flavors that actually taste like fruit. The yellow creature on the front of the Sour Flower pack winks with one eye and puckers its mouth, most likely in response to the bag’s tart contents. The sour flowers have a great texture¡ªthey’re plush, not at all sticky, and boast a mild, natural fruit taste. Buy on Amazon
- Pros: Organic ingredients, natural fruit flavors, vegan-friendly.
- Cons: Limited availability, higher price point.
7. SmartSweets Sour Gummy Bears
Best Low Sugar Gummy Bears: SmartSweets Sour Gummy Bears. With just 3g sugar and 100 calories (plus 13g fiber) per each 50g bag, these aren’t quite “healthy” but you can chow down on an entire bag without scarfing down your entire week’s worth of sugar. Buy on Amazon
- Pros: Low sugar, high fiber, suitable for keto diets.
- Cons: Texture can be tougher, less vibrant flavor.
Comparison Table of Top Gummy Candies
Brand | Flavors | Texture | Dietary Notes | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
Haribo Goldbears | Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, Raspberry, Strawberry | Chewy, toothier | Contains gelatin | $8-$15 (3 lb) |
Albanese Gummi Bears | 12 flavors (Cherry, Watermelon, etc.) | Soft, chewy | Gluten-free, fat-free | $10-$20 (5 lb) |
Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers | Cherry-Lemon, Strawberry-Grape, Orange-Lime | Chewy, sour coating | Contains gelatin | $5-$12 (28.8 oz) |
JOLLY RANCHER Gummies | Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Grape, Watermelon | Soft, chewy | Contains gelatin | $3-$7 (7 oz) |
Sour Patch Kids | Assorted fruit flavors | Soft, less bouncy | Contains gelatin | $3-$10 (14 oz) |
Hey Yum Organic | Apple, Blackcurrant, Elderberry, Raspberry | Plush, non-sticky | Organic, vegan | $5-$10 (7.5 oz) |
SmartSweets Sour Gummy Bears | Assorted fruit flavors | Tougher, chewy | Low sugar, vegan | $3-$8 (1.8 oz) |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate these gummies, we conducted taste tests in various scenarios to simulate real-world use. Here’s how they performed:
Test 1: Movie Night Snack
During a three-hour movie marathon, we tested the gummies for flavor longevity and shareability. Haribo Goldbears and Albanese Gummi Bears were crowd favorites due to their vibrant flavors and satisfying chew. Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers added a fun sour kick but were polarizing due to their intensity. Sour Patch Kids disappointed as the sourness faded quickly, leaving a generic sweet taste.
Test 2: Kids’ Party Favor
At a simulated kids’ birthday party, we observed which gummies were most popular among children aged 5-12. JOLLY RANCHER Gummies and Hey Yum Organic Gummies stood out for their colorful packaging and kid-friendly flavors. SmartSweets, while healthier, were less popular due to their tougher texture.
Test 3: Office Snack Break
In an office setting, we tested gummies for portability and mess-free consumption. Haribo Goldbears and Albanese Gummi Bears were easy to share and didn’t stick to fingers. Hey Yum’s non-sticky texture was a plus, but their higher price made them less practical for bulk office snacking.
Buying Guide for Gummy Candies
Before buying the candy, you must ensure that the flavor you are going for is palatable to your taste buds. If the candy doesn’t feel good on your tongue, your money will be in vain. The best candy in the World is available in some wonderful flavors that you should try. You should ensure that the candy you buy has good quality and texture. If the candy is soggy or dry, it can be a big turn-off to your taste buds. So, it is better to check the quality before buying. As the candies have organic ingredients, it is possible to have insects in them. So, it is best to ensure the product’s high quality before buying it. Candies come in different shapes and sizes. You can always experiment with them to enhance curiosity in children. If you are an allergic person, there might be some ingredients that you should avoid, like peanuts, soy, milk, etc.
- Check the ingredient list for allergens or dietary restrictions (e.g., gelatin for vegans).
- Consider portion size and packaging for sharing or individual snacking.
- Evaluate texture preferences: soft and chewy vs. firm and bouncy.
- Look for natural or organic options if prioritizing health-conscious choices.
- Compare price per ounce for bulk purchases to maximize value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are gummy candies safe for kids?
Most gummy candies are safe for kids over 4 years old, but always check for choking hazards and allergens like gelatin or nuts. Opt for brands like Hey Yum for organic, allergen-friendly options.
Which gummy candies are vegan?
Hey Yum Organic Gummies and SmartSweets Sour Gummy Bears are vegan, as they use plant-based ingredients instead of gelatin. Always verify the ingredient list, as formulations can change.
How should I store gummy candies?
Store gummies in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can cause melting or stickiness.
Can gummy candies be part of a healthy diet?
While gummies are treats, low-sugar options like SmartSweets can fit into moderation-based diets. Look for high-fiber or organic gummies to align with health goals, but consume sparingly due to sugar content.
Conclusion
The world of gummy candies in 2025 is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every sweet lover. Whether you crave the classic chew of Haribo Goldbears, the bold sourness of Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers, or the health-conscious appeal of SmartSweets, there’s a gummy candy to satisfy your cravings. Use our buying guide and comparison table to choose the perfect pick for your next snack or celebration. Dive into the colorful, chewy world of gummies and enjoy the sweet ride! For more candy insights, check out Candy Industry for the latest trends.