Have you ever stopped to think about why gummy bears are so loved?

Well, these small, chewy candies aren’t just fun to eat—they also have a cool history, some surprising facts, and even a few secrets hidden in their squishy little bodies.

From unexpected flavors to silly science tricks, gummy bears are more than just a sweet treat.

Whether you like to eat the red ones first or line them up by color, there’s a lot to learn about these colorful candy bears.

Let’s take a fun look at some interesting facts about gummy bears—you might be surprised by what you find out!

List of Amazing Facts About Gummy Bears

1. Gummy bears were invented in 1922 by Hans Riegel, who founded the Haribo company in Germany.

2. The original gummy bears were called “dancing bears,” inspired by the dancing bear performances popular in Europe.

3. The green gummy bear flavor is strawberry, not apple or lime, as many people mistakenly believe.

4. The white gummy bear flavor is pineapple, making it unique among the usual fruit flavors.

5. Haribo’s gummy bears are called “Goldbären” (Gold Bears) in Germany.

6. The gummy bear inspired the 1980s Disney animated TV show “Adventures of the Gummi Bears.”

7. A giant gummy bear weighing 12 pounds (about 5.4 kg) was created and contains roughly 32,000 calories.

8. Gummy bears are made primarily from gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen.

9. The original gummy bears used gum arabic as a thickening agent before gelatin became the standard.

10. Bears’ popularity inspired the gummy bear shape in German folklore and street performances.

11. Gummy bears are fat-free and gluten-free, making them suitable for many dietary restrictions.

12. The first Haribo gummy bears were hand-made and sold door-to-door by Hans Riegel’s wife.

13. Gummy bears can absorb alcohol, leading to the popular “gummy bear shot” party trend.

14. There is a gummy bear variant called “vegan gummy bears” made without gelatin, using pectin or agar-agar.

15. Gummy bears dissolve faster in warm water than in cold water due to their gelatin content.

16. The average gummy bear is about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) tall.

17. Gummy bears have been used in science experiments to demonstrate osmosis by soaking them in different liquids.

18. The gummy bear candy market is worth hundreds of millions of dollars globally each year.

19. In 2019, Haribo opened a gummy bear museum in Germany called the “Haribo Erlebniswelt.”

20. Gummy bears can be used as a quick energy source due to their high sugar content.

21. Some gummy bears contain vitamin supplements, marketed as gummy vitamins.

22. The gummy bear’s chewy texture is due to the gelatin’s triple-helix protein structure.

23. Gummy bears have inspired art projects, including sculptures and wearable gummy bear dresses.

24. The gummy bear’s popularity led to the creation of many other gummy shapes, such as worms, sharks, and cola bottles.

25. Gummy bears are often used as rewards or incentives in classrooms and therapy settings.

Check out the video below to learn the Hairbo Gummy Bear History:

Pro Tip: You could try a taste test to identify the different flavors, use them for a science project to watch how they react in various liquids, or enjoy them as a snack.

Have you tried all the different colors? Which one is your favorite?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below!