Gummy Candy: From History to Its Health Effects on Children

History of gummies

Gummies or gummy candies, are among the most popular and delicious snacks. These soft and chewy treats are made using various ingredients like gelatin, starch, gum arabic, agar, pectin, and more. The story of gummies dates back to the 1920s in Bonn, Germany, when Hans Riegel, a modest worker at a candy factory, decided to make homemade candies. Hans, a poor worker with a low wage, was initially trained as a confectioner and showed an early interest in making hand-crafted sweets and candies. After working in several candy factories and gaining experience, he decided to start his own business. With a small investment and basic tools—a bag of sugar, a marble slab (for mixing ingredients), a chair, a brick stove, a copper kettle, and a rolling pin—he launched his personal venture and became famous for inventing gummy candies.

In 1922, with an initial investment of 180 marks (approximately 92 euros) and the help of his wife Gertrud, Hans Riegel founded the company Haribo. The name Haribo is derived from the initials of Hans (H), Riegel (Ri), and Bonn (Bo), the city where the company was established. To attract more customers, he decided to make his candies with fruity flavors and gelatin. He also used bear-shaped molds to make the candies more appealing (the idea of gummy bears came from the circus performances popular in Germany at the time that featured dancing bears). These first bear-shaped gummies, known as Goldbears, quickly gained popularity. Despite their firm appearance, these candies were soft and stretchy, appealing to both children and adults alike.

In the early days of Haribo’s establishment, Hans Riegel and his wife played a significant role in the growth and success of this family business. Hans managed production and the factory, while Gertrud took on the distribution and sales. She personally introduced the products to storekeepers and marketed the gummies by delivering them on her bicycle to local shops and markets, building a close, direct relationship with customers. This creative approach and her dedication played a crucial role in making the Haribo brand well-known across Germany.

Over time, gummy production expanded, and various flavors and shapes of gummies entered the market. Today, gummies have become one of the most popular snacks worldwide, with Hans Riegel recognized as a pioneer in the gummy candy industry. According to a major gelatin producer, almost half of the world’s gelatin production is currently used to make gummies.

Gummy consumption among children worldwide

Gummies are known to be among the most beloved snacks worldwide, especially popular with children. In many countries, especially in Europe and North America, gummy consumption is high due to a long history of production (like Haribo products in Germany). Gummy consumption is also rising in Asian countries. As of 2023, the global market value of gummies reached $22.78 billion, with global consumption at around 2 million tons. It is projected that by 2033, the global gummy market will grow to $66.56 billion, indicating a relatively rapid expansion over the next decade.

Ingredients of gummies

Traditional gummies are made from large amounts of sucrose and glucose syrup, gelling agents (mainly gelatin), and artificial additives like colors, flavors, and essences. Food acids like citric acid and malic acid are also added to give gummies a tart taste. Gelatin, a primary component in gummies, is derived from collagen, a type of protein found in animal skins, bones, and cartilage (mainly from cattle). Gelatin gives gummies their shape and soft, chewy texture, allowing them to dissolve slowly when chewed. Food coloring is also added to gummies to improve or enhance their appearance. Artificial food colors, known for their stability, lower cost, and the variety of colors they offer, are widely used in the food industry.

Some adverse effects of gummies

Due to their high sugar content and artificial colors, gummies pose several health risks:

•  High Sugar Content: gummies with high sugar content can quickly raise blood sugar levels, which is harmful to people with diabetes or those at risk of developing it. Excessive sugar intake leads to increased calorie consumption and weight gain, which can contribute to health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. For this reason, some consumers prefer sugar-free or low-sugar gummies, which are usually made with artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are non-caloric or low-caloric substances (like stevia, sucralose, etc.) added to foods as sugar substitutes, though concerns exist over their safety. Artificial sweeteners, including stevia, sorbitol, and maltitol, are widely used in gummy products in Iran. Reports indicate potential health risks from artificial sweeteners, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and impacts on the gut microbiome (the natural bacteria in the gut).
•  Artificial Colors: artificial colors in gummies play a major role in enhancing their visual appeal. However, these colors raise several health concerns. For instance, Quinoline Yellow (E104), commonly listed on gummy labels, can cause allergies (such as: itching, hives and inflammation), behavioral and learning issues in children, digestive problems, and disrupt the gut microbiome. Sunset Yellow (E110), also widely used in food products, may cause side effects such as asthma and hyperactivity. Heavy metals (such as: lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, chromium, and nickel) in artificial colors may cause long-term health issues, including chronic kidney disease, brain damage, decreased IQ, bone softening, respiratory problems, cancer, neurological disorders, memory problems, fetal damage, birth defects, growth issues, liver damage, fatigue, and nervous system disorders.

Non-standard and bulk gummies

Bulk and loose gummies sold in various stores are usually not approved by the Ministry of Health. These products are often imported through unregulated channels and lack proper oversight. Poor sanitary conditions and low-quality ingredients can negatively affect the flavor and texture of these gummies. Furthermore, improper storage may lead to spoilage and reduced quality. Non-standard gummies may contain unapproved colors, artificial flavors, and other additives that could harm health.

Cases where gummy consumption is prohibited for children

Gummies may not be suitable for all children due to specific conditions. Some children may be allergic to gelatin and the colors used in gummies, potentially causing allergic reactions (itching, rash, respiratory issues, and digestive problems). Moreover, artificial colors may increase hyperactivity and distractibility in children. Children with diabetes or difficulties controlling blood sugar should avoid or limit their gummy consumption due to the high sugar content. Children with dental issues should also have limited gummy intake, while children under two should avoid gummies due to risks of choking, weaker digestive and immune systems and potential allergic reactions.

Recommended gummy intake for children

Gummies contain high amounts of sugar, artificial colors, and additives that can negatively affect children's health. Although there are no precise daily gummy consumption guidelines, general recommendations can help parents control their children’s intake. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that free sugar intake (including added sugars in food and drinks) for children should not exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake. For a child, this typically amounts to around 25 grams (about six teaspoons) of sugar daily. Since about 50% of gummy weight is sugar, a 50-gram pack of gummies contains roughly 25 grams of sugar. For example, if a four-year-old child weighing around 16 kg consumes a 50-gram pack of gummies, it meets their entire daily sugar allowance. However, it should be considered that other foods and drinks throughout the day also contain sugar, possibly exceeding the recommended 25 grams of daily intake. Therefore, limiting and controlling gummy consumption is essential to protect children's health.

Strategies to reduce the harmful effects of gummy consumption

1- It is always best to choose packaged and standardized gummy candies. Standard gummy candies are typically produced under the control and supervision of relevant organizations such as the Standards Organization, the Food and Drug Administration and etc., and have higher quality and safety

2- Avoid buying bulk or loose gummies.

3- Check the expiration date and avoid consuming expired gummies.

4- Since gummies have little nutritional value, they can be combined with nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruits and etc., to provide children with more nutrients.

5- Encourage children to brush their teeth or rinse their mouths with water after consuming gummies to prevent tooth decay.