What makes gummy type candies give them different textures?

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Candies such as Gummy worms, Gummy bears, Sour Patch Kids, Gummy sharks, Sour Punch etc. What is in them that give different firmness, longevity, and/or elasticity?

In: Chemistry

2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

The real answer is “Trade Secrets”. The “technology” to make most gummies isn’t patentable, as the core techniques have been around pretty much since sugar was invented.

Some of the effects you can achieve with simple manipulation of sugar over specific times at specific temperatures. Check out how to make [Turkish Delights](https://www.thespruceeats.com/turkish-delight-521388) for a super basic primer. That will get you a good deal of the way there.

They can also thicken juice with Fruit Pectin or Gelatin. The more you add, the more it gels. Again, manipulate this sugary gelatin at the right time and texture and you’ll eventually hit their target.

I know this is a vague answer, but you’ve asked a REALLY big question. Better to just go binge some [Gourmet Makes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEMxFSjmo5Q) for more specifics.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Gelatin. Its made from boiling animal bones, and gives chewy candies that gummy sort of texture. There are other non-animal sources for chemicals that produce similar results but gelatin is (afaik) the most common by far.