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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Gummy bear

A gummy bear is a small, bear-shaped fruit gum candy, typically chewy and gelatin-based.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

A gummy bear is a small, bear-shaped fruit gum candy that originated in Germany in the 1920s. It is best known as Haribo's Goldbears.

What it is

Gummy bears are chewy, gelatin-based candies with fruit flavours and colours. Their standard form is a small bear shape, though variations exist. They are part of the broader gummy candy category.

Why it matters

Haribo is the brand most closely associated with the original gummy bear, dating back to Hans Riegel Sr. in the 1920s. The candy has become a global confection, sold in many flavours and colours by multiple brands.

Key details

The German name *Gummibärchen* means “little rubber bears.” Gummy bears are widely sold in Canada, from grocery stores to imported snack sections. They remain a popular treat worldwide.

In short

  • Gummy bears are small, chewy fruit gum candies shaped like bears.
  • They originated in Germany in the 1920s, created by Hans Riegel Sr.
  • Haribo is the brand most closely associated with the original gummy bear.
  • Gummy bears are now sold in many flavours, colours, and variations worldwide.
Canadian angle

Gummy bears are a common confection in Canada and are widely sold in grocery stores, candy shops, and imported snack sections.

Quick questions

What is a gummy bear?
A gummy bear is a small, bear-shaped chewy candy, usually made with gelatin and fruit flavourings.
Where did gummy bears come from?
They are generally traced to Germany, where Hans Riegel Sr. created an early version in the 1920s.
Which company is most associated with gummy bears?
Haribo is the company most closely associated with the original gummy bear and its later Goldbears line.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gummy_bear
    Supports: Basic definition, shape, German name, and association with Haribo.
  2. Bon Appétithttps://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/pop-culture/article/history-gummy-bears
    Supports: General history and popularity of gummy bears as a confection.
  3. Smithsonian Magazinehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-colorful-history-of-haribo-goldbears-the-worlds-first-gummy-bears-180980094/
    Supports: Haribo, Hans Riegel Sr., and the German origin of the candy.
  4. UK German Connectionhttps://ukgermanconnection.org/kids/find-out-en/gummibaeren/
    Supports: German origin, Hans Riegel, Haribo acronym, and Goldbears development.