Gummies are small, round candies manufactured to resemble the fruit they are imitating. In some countries, they are popularly referred to as “candy implants’ because they provide a more convenient method of food intake for children who cannot manage to spit out traditional lollipops or suck on a stick. In fact, gummies were originally marketed as “implant sweets,’” and it was only later that their unique, chewy texture made them famous around the world. Today, gummies are enjoyed for their fruity flavorings and their convenient bite-sized shape, which makes them ideal for transport and consumption on-the-spot. Moreover, many gummies are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds, making them a popular snack choice among both children and adults alike.
To make gummy fruits more realistic, manufacturers add inclusions to the artificial fruit analogues. One of the more common inclusions is liquid artificial fruit flavoring, which is usually a mixture of fruit juices and fruit acids. The flavorings are almost always concentrated to improve the taste, although some soft fruit flavoring such as lemon and lime are more subtle. Artificial fruit flavors are also used to create new and more innovative products, so expect to see gummies in every shape and form imaginable. These include everything from gummy worms to grapefruit to blackberries, among many others. The possibilities are endless!
How Do Gummies Work?
It’s been said that gummies are the foodie equivalent of Snapchat, in that they are used to “show’ what you’re doing and what you’re eating without having to consume the entire thing. Although this may be a tad extreme, the point remains that Snapchat allows users to record a quick video and share it with their followers, while gummies provide a similar experience without requiring any special equipment. Moreover, there is no denying that gummies allow for easy, on-the-spot food consumption, which is especially convenient for children who might otherwise find it difficult to control their impulses while shopping or in other social settings.
In addition to being food-like products, gummies are designed to look like real fruit, so they can be used as a vehicle to feed children with dental problems. Because they closely resemble actual fruits, gummies are also used in food allergy diets to allow for children to experience some of the benefits of real fruit without the danger of an allergic reaction. When used in this way, gummies are generally recommended to be boiled or baked before consumption to remove any potential allergens. This is similar to how food manufacturers eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction to peanuts by baking or toasting peanuts before incorporating them into snack products.
The Difference In Texture
While many candies and confections can be described as gummy, the unique texture of this confectionery prevents them from being classified as such. Gummies are characterized by their chewy, honeycomb-like interior and their thick, creamy coating. When chewed or bitten into, the fruit flavor is released into the mouth, with each bite providing a slight burst of flavor as well as texture. The combination of sweet and tart, along with a certain crunchy element, provides a pleasing contrast to the soft and subtle flavor of the underlying fruit. Moreover, many people enjoy the texture of gummies, especially the ones with a higher moisture content. This is because moist gummy candies are easier to bite into and provide a more satisfying experience.
Additional Facts About Gummies
Gummies are a popular choice among both children and adults alike because of their convenient, bite-sized size. They are made in many shapes and forms, and their smooth exterior allows for easy printing and branding. Moreover, their sweet, fruity flavorings and their convenient nature make them a desirable choice for people on the go. Last but not least, gummies are an excellent source of fiber, which provides a natural feeling fullness and improves dental health. As with any food or beverage, consumption of gummies can help improve one’s overall wellbeing.
To learn more about gummies, one might turn to the FDA, which regulates food safety in America and ensures that consumers are provided with safe and wholesome products. To learn more, one might also visit the website of the American Diabetes Association, which provides information about diabetes-friendly food products, including many gummy varieties. One might also visit the site of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, which includes a “Candy & Gum Products Fact Sheet,’” providing valuable information about this versatile food choice, including its nutritional value, manufacture process, and corporate history. All of this information will put you ahead of the game when consuming gummies, no matter whether you’re a parent of a toddler or a young adult, a patient or a healthy consumer.
At least in terms of marketing, food producers use many strategies to target children with food products. One such strategy is to use celebrities and well-known public figures to hawk their wares. Companies have also played on society’s fascination with size, shape, and appearance, using models who are all smiles and dimples in enticing advertisements. These tactics may have worked in the past, but today’s parents are more mindful of their children’s health and don’t want to be seen as pushing an unhealthful food product on them. As a result, brands have had to find new ways to attract children, and gummies are one of the products that have truly risen from the foodie equivalent of Snapchat’s lens to the mainstream.