Buying gummies seems simple: choose a flavour, add a bag to your basket and you’re done. However, fruit gummies, gummy sweets and supplements can differ considerably in their ingredients, serving size and suitability for children. Colourful packaging tells you little about what is actually inside.
Pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:
First check whether the product contains gelatine and where it comes from. Red Band Dropfruit Duos, for example, contains gelatine and beeswax. Haribo Starmix and Haribo Tangfastics also list gelatine. This means these products are not suitable for everyone looking for vegetarian gummies.
There are other points to consider too:
Always read the current packaging. Product information may vary between flavours or pack sizes.
Fruit gummies and fruit sweets often contain around 45 to 70 grams of sugar per 100 grams. According to the product information provided, Nerds Gummy Clusters contain 70 grams per 100 grams, while Red Band Dropfruit Duos contain 54 grams per 100 grams. These are sweets to enjoy occasionally, not to eat without limits.
Also look out for terms such as sugar-free gummies. “Sugar-free” does not mean that a product contains no sweeteners or calories. Lucovitaal Multi+ Kids Gummies, for example, use maltitol. Consuming large amounts of certain sweeteners may have a laxative effect, as stated in the product information.
With multivitamin gummies, the daily dosage is particularly important. Davitamon Junior states one gummy per day for children aged 3 and over, under adult supervision. Do not exceed the recommended amount and keep supplements out of the reach of young children.
Small 45 to 80 gram bags are practical for a treat, lunchbox or one-off occasion. For a birthday party or film night, a larger sweet mix is more suitable. Haribo Starmix is supplied in a 1 kg tub and, according to the product information, contains approximately 40 servings of 25 grams.
Resealable packaging helps keep soft sweets in good condition for longer. Always store gummies in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Once opened, the packaging should be sealed properly. Also check the best-before date on the packaging and do not use a product if its packaging is damaged.
Why it suits this shopper: A medium-sized pack combining liquorice and fruit flavours, making it easy to manage for a first purchase or a small cupboard stock-up.
The product information clearly states the pack size of 245 grams, 54 grams of sugar per 100 grams and the presence of gelatine. This makes it easier to compare products carefully.
Gluten-free according to the product description, with natural flavourings and a combination of liquorice and fruit.
Why it suits this shopper: Ideal for families, guests and celebrations where a variety of shapes and flavours is welcome.
The quantity and serving guidance are clearly stated: 1 kg and approximately 40 servings of 25 grams. This makes planning for sharing easier.
A mix including goldbears, rings, hearts and cola bottles; according to the product description, it contains no artificial colourings.
Why it suits this shopper: A multipack for fans of international sweet mixes, treats or several smaller selling and sharing occasions.
The pack contains 10 individual 113-gram bags. This means you do not have to reopen one large bag each time.
A soft gummy centre with a crunchy Nerds coating and different fruit flavours in each bag.
Why it suits this shopper: For parents consciously considering a gummy-form food supplement for children aged 3 and over, rather than ordinary sweets.
The usage instructions state one gummy per day from the age of 3, under adult supervision. The label remains the deciding source of information.
According to the product information, it contains vitamin D3, vitamin C, B vitamins and zinc, among other nutrients; it is gluten- and lactose-free.
Do not choose a product solely because of its cheerful shape or familiar name. Check the age recommendation, allergens and texture. Hard, sticky or round sweets can be difficult to chew. Only give young children gummies that are suitable for their age, and supervise them while they are eating.
For vegetarian gummies, look specifically for pectin or another plant-based gelling agent. A product with the word “fruit” in its name is not automatically vegetarian. If you enjoy sour sweets, you can also compare the acidity and sugar content; sour varieties are not necessarily lighter or less sweet.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
It depends on the product. Always check the minimum age, serving size, allergens and warnings on the packaging. Multivitamin gummies also have a set daily dosage. Ordinary gummy sweets are not a substitute for a varied diet.
Store them according to the label in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and properly sealed. The exact shelf life after opening varies between products. So check the packaging and look out for changes in smell, colour, texture or taste.
Not necessarily. Compare the price per 100 grams, the sweeteners used and the serving size. Sugar-free gummies can still be relatively expensive, and some sweeteners may have a laxative effect when consumed in excess.