Today is National Gummy Worm Day. Gummy worms slithered onto the scene on July 15, the date on which we now mark as Gummy Worm Day.

Gummy worms were invented in the early 1980s by the German confectionery manufacturer Haribo. Haribo was known for their “Goldbären” (Gold Bears) gummy candies and wanted to introduce a new variation of their popular product.

The idea was to give children something fun to eat, while providing a mild shocking effect on parents and other adults.

Gummy worms are made of gelatin which is a chewier texture or made from a pectin base, which is healthier and easier on the teeth. Pectin is a derivative from apples. Gummy Worms are often, but not always, in the shape of a toy worm. The original version of the gummy worm was called Gummi Squiggles.

The first gummy candy was made by Haribo in 1922 when Hans Riegel, Sr. made the first Gummibärchen (little gummy bears). Haribo is an abbreviation derived from his name and hometown of Bonn (Hans Riegel Bonn). Gummy worms were first sold on the 60th anniversary of the release of the first gummies.

Gummy worms came to the United States in 1981 and were first manufactured in America in 1982.

Gummy worms are the second most popular gummy candy after gummy bears. In the United States, sales of chewy candy, which includes gummies, hit $4.6 billion in 2021, a nearly 15 percent increase from the previous year. The United States also led the world in gummy sales, followed by China and Germany.

Gummy and jelly brands dominate the market when it comes to non-chocolate candy. In the year ending May 15, 2022, the segment is up 13.7%, with sales totaling $4.83 billion.

The global jellies & gummies market grew from $2.47 billion in 2022 to $2.54 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7%.

Gummy worms are not a healthy snack because they are manufactured using high sugars, starches, and other high-fat unhealthy ingredients. These types of gummies can harm your blood sugar, cholesterol, and your overall quality of life.

However, gummy candies are not particularly healthy. They are high in sugar and calories, and some studies have shown that people who eat too many gummy bear candies tend to have higher body fat levels and a greater risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

However, in an odd twist of fate the recent gummy industry is exploding. This is particularly due to the fact that nutraceutical companies are adapting gummy formulas and adding various nutrient formulas, making them a delivery system for vitamins and other dietary supplements. They may include several vitamins and minerals or just a few select nutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium. Looking at CVS shelf recently, we can see the overwhelming popularity of gummies as a delivery method for these nutrients.

Nutraceutical gummies are a type of functional food designed to provide health benefits. They are made from formulations that contain functional nutrition. Nutraceutical gummies can be designed to help with sports performance, weight management, digestive health, and general heart health. They can also contain calcium, omega 3, melatonin, multivitamins, cranberry, or vitamins for hair, skin, or nails.

Nutraceuticals are substances that have both therapeutic and nutrient effects. They are compounds isolated from whole foods.

But the question is why are gummies the delivery method of choice?

People like gummies for many reasons, including:

• They are more easily absorbed by the body than tablets.
• They taste better than tablets.
• Some are loaded with sugar, which has the same effect on our brains as addictive substances such as nicotine and cocaine.
• They are colorful and come in many flavors.
• They are chewy and take a little time to eat.
• Eating sour foods triggers a response in the taste buds, which release chemical compounds that then send a message to the brain, where serotonin is released.

The bottom line is that people tend to be more compliant eating gummy vitamins that capsules and other delivery mechanisms. That being said, gummy vitamins are generally less potent than capsule vitamins. They contain fewer vitamins and minerals, and the gelatin, flavor profiles, and sweeteners in gummies reduce the available space for vitamins, minerals, and other supplements.

However, gummy vitamins are more bioavailable than non-chewable vitamins. This means that your body can absorb the vitamins more efficiently.

Gummy vitamins are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as food, not as drugs. This means the ingredients may interact with medications. You should always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any vitamins.

 

Nutraceutical gummies come in a variety of shapes including worms, although worms are most often used for candy.

 

Here are some fun facts about gummy worms:

• The original concept was to create a candy that would entice children while disgusting their parents.
• Gummy worms are the second most popular gummy candy in the market after gummy bears.
• Gummy bears were originally called “dancing bears”.
• Gummy candies should be stored in a cool, dry area. If you live in a hot and humid climate, you can refrigerate the candy to help keep it from melting. If that’s the case, your gummy candy should last six to eight months.

 

So to participate in National Gummy Worm day you can go to the local store and pick up some candy or you can go to the pharmacy and use them to consume your vitamins. We’d love to hear from you to what your favorite gummy is.