If you’re a gummy candy fiend, you’ve probably tried an assortment of gummies. From peach rings to gummy worms, there’s always a new gummy creation out there for you to sink your teeth into. But standing tall above the rest of the pack are the oft-overlooked staple of the gummy world, gummy bears. These little guys hit the spot every time, and we’ve done the work of finding the best gummy bear brand out there for you. In our taste test of 10 gummy bear brands, a true classic shone bright. That’s right, Haribo fans. Your favorite brand (perhaps unsurprisingly) reigns supreme.
We’ve already done our own Haribo gummy ranking list, and while some of its sweet treats fall a bit short, the quality of the brand is indisputable. Haribo was founded in 1920 by Hans Riegel and keeps that small, family-owned charm in all of its products, despite the fact that it’s now a true force to behold in the candy-making biz. That gives its gummy bears the little touch of magic that makes them so dang good.
What makes a Haribo gummy bear so magical?
Let’s break down exactly what makes Haribo the best in the game when it comes to gummy bears. We were looking for gummy bears with a toothsome quality and some chew, rather than a crumbly texture that dissolved in moments. Haribo has had over a century to really nail the perfect chewy quality of its gummies. While you might have to do a little gnawing on these treats, it’s well worth the fruity and flavorful reward at the end. Being able to chew on candy a little longer also makes it more satisfying, really. You can eat fewer and have the same satisfaction you get when tearing through a package of much softer sweets.
We also looked at the actual quality and differences between each flavor offered in a pack. Some gummies have a whole garden variety of flavors, but they’re virtually indistinguishable from each other. Compare that to Haribo, where each gummy bear flavor truly shines. You can taste the tartness of the pineapple, the sweetness of the strawberry and raspberry, and that lingering, bright citrus note from the lemon and orange. Some may not be a fan of the limited number of flavors, but perfection lies in a focused approach. Wouldn’t you rather have five flavors that knock it out of the park instead of a bag full of muddled options that all taste vaguely of sugary fruits? Fortunately, Haribo has you covered. Next time the craving for a little gummy goodness strikes, rest well knowing that the pack of Haribo gummy bears has your back.