Candy lovers find gummy worms delicious and a satisfying treat. These gummy worms are not only delicious but also colorful and transportable. They’ve won over multiple people’s hearts. But have you ever continued to think about what’s in them?
What are gummy worms made of? If you questioned me this question a bit back, we’d just say they’re made of gelatin.
Gummy gelatin source and other ingredients in gummy worms
Gelatin is a protein that emanates from fuming animal by-products, especially pigs and cows. It can be skin, fat, bones, or ligaments placed in water and then brought to a boil.
Gelatin is the main component used in creating gummy worms.
Other components of gummy candy are:
- Corn syrup
- Citric acid
- Additional food colours
- Raw or synthetic flavours
- Lactic acid
- Sugar
How To Make Gummy Worms
Gummy worms are a type of gummy candy that is typically made from a combination of the following main ingredients:
- Gelatin: Gelatin is a key ingredient in gummy candy, including gummy worms. It gives the candy its chewy, gummy texture. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen.
- Sugar: Sugar is the primary sweetener in gummy worms. It provides the candy with its sweet taste and contributes to its texture.
- Water: Water is used to dissolve the gelatin and sugar, creating a syrupy mixture that eventually sets into the gummy candy.
- Flavorings: Gummy worms come in a variety of flavours, including fruit flavours like cherry, lemon, lime, and orange. Artificial or natural flavourings and extracts are added to achieve the desired taste.
- Colorings: Food colourings are added to give gummy worms their vibrant and colourful appearance. These colourings can be either natural (derived from fruits and vegetables) or artificial.
- Acidulants:Acidulants like citric acid or tartaric acid are sometimes added to gummy candies to provide a slightly tart or sour taste, depending on the candy’s flavour profile.
- Starch or Cornstarch: A small amount of starch or cornstarch may be used to prevent gummy worms from sticking together.
- Coating: Gummy worms are often coated with a light layer of edible wax or oil to prevent them from sticking to each other and to maintain their individual shapes.