There’s no question that over the years, gummy bears have mainly been known as softer chewable candies, so it may surprise people that Haribo gummy bears are hard. Why is this?
The reason that Haribo gummy bears are hard is due to the inclusion of the ingredient gelatin, an ingredient used in marshmallows and Jell-O. This ingredient comes from collagen and thickens gummy bears, creating a unique, chewy, and tough mouthful.
So what does this mean? Well, gelatin is a natural ingredient used in the majority of gummy bears. The only exception is vegan ones. Because gelatin comes from collagen – an ingredient found in the skin and bones of animals, vegan gummy bears will usually have a different consistency than regular ones.
Gummy bears actually vary in hardness, so if you find Haribo gummy bears too chewy or hard, it may be simply because of the amount of gelatin in the candy. If this is the case, there are actually some methods you can use in order to make them softer.
How Do I Soften Up Haribo Gummy Bears?
If you’ve found Haribo gummy bears too hard, you may have wondered how to make them softer. The process is actually quite simple, and only requires a few household items that you likely already have on hand.
All you need in order to make your Haribo gummy bears softer is some hot water and a microwave-safe bowl. Next, place your gummy bears into the bowl, and pour hot water over them until they are completely covered.
Let the gummy bears soak for about 5 minutes or until they have reached your desired consistency. After this time, carefully remove them from the hot water using a slotted spoon or tongs, and lay them out on a paper towel to dry.
And that’s it! Your Haribo gummy bears will now be softer and chewier than before. Just remember that if you soak them for too long, they may become too soft and begin falling apart.
Another common method to soften your gummy bears is by using a microwave, though this isn’t recommended as it can cause gummy bears to melt. If you choose this method, start by microwaving your gummy bears on a low setting for 5-10 seconds.
If they are not soft enough, continue microwaving them in 5-second intervals until they reach your desired consistency. Just be careful not to overdo it, as this can cause the gummy bears to melt and become a gooey mess.
Does Softening Haribo Gummy Bears Change the Taste?
One common concern people have when softening Haribo gummy bears is whether or not this will change the taste. The good news is that it actually won’t have much of an effect on the flavor of your gummy bears.
You may notice a slight difference in texture, as the softened gummy bears will be chewier than before. Other than that, there should be no change in taste, so feel free to enjoy your newly softened gummy bears however you like!
Many people grow used to the chewy aspect of gummy bears and enjoy that part of the treat. However, some people find it challenging to chew gummy bears due to dental issues or other mouth problems.
If this is the case, softening your gummy bears can make them much easier to eat and enjoy. So long as you don’t miss the texture, the flavor isn’t going to change – so don’t worry.
Why Do My Gummy Bears Taste Bad?
So your gummy bears taste bad, and you’re wondering why. There are actually a few different reasons why your gummy bears may not taste as good as they used to, and we’ll go over three of the most common ones below.
Stale Gummy Bears
One of the most common reasons why gummy bears taste bad is because they’ve gone stale. Gummy bears use gelatin, an ingredient that can break down over time and cause the candy to harden and lose its flavor.
If your gummy bears have been stored for too long or in the wrong conditions, they may no longer taste as good as they used to. If this is the case, your best bet is to throw them away and buy a new batch.
Improper Storage
Another common reason why gummy bears may taste bad is because of improper storage. Gummy bears should always be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If they are not, they can become stale and lose their flavor.
In addition, gummy bears should never be stored in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause them to harden and lose their flavor. If you notice that your gummy bears don’t taste as good as they used to, check to see if they’re stored properly.
If not, move them to a new container and store them in a cool, dry place. This should help to restore their flavor and make them taste better than before.
They’re Expired
If you’ve stored them properly and they still don’t taste good, you may need to check the expiration date. All foods expire eventually, even in the best of storage conditions. If they’ve gone past their expiration date, it may be time to buy a new bag of gummy bears.
Summing It Up
Ultimately, the chewiness of gummy bears is completely natural and should be expected whenever you buy a bag. If they’re too chewy, though, it may be due to the fact that they’ve been left out too long, frozen, or something similar.
If you don’t like how chewy your Haribo gummy bears are, though, don’t worry. It’s extremely easy to modify your gummy bears and make them softer and easier to consume.
Gummy bears are a great treat if you’re looking for a light snack after your workout (yes, really), a fun party gift or just tough little chewy candy to snack on from your couch while watching a movie.
