Jelly / Gummy Sweets

What makes jelly and gummy sweets so special?

Jelly and gummy sweets hit that perfect sweet spot between soft and chewy. They're made by mixing sugar, glucose syrup and gelatine (or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian versions) with fruit flavours and colours. The result? A wonderfully bouncy texture that's both satisfying to chew and bursting with flavour.

The beauty of these sweets lies in their versatility. You'll find them shaped like everything from bears and worms to rings and bottles. And the flavours? Well, they're practically endless – from traditional strawberry and lemon to exotic tropical mixes that'll transport your taste buds to sunnier shores.

How are jelly and gummy sweets different from other sweets?

Unlike boiled sweets that you suck on slowly, or chocolate that melts in your mouth, jelly and gummy sweets offer a unique chewing experience. They're softer than chewy sweets like fruit chews but firmer than foam sweets. This distinctive texture makes them perfect for when you want something sweet that lasts a bit longer than a quick sugar hit.

The process of making these sweets is fascinating too. The mixture is poured into moulds, left to set, then coated with a light dusting of sugar or sour powder. Some varieties even come with fizzy coatings for an extra zing!

What types of jelly and gummy sweets can you find?

The world of jelly and gummy sweets is wonderfully diverse. You've got your classics like:

• Gummy bears in rainbow colours
• Sour spiders that make your mouth pucker
• Strawberry pencils with their sophisticated flavours
• Jelly babies with their distinctive shapes
• Cola bottles that taste just like the real thing
• Fried eggs with their two-tone appeal

And that's just scratching the surface. Modern sweet makers are constantly innovating, creating everything from prosecco-flavoured gummies to ones filled with liquid centres. Some even combine textures, mixing gummy bases with foam tops or sour sugar coatings.

Are jelly and gummy sweets suitable for everyone?

Here's where things get interesting. Traditional jelly and gummy sweets contain gelatine, which comes from animal products. But don't worry if you're vegetarian or vegan, there's plenty of choice for you too! Many manufacturers now use pectin or agar instead of gelatine, creating sweets that are just as delicious but completely plant-based.

We've seen a real surge in demand for these alternatives recently, and the quality has improved dramatically. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a traditional gummy and its plant-based cousin these days.

How should you store jelly and gummy sweets?

Want to keep your gummies at their best? Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity are the enemies of gummy sweets; they can make them sticky and cause them to lose their shape. An airtight container works brilliantly, especially if you're buying from our £1 sweets range and want to keep them fresh.

If stored properly, most jelly and gummy sweets will stay fresh for months. Though let's be honest, they rarely last that long once you open the bag!

Why do people love jelly and gummy sweets so much?

There's something deeply satisfying about the texture of a good gummy sweet. It's not just about the sugar rush (though that's nice too). It's about the experience; the way they bounce back when you squeeze them, the satisfying chew, and the burst of fruit flavour.

They're also brilliant for sharing. A bag of mixed gummies at the cinema, a bowl at a party, or tucked into pick and mix selections; they bring people together. And because they come in so many varieties, there's always something new to try.

Jelly and gummy sweets have evolved from simple fruit-flavoured treats to sophisticated confections that cater to every taste and dietary requirement. Whether you're a traditionalist who loves classic gummy bears or an adventurer seeking the latest flavour innovations, these chewy delights continue to capture hearts and taste buds across generations. So go on, treat yourself to a bag; we promise they'll put a smile on your face.

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