Gummy bears have captured hearts and taste buds for generations, but not all brands are created equal. We put 13 popular gummy bear brands through rigorous taste tests, examining flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction. From budget-friendly store brands to premium organic options, we ranked them all to help you find your perfect chewy companion.
Market Pantry (Target)
Target’s house brand delivers basic gummy satisfaction without breaking the bank. These bears offer decent fruit flavors that hit the standard notes, though they lack the complexity found in premium brands. The texture tends to be slightly firmer than ideal, requiring a bit more chewing effort. While they won’t win any awards for innovation, Market Pantry gummies serve their purpose as an affordable treat for casual snacking.
Great Value (Walmart)
Walmart’s budget-friendly option provides exactly what you’d expect from a value brand. The flavors are recognizable but somewhat muted, delivering fruit tastes that feel more like distant cousins of the real thing. These bears have a tendency to stick together in the package, creating mini gummy clusters. For families looking to satisfy sweet cravings without spending much, Great Value bears accomplish the mission adequately.
365 by Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods’ private label attempts to bridge the gap between affordable and premium with mixed results. The organic certification adds appeal for health-conscious consumers, though the flavor profile remains somewhat underwhelming. These bears boast cleaner ingredients than many competitors but sacrifice some taste intensity in the process. The texture hits a pleasant middle ground, making them a reasonable choice for shoppers prioritizing natural ingredients over bold flavors.
Solely Organic Gummy Bears
Made with real fruit and minimal processing, Solely takes a refreshingly natural approach to gummy candy. These bears taste noticeably different from conventional options, offering authentic fruit flavors that feel almost like concentrated fruit snacks. The texture is slightly less chewy than traditional gummies, which some may find appealing. While they won’t satisfy cravings for classic artificial gummy flavors, Solely bears excel as a healthier alternative for conscious consumers.
Surf Sweets Organic Gummy Bears
Surf Sweets rides the organic wave with gummy bears that prioritize clean ingredients over conventional candy chemistry. These bears deliver surprisingly robust fruit flavors while maintaining their commitment to natural sweeteners and colors. The texture feels slightly different from traditional gummies, with a cleaner finish that doesn’t leave artificial aftertastes. Parents appreciate the organic certification, while kids enjoy flavors that don’t sacrifice fun for health consciousness.
SmartSweets Gummy Bears
SmartSweets revolutionizes gummy candy with dramatically reduced sugar content and added fiber. These bears taste remarkably similar to traditional gummies while delivering only 3 grams of sugar per bag. The texture requires some adjustment, feeling slightly different from conventional bears but still satisfying. For dieters and health-conscious candy lovers, SmartSweets offers an impressive compromise between indulgence and nutrition goals without completely sacrificing the gummy experience.
Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears
Black Forest combines their candy expertise with organic ingredients to create surprisingly flavorful bears. These gummies deliver the classic taste profile many remember from childhood while meeting modern organic standards. The texture hits familiar notes, providing that satisfying chew without being overly tough. Black Forest successfully bridges the gap between nostalgia and contemporary health consciousness, making these bears appealing to multiple generations of gummy enthusiasts.
Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers
While technically not bears, these fish-shaped gummies from Trader Joe’s deserve recognition for their exceptional flavor and texture. Each swimmer delivers intense fruit taste that rivals premium European imports. The texture is perfectly balanced, offering satisfying chewiness without jaw fatigue. Trader Joe’s has created a cult following around these swimmers, proving that sometimes the best gummy experience comes in unexpected shapes from unexpected places.
Project 7 Gummy Bears
Project 7 brings social consciousness to gummy candy, donating to various causes with each purchase. Beyond the charitable angle, these bears deliver impressive flavor complexity with well-balanced fruit profiles. The texture feels premium, with a satisfying chew that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Project 7 proves that doing good and tasting great aren’t mutually exclusive, creating gummy bears that satisfy both conscience and cravings simultaneously.
Trolli Sour Gummy Bears
Trolli transforms the classic gummy bear experience with a sour twist that adds exciting complexity. These bears deliver the perfect balance of sweet and sour, creating a flavor journey that keeps taste buds engaged. The texture remains satisfyingly chewy while the sour coating provides initial tartness that mellows into familiar fruit sweetness. For those seeking adventure beyond traditional gummy flavors, Trolli offers an exciting departure from the ordinary.
Haribo Goldbears (U.S. version)
The American version of the world’s most famous gummy bear delivers familiar satisfaction with corn syrup-based sweetness. These bears offer the classic flavors that defined gummy candy for generations of American consumers. The texture is notably softer than their German counterparts, providing easier chewing that appeals to many palates. While purists may prefer the original formula, U.S. Goldbears maintain the essential Haribo character that made them legendary.
Haribo Goldbären (German import)
The original German Goldbären represent gummy perfection with their superior texture and more complex flavor profiles. These bears offer a firmer chew that many consider the gold standard for gummy candy. Made with real sugar instead of corn syrup, they deliver cleaner, more intense fruit flavors that feel more authentic. German Goldbären showcase why Haribo became the world’s gummy bear authority, offering an experience that American versions can’t quite match.
Albanese 12-Flavor Gummy Bears (Made in USA)
Albanese’s premium 12-flavor bears claim the crown with exceptional variety and consistently superior quality. Each flavor delivers distinct, recognizable fruit tastes that avoid the muddled profiles common in lesser brands. The texture achieves gummy perfection with ideal firmness that provides satisfying chew without being tough. Made in America with premium ingredients, these bears prove that domestic candy makers can compete with international legends through dedication to quality.
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