Did you know that gummy bears originated as pigskin? Just as NFL football began in humble beginnings, the gummy bear did, too. Pectin and agar are used in the manufacturing process to create these delightful candies. This article will explain the history of gummy bears and how they came to be. Here are some fun facts about gummy bears!
Riegel invented gummy bears
The origin of gummy bears lies in a curious story. The first ones were created by a German confectionary worker named Hans Riegel Sr. In the 1920s, these dancing bears attracted large crowds to carnivals. But the bears' teeth were clipped and they were clad in silly costumes. Hans Riegel saw a business opportunity in this and began experimenting with recipes and flavors. He soon began to see that people all over the world were enjoying these candy creations.
Riegel's gummy bears were shaped like dancing bears
Riegel's gummy bear candy was a huge hit in Germany. They were originally smaller, but quickly became more popular as children and adults alike discovered the novelty. Riegel originally came up with the concept of gummy bears, but later changed the design to incorporate dancing bears. Until the 1970s, most gummy bears were just shaped like normal bears.
Riegel died of heart failure
In March 2013, Forbes named Riegel the "Gummi Bear Billionaire." This inventor had invented more than 200 different candies, including gum, fruit chewies, and vademecum sugar-free gum. His inspiration came from children's movies and comic books. His net worth was estimated at $2.9 billion, and he was still running the company at the time of his death.
Riegel founded Haribo
In 1920, poor German factory worker Hans Riegel began making hard candies on a marble slab and copper kettle. During World War II, the business suffered losses and the business was taken over by Allied forces. However, Hans Riegel and his younger brother, Paul, escaped and rebuilt the company. Today, Haribo employs over 6,000 people. The company's founder died in 1945, but his son, Paul, continued to run the business.
Haribo is one of the leading gummy manufacturers in the world
In a recent documentary, German broadcaster ARD exposed the horrors of modern-day slave labor and animal abuse in the production of Haribo gummy bears. Carnauba wax, used to keep the gummies together, was sourced from Brazilian plantations that treat workers like animals. Haribo has since discontinued the use of carnauba wax in its manufacturing process.
Riegel inspired animated TV series
When gummy bears were first introduced to the world, they were called Dancing Bears. Their name came from a tradition from Germany in which bears were trained to perform tricks and acts. The practice was banned after the World War I, but Riegel didn't stop there. His wife took up the challenge and delivered supplies on her bicycle. Soon, the gummy bear became a worldwide phenomenon.
Animated TV series inspired song
If you love chocolate, you know where gummy bears came from. These fruit gum candies were originally produced in the 1970s and eventually became the world's most popular confection. And they inspired an animated TV series that had over 45 million views on YouTube and a Broadway musical about a transgender East German rock singer. Where were gummy bears invented?
Animated TV series inspired musical
An Animated TV series inspired gummy bears musical will take place in a German village in December. According to Christian, the song has nothing to do with the bear-shaped fruit gum candies, though. He explained that while in Germany, he found a muse, a woman he thought was a gummy bear. The muse inspired the song, which Christian recorded on a Walkman.