Gummy Candy was invented by Hans Riegel Sr. a German confectioner from Bonn. In 1920 he founded the company Haribo (an acronym for HAns RIegel BOnn).
Inspired by the trained bears that performed at street festivals in Europe, Riegel sought to create a chewy, affordable treat that would appeal to both children and adults. In 1922, he introduced the "Tanzbär" (Dancing Bear), a fruit-flavored gummi candy that was larger and more slender than the gummy bears we know today. These original gummies were made with gum arabic, giving them a firmer texture.
The Tanzbär became quite popular, and Haribo grew. Over time, the shape evolved into the smaller, wider "Goldbär" (Gold Bear) in the 1960s, which is the iconic gummy bear we recognize globally. While earlier forms of gelatin-based candies existed, Riegel's innovation with the chewy texture, fruit flavors, and playful animal shape truly popularized gummy candy as we know it today.
