Are Haribos laxatives?: Separating the Facts from the Viral Fiction

October 16, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2014, a slew of highly-dramatic and comical Amazon reviews about Haribo's sugar-free gummy bears went viral, raising the question, “Are Haribos laxatives?”. The answer is complex and depends entirely on which specific product you are talking about. The infamous digestive distress was not from the standard, sugary Haribos, but from a particular product containing a sugar substitute called maltitol, which the brand eventually discontinued in some markets.

Quick Summary

Discontinued sugar-free Haribo gummies containing maltitol caused a laxative effect, but the regular versions do not. The digestive issues arise from the body's inability to fully digest high amounts of sugar alcohol. Moderation is key with sugar-free candies.

Key Points

Not all Haribos: The laxative effect only applies to the discontinued sugar-free Haribo gummy bears, not the regular ones.
Maltitol was the cause: The digestive issues were caused by the sugar alcohol maltitol, which was used as a sweetener in the sugar-free version.
Undigested sugar alcohols: Maltitol is poorly absorbed by the body, and its fermentation in the gut leads to gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Moderation is critical: For any product containing sugar alcohols, the laxative effect is dose-dependent, so moderation is key to avoiding digestive issues.
Regular Haribos are safe: Standard Haribo gummies contain regular sugar and do not produce a laxative effect.
Read labels carefully: Consumers should check the ingredients of any sugar-free product for sugar alcohols (e.g., maltitol, sorbitol) if they want to avoid potential digestive distress.

The Viral Backlash and The Search for Answers

For years, the internet has been buzzing with hilarious and terrifying stories of the explosive effects of certain Haribo gummy bears. These anecdotes from customer reviews painted a vivid picture of extreme gastrointestinal distress, turning a simple candy purchase into a cautionary tale. The widespread nature of these stories fueled the popular misconception that all Haribo candies possessed laxative properties. However, a deeper look at the specific product involved reveals the scientific reason behind the dramatic accounts and confirms that the regular, sugar-filled candies are not the cause of these issues.

The Culprit: Sugar Alcohols and Maltitol

The notorious culprit behind the laxative effect was not sugar, but a sugar alcohol called maltitol, which was the primary sweetener in Haribo's now-discontinued sugar-free gummy bears. Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that is not fully absorbed by the small intestine. Instead of being metabolized for energy like regular sugar, a significant portion of these compounds travels to the large intestine where they are fermented by bacteria.

This process is the source of the discomfort. It's the same mechanism used by many dietary supplements and sugar-free foods to reduce calories while retaining sweetness. The fermentation process can cause bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Additionally, because the body does not absorb sugar alcohols efficiently, they have an osmotic effect, meaning they draw excess water into the intestines. This influx of water and the subsequent fermentation of the undigested compounds are what lead to the severe diarrhea and laxative-like effect. It's a dose-dependent reaction, meaning the more you consume, the more pronounced the effect.

Regular Haribo vs. Sugar-Free: A Critical Ingredient Difference

The key to understanding the Haribo controversy is recognizing the stark difference in ingredients between the company's regular and sugar-free products. This distinction is what separates a standard sweet treat from a dietary gamble.

Comparison of Gummy Ingredients


Feature	Regular Haribo Gummies	Sugar-Free Haribo Gummies (Discontinued)
Primary Sweeteners	Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Dextrose	Maltitol Syrup, Sorbitol Powder
Digestion	Easily and fully digested by the body	Poorly absorbed, ferments in the large intestine
Laxative Effect	None	Strong, dose-dependent laxative effect
Gastrointestinal Symptoms	Generally none in moderate amounts	Bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea
Availability	Widely available in many product lines	Largely discontinued due to negative consumer feedback

The ingredients in regular Haribo candies, such as their popular Goldbears, are standard sweeteners that the body processes normally. There are no laxative-causing components in these traditional products.

The Importance of Label Reading

While Haribo's sugar-free gummy bears are mostly a thing of the past, the incident serves as a powerful reminder for consumers to be vigilant. Many other sugar-free products on the market, from gum to chocolates and mints, still contain sugar alcohols like maltitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. Federal regulations require any food whose foreseeable consumption might result in a daily ingestion of 50 grams of sugar alcohols to bear a warning label stating, “excess consumption may have a laxative effect”. However, the individual tolerance for these compounds varies greatly, and many people experience side effects with far less than the regulated amount.

To avoid an unpleasant surprise, always check the nutrition label for ingredients ending in '-ol.' These include:

Maltitol
Sorbitol
Xylitol
Erythritol
Mannitol

For those sensitive to sugar alcohols or prone to digestive upset, consuming these products in moderation is crucial. Alternatively, opting for products sweetened with alternatives like stevia or monk fruit, which are typically better tolerated, might be a safer choice.

Conclusion: Context is Key

The question of whether Haribos are laxatives highlights the critical difference between a brand’s standard products and its specific sugar-free offerings. The notorious laxative effect was not a property of the beloved original gummies but a specific side effect of the sugar alcohol used in the now-discontinued sugar-free version. The viral Amazon reviews, while comical in retrospect, serve as a valuable lesson in dietary awareness. Always check the ingredient list, especially when opting for sugar-free treats, and practice moderation to avoid any unforeseen and unwelcome digestive consequences.

For more insight into the viral phenomenon and the science behind it, read this article from The Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The discontinued sugar-free Haribo gummies contained a sugar alcohol called maltitol. This compound is poorly absorbed by the body and can cause gas, bloating, and a laxative effect when consumed in large quantities.

No, regular Haribo gummy bears do not contain maltitol or other sugar alcohols and are not known to cause digestive issues like the sugar-free version did. The ingredients are standard glucose syrup, sugar, and gelatin.

Maltitol is considered safe for consumption, but it can cause gastrointestinal distress, especially when eaten in excess. The side effects are generally unpleasant but not dangerous for most people, though excessive fluid loss could lead to dehydration.

Yes, other common sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol can also have a laxative effect if consumed in excessive amounts. These are found in many sugar-free gums, candies, and other products.

Haribo discontinued the sugar-free gummies in some markets following significant negative media attention and widespread customer reports of severe digestive issues, which led to a consumer backlash.

Individual tolerance varies, but for products containing sugar alcohols, even a small amount can cause issues for some people. Starting with just a handful and assessing your body's reaction is a cautious approach, as is heeding manufacturer warnings about excessive consumption.

To avoid a laxative effect, read nutrition labels carefully and look for ingredients ending in '-ol' (like maltitol, sorbitol). Consume such products in moderation and consider sugar-free options sweetened with alternatives like stevia or monk fruit.