Do Haribo Gummy Bears Have High Fructose Corn Syrup? The Sweet Truth

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

While many processed sweets rely on it, Haribo's iconic Goldbears do not contain high fructose corn syrup. Instead, they use glucose syrup and sugar, a key distinction for health-conscious consumers wondering, 'Do Haribo gummy bears have high fructose corn syrup?'

Quick Summary

Haribo Goldbears do not use high fructose corn syrup, relying primarily on glucose syrup and sugar for sweetness, a different sweetener with distinct processing and composition.

Key Points

No High Fructose Corn Syrup: Haribo's classic Goldbears use glucose syrup, not high fructose corn syrup, as a primary sweetener.
Different Sweeteners: Glucose syrup is primarily glucose, while high fructose corn syrup has undergone an enzymatic process to convert some glucose into fructose.
Ingredient Clarity: Reading the ingredient list is the best way to confirm the sweeteners used in any product.
Health Considerations: Like all added sugars, glucose syrup should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Global Differences: Ingredient formulations, including sourcing for glucose syrup (e.g., wheat or corn), can vary by country.

The Sweetener Breakdown: Glucose Syrup vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup

To understand what sweetens Haribo gummy bears, it's crucial to distinguish between glucose syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). While both are derived from cornstarch, their production and final composition are different. Regular corn syrup is essentially 100% glucose, a simple sugar that the body uses for energy. HFCS, on the other hand, is further processed using enzymes to convert some of the glucose into fructose, resulting in a product with a higher fructose content. The most common types are HFCS 42 and HFCS 55, containing 42% and 55% fructose, respectively. Table sugar (sucrose) is composed of 50% glucose and 50% fructose, with the two sugars chemically bonded. In HFCS, the glucose and fructose molecules are not chemically bonded, which means they are absorbed differently by the body. Research indicates that overconsumption of any added sugar, including HFCS and sucrose, can be detrimental to health, contributing to issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Haribo's Official Ingredient List

A look at the ingredient list on Haribo's official websites and product packaging reveals the specific sweeteners used. For example, the ingredients for Haribo Goldbears include Glucose Syrup (from Wheat or Corn) and Sugar. This confirms that the classic Haribo formula does not include high fructose corn syrup. The glucose syrup provides a smooth texture and prevents sugar crystallization, essential for the signature chewy consistency of the gummies. In contrast, some American gummy brands, such as Albanese and Trolli, do list 'corn syrup' among their ingredients, but this is different from HFCS and the Haribo formula. Haribo's commitment to using glucose syrup and natural flavorings is a point of differentiation in a market saturated with products containing HFCS.

Why the Sweetener Choice Matters

The choice of sweetener has implications for product characteristics and consumer perception. Glucose syrup is a less intense sweetener than HFCS, allowing for a more balanced flavor profile when combined with fruit juice concentrate. From a manufacturing perspective, the specific type of sweetener affects cost, texture, and shelf life. For consumers, understanding the ingredient label empowers them to make informed choices based on their dietary needs and preferences. While the health effects of excessive sugar consumption apply to any added sugar, knowing the specific sweetener used can help clarify any misconceptions surrounding popular products like Haribo gummy bears.

The Haribo Goldbears Ingredient List

Here is a list of the typical ingredients found in Haribo Goldbears, based on information from Haribo and retail websites:

Glucose Syrup: The primary sweetener, derived from wheat or corn.
Sugar: A secondary sweetener.
Gelatin: Provides the classic chewy texture.
Dextrose: Another simple sugar, also from wheat or corn.
Fruit Juice Concentrate: Used for flavor and color.
Citric Acid: An acidulant for flavor.
Fruit and Plant Concentrates: Used for natural coloring, such as spirulina, safflower, and elderberry.
Natural Flavorings: Add to the taste.
Beeswax and Carnauba Wax: Used as glazing agents for a polished finish.

Glucose Syrup vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup: A Comparison Table


Feature	Glucose Syrup	High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Composition	Primarily glucose molecules.	A mixture of glucose and fructose molecules.
Sweetness	Less sweet than HFCS and sucrose.	Sweeter than glucose syrup, comparable to table sugar.
Digestion	Absorbed directly by body cells for energy.	Fructose must be processed by the liver; excessive amounts can lead to fat production.
Primary Uses	Used for texture and sweetness control in candies, baked goods, and ice cream.	Widespread use in soft drinks, cereals, and processed foods in the US.
Haribo Use	Yes, this is the sweetener Haribo uses.	No, Haribo does not use HFCS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, consumers can be confident that standard Haribo gummy bears do not contain high fructose corn syrup. The primary sweetener listed on ingredient labels is glucose syrup, sometimes derived from wheat or corn, alongside sugar. This is a significant point of clarification for those concerned about HFCS in their diet. While eliminating HFCS from Haribo does not make it a health food—as it still contains added sugars—it does demonstrate that not all mass-produced candy relies on this particular sweetener. Ultimately, checking the ingredient list on product packaging is the most reliable way to confirm what you are consuming. For more information on food additives, consider consulting authoritative sources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Optional Outbound Link: Learn more about the safety and chemistry of high fructose corn syrup from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sweetener in Haribo gummy bears is glucose syrup, often derived from wheat or corn, not high fructose corn syrup.

While both are sources of added sugar, they have different compositions. Glucose syrup is pure glucose, while HFCS contains more fructose. Health experts generally recommend limiting all added sugars, regardless of type.

HFCS has been linked to potential health issues when consumed in large quantities, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. However, some research suggests it may not be significantly worse than other added sugars.

Haribo manufactures its products in various locations, including Germany, where some products are made without HFCS or artificial colors. Ingredient lists can vary depending on the country of manufacture.

No, not all gummy bear brands avoid it. Some brands, particularly those manufactured in the US like Albanese, list 'corn syrup' as an ingredient. It is important to check the ingredient list for specific brands.

No, Haribo gummy bears are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans because they contain gelatin, which is derived from animals.

While chemically similar, the fructose in HFCS is consumed in concentrated amounts, unlike the fructose in whole fruits, which also contain fiber and other nutrients that slow absorption. The negative health effects of fructose are primarily linked to excessive intake of added sugars, not whole fruits.