Nutrition and What are the ingredients in fruit gems candy?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Fact: While the name suggests a healthy snack, a typical serving of fruit gems candy, like the Sunkist brand, is primarily composed of sugar and syrup. Understanding what are the ingredients in fruit gems candy? reveals that the product relies on citrus pectin and fruit juice concentrates to achieve its chewy texture and flavors, positioning it firmly within the confectionery category rather than a nutrient-dense food.

Quick Summary

Fruit gems candy is typically made from sugar, corn or tapioca syrup, and citrus pectin, along with fruit juice concentrates, natural flavors, and coloring derived from vegetable and fruit juices. This composition results in a chewy confection that can be vegan and free of certain common allergens, though it remains high in sugar and calories.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Fruit gems primarily consist of sugar, syrup (corn or tapioca), citrus pectin, fruit juice concentrates, and natural flavors.
Pectin vs. Gelatin: The use of citrus pectin as a gelling agent makes many fruit gems suitable for vegan diets, unlike traditional gummies that use animal-derived gelatin.
Natural Flavors and Colors: High-quality fruit gems often use natural flavors derived from real fruit juices and colors from fruit and vegetable concentrates, like turmeric and carrot.
High Sugar Content: Nutritionally, fruit gems are high in sugar and calories and should be considered a treat rather than a healthy fruit substitute.
Allergen Awareness: While some brands produce their candies in allergen-free facilities, checking the specific product label is crucial for individuals with allergies due to potential cross-contamination in packaging.
No Health Benefits: Despite containing fruit juice concentrates, fruit gems lack the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in whole fruit.
Dietary Suitability: Many versions are fat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and kosher, catering to a range of dietary needs.

Most candies are defined by their core components, and fruit gems are no exception. While they evoke the imagery of fresh fruit, the reality is a carefully engineered confection designed for flavor and texture. The primary makeup is a combination of sweeteners, a gelling agent, natural flavors, and colors. This composition is what gives fruit gems their signature chewy consistency and vibrant, fruity taste, making them a popular treat for many occasions.

Core Components of Fruit Gems Candy

Sweeteners and Gelling Agents

At the heart of fruit gems candy are the key ingredients that provide both sweetness and structure. The main sweeteners are sugar and either corn syrup or tapioca syrup. These ingredients are combined and cooked to a specific temperature to form the candy's base. The gelling agent used in most modern fruit gems, particularly brands like Jelly Belly's Sunkist, is citrus pectin. Pectin is a water-soluble fiber found naturally in fruits and vegetables, and it's what allows the mixture to set into a firm, yet soft and chewy, gel. This distinguishes them from other gummies that may use gelatin, an animal-derived product.

Flavor and Color

The characteristic fruit flavors are achieved through a combination of ingredients, not just the name implies. These include:

Fruit Juice Concentrates: Concentrated juice from oranges, raspberries, lemons, and grapefruits provides the base for the flavor profile.
Natural Flavors: Additional natural flavors are added to enhance and round out the fruit taste.
Natural Colors: Instead of artificial dyes, many fruit gem manufacturers now use colors derived from fruit and vegetable juices, such as carrot, apple, black currant, and turmeric.

Other Additives

In addition to the core ingredients, other substances are added for stability and flavor balance:

Citric Acid: A common food additive found in citrus fruits, citric acid provides a tangy flavor and helps to activate the gelling process of the pectin.
Sodium Citrate: This is used as a buffer to control the acidity and optimize the setting of the pectin, ensuring a consistent texture across batches.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations

Despite being flavored with fruit juice, fruit gems are still a candy and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here's a look at their nutritional aspects and suitability for different dietary needs:

High Sugar Content: Like most candies, fruit gems are high in sugar and carbohydrates. A typical serving contains a significant amount of sugar, contributing to its caloric content.
Nutrient-Poor: While the fruit juice adds flavor, it does not provide the beneficial fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in whole fruit.
Fat-Free: Most fruit gems are fat-free, making them a low-fat treat.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Many brands, including Jelly Belly's Sunkist Fruit Gems, are certified vegan and gluten-free, using pectin instead of gelatin.
Kosher: Certified kosher options are also widely available.

Potential Allergens and Manufacturing Practices

While certain brands market their products as free from specific allergens, it's crucial for consumers with sensitivities to read the label carefully due to potential cross-contamination.

For example, brands like Jelly Belly's Sunkist state they are produced in a dedicated gluten-free and peanut-free facility. However, some third-party repackagers or other brands might process common allergens like tree nuts, wheat, and soy in the same facility. Always check the packaging for specific allergen information and potential warnings.

Comparison Table: Fruit Gems Ingredients


Ingredient Category	Standard Fruit Gems (Example)	Natural Sunkist Fruit Gems (Jelly Belly)
Sweeteners	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Sugar, Tapioca Syrup
Gelling Agent	Citrus Pectin	Citrus Pectin
Flavors	Natural Flavors, Fruit Juice Concentrates	Natural Flavors, Orange Puree, Concentrated Fruit Juices
Colors	Artificial Food Dyes (potential for older versions)	Natural colors from fruit and vegetable juices (carrot, apple, black currant, turmeric)
Allergens	Check packaging for shared facility warnings	Vegan, Gluten-Free, Peanut-Free. Facility may contain tree nuts.

Pectin vs. Gelatin in Candy

The choice of gelling agent is a major point of differentiation in the candy world and significantly impacts who can enjoy a product. Pectin, derived from plants, is a staple in many candies, including fruit gems, jams, and jellies. It's a key reason why many modern fruit gems are suitable for vegan diets. In contrast, gelatin is an animal protein used to create a chewier, more jiggly texture in other candies, such as traditional gummy bears. Pectin-based candies often have a softer, smoother, and slightly less elastic chew than their gelatin counterparts.

The Role of Fruit Juice Concentrate

While the presence of fruit juice concentrate might lead some to believe fruit gems are a healthy food, nutritionists caution that this is not the case. A small amount of juice concentrate, typically used for flavor, does not compensate for the candy's high sugar content or its lack of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that make whole fruit nutritious. They are best viewed as an indulgent treat, not a substitute for fresh fruit. For those seeking a truly healthy fruit-based snack, focusing on whole fruits is the best approach.

Conclusion

In summary, the ingredients in fruit gems candy are a simple mix of sweeteners, citrus pectin, natural flavors from fruit juice concentrates, and natural colors. Understanding these components is essential for anyone monitoring their sugar intake or following specific dietary plans like vegan or gluten-free diets. While products from reputable brands like Jelly Belly's Sunkist fruit gems are often made with natural sources and free of common allergens, it is important to always read the label to ensure it meets your specific needs. Ultimately, fruit gems remain a delicious and nostalgic candy to be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

For more information on Jelly Belly's Sunkist brand of fruit gems, visit their official product page: Jelly Belly Sunkist Fruit Gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many popular fruit gems, such as those made by Jelly Belly's Sunkist brand, are vegan. They use citrus pectin, a plant-based gelling agent, instead of animal-derived gelatin.

Yes, Jelly Belly's Sunkist Fruit Gems are certified gluten-free. They are produced in a dedicated gluten-free and wheat-free facility.

Many modern fruit gems, including Sunkist brand, use natural colors derived from fruit and vegetable juices, such as carrot, apple, and turmeric, instead of artificial dyes.

No, fruit gems are not a healthy alternative to real fruit. They are a candy high in sugar and lack the dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals that make whole fruit nutritious.

Pectin is a soluble fiber found in fruits that acts as a natural gelling agent. It's used in fruit gems to create their chewy texture and is a common ingredient in jams and jellies.

The primary difference is the gelling agent. Fruit gems typically use pectin, which is plant-based, while many standard gummy candies use gelatin, which is animal-derived.

While some brands are free from specific allergens like peanuts, it is essential to check the packaging. Some products may have a risk of cross-contamination with other allergens like tree nuts, as the packaging facility might handle them.

Yes, fruit gems contain concentrated fruit juices for flavor. However, the amount is minimal and does not offer the same nutritional benefits as consuming whole fruit.