Nutrition Diet: What are black forest gummy bears made of?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Black Forest gummy bears are classified as an unhealthy ultra-processed food due to their high sugar content. This sweet, chewy treat begs the question: beyond the sweetness, what are Black Forest gummy bears made of and how do their ingredients stack up?

Quick Summary

Black Forest gummy bears are primarily made from corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin, giving them their sweet, chewy texture. They are colored with fruit and vegetable juices and flavored with natural flavors. Organic versions substitute some conventional ingredients with organic alternatives but remain a sugar-heavy candy.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Classic Black Forest gummy bears contain corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and apple juice concentrate.
Natural Colors and Flavors: They are colored with fruit and vegetable juices and extracts like spirulina, turmeric, and beta-carotene, and flavored with natural flavors.
Not Vegan or Vegetarian: The presence of gelatin, an animal-derived product, makes both the classic and organic versions unsuitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Organic Version: The organic variety uses certified organic ingredients like tapioca syrup and cane sugar, but still contains gelatin.
High in Sugar: As a candy, Black Forest gummy bears are high in added sugar, with a significant amount per serving.
Ultra-Processed Food: The EWG classifies the classic gummy bears as an ultra-processed food, linking their consumption to potential health issues when eaten in excess.
Glossy Coating: The non-sticky coating is achieved with coconut oil and carnauba wax.

Deconstructing the Ingredients of Classic Black Forest Gummy Bears

The classic Black Forest gummy bears are made using a simple but processed set of ingredients. The main components providing sweetness and texture are corn syrup and sugar. Gelatin, which comes from animal collagen, acts as the gelling agent that creates their signature chewiness. The ingredients are cooked together before being shaped and cooled.

For color, Black Forest uses fruit and vegetable juices and extracts from sources like spirulina, turmeric, and beta-carotene. The flavors come from "natural flavors". A coating of coconut oil and carnauba wax gives them their glossy finish and prevents sticking.

The Difference in Organic Black Forest Gummy Bears

Black Forest offers an organic option for those preferring fewer synthetic ingredients. This version uses certified organic ingredients.

Organic Ingredients Breakdown

Sweeteners: Organic tapioca syrup and organic cane sugar are used instead of conventional corn syrup and sugar.
Gelling Agent: Organic gummy bears still contain gelatin, making them non-vegan and non-vegetarian.
Flavors and Colors: They use organic fruit and vegetable juices for color and natural flavors. Organic lemon juice concentrate and organic orange oil are also included for flavor.
Coating: A glossy coating is provided by organic sunflower oil and organic carnauba wax.

While the organic version uses more natural components, it remains a candy and is high in added sugar.

Nutritional Considerations and Health Implications

Gummy bears are considered a treat and not a health food due to their nutritional profile, particularly the high sugar content. The EWG has classified classic Black Forest gummy bears as an unhealthy, ultra-processed food. A typical serving (about 9 pieces) contains a significant amount of added sugar, which should be limited in a healthy diet.

Nutritional Facts per Serving (Classic Variety)

Calories: Approximately 100-130 calories.
Sugar: Contains 15g of added sugar.
Protein: Provides a small amount of protein (1-2g) from the gelatin.
Other: Contains minimal fat and fiber.

High consumption of added sugars is linked to health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Black Forest gummy bears should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Comparison: Black Forest vs. Haribo Gummy Bears

A comparison of Black Forest and Haribo gummy bears shows some differences in ingredients and characteristics. For a detailed table highlighting these differences, please refer to {Link: Nutritionix https://www.nutritionix.com/i/black-forest/gummy-bears/5412fc20b165e2bd76990fb9}.

Conclusion

In summary, what are Black Forest gummy bears made of? Both the classic and organic versions are primarily sugar-based candies containing gelatin. The classic variety uses corn syrup and sugar, while the organic version opts for organic tapioca syrup and organic cane sugar. Both types are colored with real fruit and vegetable juices but are not vegan due to the gelatin. They are best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to their high sugar content. The organic version offers cleaner ingredients but still requires mindful consumption for overall health. For additional information on dietary choices and food ingredients, you can explore resources like the Environmental Working Group website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Black Forest gummy bears are not vegan or vegetarian because they contain gelatin, an animal-derived product, in both their classic and organic versions.

The main difference is the sourcing of ingredients. The organic version replaces conventional corn syrup and sugar with certified organic tapioca syrup and cane sugar, but both still use gelatin.

Yes, Black Forest gummy bears use fruit and vegetable juices and extracts like spirulina and turmeric for their coloring, avoiding artificial dyes.

The brand attributes its juicy flavor to the use of real fruit juice concentrates in its recipes, combined with natural flavors.

For most people, gelatin is not a health concern, but it is a concern for those following vegan, vegetarian, or kosher diets. Nutritionally, it contributes a small amount of protein.

While containing some natural ingredients, Black Forest gummy bears remain high in sugar, comparable to other candy. They offer little to no fiber, vitamins, or minerals.

Their glossy finish is the result of a coating made from coconut oil and carnauba wax, which prevents them from sticking together in the bag.