Core Ingredients of Funables Candy
To understand what goes into these popular fruit-flavored gummies, it's best to break down the primary components found in most Funables varieties, such as the Mixed Berry or Strawberry flavors.
- Sweeteners: The base sweetness comes primarily from corn syrup and sugar, which provide both flavor and the characteristic chewy texture.
- Fruit Content: An apple puree concentrate is used to provide the "real fruit puree" advertised by the brand. The quantity is typically around 7.1% of the recipe.
- Thickeners and Gelling Agents: Modified food starch helps to create the candy's shape and consistency. Gelatin is a crucial ingredient, responsible for the gummy, chewy feel. Since gelatin is derived from animal collagen, it makes Funables unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians.
- Flavoring: Both natural and artificial flavors are added to give the gummies their distinct fruit taste, like berry or strawberry.
- Acidity Regulators: Citric acid, lactic acid, and acetic acid are used to provide the tartness and balance the sweetness, giving the candy a more complex flavor profile. Sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium citrate may also be included for other functional purposes, such as an emulsifier or sequestrant.
- Vitamins: Funables are fortified with several vitamins, which is a common marketing strategy for fruit-flavored snacks. These include Vitamin A palmitate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), and Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E).
- Glazing: Vegetable oil (from sources like palm and coconut) and carnauba wax are used to give the candies their shiny, non-sticky finish.
Important Considerations and Additives
While the basic list covers the main components, other additives play a role in the final product. The exact composition can vary slightly depending on the specific product, such as different character shapes or flavors.
Artificial Colors vs. Natural Sources
There is some variation in coloring ingredients depending on the product line. Some flavors, particularly those not featuring a specific character theme, may use fruit and vegetable juices for coloring. However, many themed or older Funables recipes explicitly list artificial colors, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These are often flagged by health-conscious organizations as additives of concern.
Allergen and Manufacturing Information
For those with allergies, it's important to note the manufacturing environment. Funables products may be made in facilities that also process common allergens like milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy. While Funables are widely advertised as gluten-free and fat-free, cross-contamination is a potential concern for individuals with severe allergies.
Comparison: Funables vs. Other Popular Fruit Snacks
Here's how the ingredient profile of a typical Funables fruit snack compares to other well-known brands, highlighting some key differences.
| Feature | Funables | Welch's Fruit Snacks | Annie's Organic Fruit Snacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Corn syrup, sugar, apple puree concentrate | Corn syrup, sugar, concentrated juices | Organic cane sugar, organic tapioca syrup, fruit juice concentrates |
| Gelling Agent | Contains Gelatin | Contains Gelatin | Pectin (plant-based) |
| Coloring | Fruit/vegetable juice or artificial colors (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1) depending on product | Fruit/vegetable juice or artificial colors | Fruit and vegetable concentrates |
| Artificial Flavors | Yes, in many varieties | Yes | No artificial flavors |
| Organic | No | No | Yes |
| Vegan | No (due to gelatin) | No (due to gelatin) | Yes |
Conclusion: Decoding the Funables Formula
Funables candies are a classic example of a fruit-flavored snack relying on a foundation of corn syrup and sugar for its sweet, chewy character. The addition of apple puree concentrate provides a portion of the fruit content, while gelatin is the key ingredient for its gummy texture, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. Fortification with vitamins and the use of coloring agents, which can be natural or artificial depending on the product line, round out the recipe. A closer look at the label is always recommended, especially for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities to certain food additives. Understanding what are the ingredients in Funables candy allows consumers to make an informed choice that aligns with their personal health considerations.
