What's in the Bag? A Breakdown of Great Value Gummy Bear Ingredients
Many consumers enjoy the chewy, fruity taste of Great Value gummy bears, a popular and affordable candy from Walmart's store brand. While the specific list can vary slightly depending on the package size and manufacturing location (such as Canada vs. the US), the core ingredients remain consistent. The following breakdown examines the key components found in most Great Value gummy bears.
The Sweet and Chewy Foundation
- Corn Syrup: The very first ingredient listed on many packages, corn syrup serves a dual purpose. It acts as a sweetener and a key agent in preventing the candy's sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth, non-gritty texture. This helps maintain the signature soft, chewy consistency that defines a gummy bear.
- Sugar: As with virtually all candy, sugar is a primary component and another chief contributor to the sweet flavor profile.
- Gelatin: This is the ingredient responsible for the distinctive gummy texture and chewiness. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, and different sources are used by manufacturers. Some Great Value gummy bear varieties specifically list "Beef Gelatin," while others simply list "Gelatin". This animal-derived ingredient makes traditional gummy bears unsuitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Flavors, Acidity, and Coatings
- Citric Acid: Sourced naturally from citrus fruits, citric acid provides the candies with their classic tart or sour flavor. It helps balance the overwhelming sweetness from the sugars and corn syrup, adding a pleasant zing.
- Apple Juice from Concentrate: Some versions of Great Value gummy bears include apple juice from concentrate, which contributes to the overall fruity flavor.
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: The specific fruit flavors—like strawberry, lemon, orange, and cherry—are achieved through a mix of both natural and artificial flavorings.
- Sodium Citrate: This ingredient functions as an acidity regulator and is the sodium salt of citric acid.
- Coconut Oil and Carnauba Wax: To give the gummy bears a glossy finish and prevent them from sticking together in the bag, they are coated with oils and waxes. Coconut oil and carnauba wax, a plant-based wax, are commonly used for this purpose. Some products also mention beeswax.
Artificial Colors and Additives
The vibrant hues of Great Value gummy bears are created using artificial food dyes. Common colors include:
- Red 40: A red synthetic dye.
- Yellow 5: A lemon-yellow synthetic dye, also known as Tartrazine.
- Yellow 6: An orange-yellow synthetic dye.
- Blue 1: A brilliant blue synthetic dye.
Comparison: Great Value vs. Traditional Gummy Bears
| Feature | Great Value Gummy Bears | Typical Gummy Bears (e.g., Haribo) |
|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | May use Beef Gelatin | May use Porcine (pig) or Bovine (cow) Gelatin |
| Sweeteners | Corn syrup, Sugar | Glucose syrup, Sugar, Dextrose |
| Acidulants | Citric acid, Sodium citrate | Citric acid, Malic acid |
| Flavors | Natural and Artificial Flavors, Apple Juice Concentrate | Often Natural and Artificial Flavors |
| Allergens | May contain: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Milk, Wheat, Soy, Eggs | May vary, check specific packaging |
| Coating | Carnauba wax, Beeswax, Palm oil, Coconut oil | Carnauba wax, Beeswax, Palm kernel oil |
Potential Allergen Information
For some consumers, knowing the potential for allergens is crucial. It is important to always check the specific package label for the most accurate information. However, some versions of Great Value gummy bears explicitly state that the product may contain peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat, soy, and eggs.
Conclusion
The ingredients in Great Value gummy bears consist of a straightforward combination of common candy-making components, including sweeteners like corn syrup and sugar, the gelling agent gelatin, flavor enhancers like citric acid and apple juice concentrate, and a mix of artificial colors and glazes. While this classic formula provides the familiar fruity chew many people enjoy, those with dietary restrictions, particularly vegetarians or individuals with certain allergies, should check the label carefully due to the inclusion of animal-derived gelatin and potential cross-contamination with other allergens. For more detailed information on specific products, checking resources like Open Food Facts can be helpful.
Reference: Open Food Facts provides detailed ingredient analysis for various Great Value products.
