What is a Gumdrop Grape? A Guide to This Candy-Flavored Fruit

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

First developed by International Fruit Genetics and grown by The Grapery, the gumdrop grape is a naturally bred specialty fruit known for its intense sweetness. This unique table grape variety has captured the attention of sweet-toothed consumers by offering a distinctive, candy-like flavor reminiscent of its namesake treats.

Quick Summary

Explore the intensely sweet, candy-like flavor of gumdrop grapes, a specialty fruit grown by The Grapery. Learn about their unique breeding process, distinct taste profile, and best culinary uses.

Key Points

Candy-Like Flavor: Gumdrop grapes are famous for their intensely sweet taste, reminiscent of gumdrops or gummy bears, with very little tartness.
Naturally Bred: They are created through traditional plant breeding by International Fruit Genetics (IFG), not genetic modification.
The Grapery Product: These grapes are grown and sold by The Grapery, the same company behind the popular Cotton Candy grape.
Seedless and Crisp: Gumdrop grapes are typically seedless and have a juicy, crisp texture that provides a satisfying snap when bitten.
Seasonal Availability: Look for them in specialty grocers and supermarkets during their limited season, which typically runs from late summer to fall.
Healthy Alternative: They provide the nutritional benefits of grapes, including antioxidants and vitamins, offering a healthier option for a sweet treat.

The Unique Flavor Profile of Gumdrop Grapes

The key feature of the gumdrop grape is its intensely sweet, candy-like flavor, often described as similar to gummy bears or gumdrops. These grapes have minimal tartness and offer a lasting sugary finish. Some individuals also notice subtle floral notes that enhance the sweetness. This makes them a popular, naturally sweet choice.

The Science Behind the Sweetness

Gumdrop grapes are developed through traditional crossbreeding methods, not genetic engineering. This specialty grape was created by Dr. David Cain at International Fruit Genetics (IFG) in California. The Grapery, known for varieties like the Cotton Candy grape, produces and markets Gumdrop grapes in the U.S.. The name "Gumdrop" was selected based on consumer feedback highlighting the candy-like taste.

Appearance and Texture

These grapes are small to medium, round or oval, and grow in loose clusters. Their smooth, thin skin ranges from dark red to purple or black. The flesh is juicy and crisp, offering a pleasant 'snap'. They are a seedless variety, though tiny edible seeds can occasionally be present, making them easy to enjoy.

A Comparison of Popular Specialty Grapes


Grape Variety	Flavor Profile	Appearance	Origin
Gumdrop	Intensely sweet, candy-like (gumdrop/gummy bear), low acidity, floral notes	Small to medium, round/oval, red to black skin	Grapery/IFG (California)
Cotton Candy	Very sweet, like spun sugar with vanilla hints	Medium to large, light green skin	Grapery/IFG (California)
Moon Drop	Bright, earthy sweetness reminiscent of grape jelly	Unique finger-like shape, dark purple to black skin	Grapery (California)

Where and When to Find Gumdrop Grapes

Gumdrop grapes are typically available seasonally from late summer to fall, usually between August and November. Due to limited availability, they are often sought after during this period. Retailers and grocers that frequently carry them include:

Target
Trader Joe's
Whole Foods Market
H-E-B
Specialty produce markets

Culinary Uses and Serving Suggestions

Their distinct flavor makes gumdrop grapes adaptable for various uses:

Fresh Snacking: A natural alternative to sugary candies.
Frozen Treats: Freeze them for a sweet, cold snack.
Cheese Boards: Pair their sweetness with strong cheeses.
Salads and Desserts: Enhance green salads, fruit salads, parfaits, and tarts.
Beverages: Use frozen grapes to chill drinks without dilution.

Health Benefits of a Healthier Sweet Treat

Despite their candy-like taste, gumdrop grapes offer the nutritional benefits of regular grapes. Darker varieties like these are a good source of antioxidants, which help protect against inflammation and damage from free radicals. They also contain essential vitamins, such as:

Vitamin C for immune support
Vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health
B vitamins for energy metabolism

The Future of Sweetness

The popularity of specialty fruits like the gumdrop grape indicates a demand for unique and intense natural flavors. These bred varieties provide a way to enjoy sweetness healthily. Continued innovation in fruit breeding is likely to bring more exciting fruits to market. For details about the company that grows these grapes, you can visit The Grapery.

Conclusion

The gumdrop grape is a prime example of successful traditional plant breeding, offering an intensely sweet, candy-like flavor in a natural, seedless package. Developed by IFG and sold by The Grapery, this crisp fruit is a seasonal favorite for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent snack. Its use in both sweet and savory dishes confirms its appeal as a unique specialty produce item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gumdrop grapes taste intensely sweet with a low level of acidity, giving them a distinct candy-like flavor profile that many compare to gumdrops or gummy bears. Some also note subtle floral notes.

No, gumdrop grapes are not genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They are the result of natural plant crossbreeding, a process that has been used for centuries to develop new fruit varieties.

Gumdrop grapes were developed by fruit geneticist Dr. David Cain at International Fruit Genetics (IFG) and are produced by The Grapery, which grows and markets these specialty grapes.

Gumdrop grapes are typically available for a limited time during the late summer and fall, often from August through November. Availability can vary by region.

You can often find gumdrop grapes at major supermarkets like Target, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods, as well as specialty produce markets, particularly during their peak season.

While both are specialty grapes from The Grapery, gumdrop grapes have a distinct candy (gumdrop/gummy bear) flavor, while cotton candy grapes taste like spun sugar with hints of vanilla.

As a type of grape, they are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins C and K. They offer a healthier, all-natural alternative to processed candies for satisfying a sweet craving.