What's the Difference Between a Gummy Bear and a Fruit Snack?

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, many fruit snacks look much closer to candy, like gummy bears, than they do actual fruit. The primary difference between a gummy bear and a fruit snack often lies in their marketing and ingredient composition, rather than significant nutritional disparities.

Quick Summary

Despite similar appearances, gummy bears and fruit snacks differ in specific ingredients and marketing. Gummy bears are purely candy, while fruit snacks often contain fruit puree or concentrated juice, though they are still largely sugar-based with minimal nutritional value.

Key Points

Marketing Differences: Gummy bears are marketed as candy, while fruit snacks use a "health halo" to suggest they are a better-for-you alternative.
Ingredient Variations: While both use sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, fruit snacks often include fruit puree or concentrated juice to justify their name, though this adds little nutritional value.
Minimal Nutritional Distinction: Despite the different names, the nutritional profiles of gummy bears and fruit snacks are quite similar, with both being high in sugar and low in fiber.
Texture Differences: The specific gelling agents used (gelatin, pectin, starches) can result in different textures, with gummy bears typically being firmer and fruit snacks often softer.
Origin Story: Gummy bears were created as a candy in Germany, while fruit snacks were adapted from a high-energy food for backpackers into a sweetened, mass-market product.
Look Beyond the Label: Consumers should look past marketing claims and read ingredient lists to understand the true nature of these processed sugary treats.

Not All Chewy Treats Are Created Equal

At first glance, the difference between a gummy bear and a fruit snack may seem negligible. Both are chewy, sweet, and come in a variety of fruit flavors and vibrant colors. This similarity is no accident; fruit snacks were developed specifically to resemble and compete with traditional candies. However, a closer look reveals distinct differences in their ingredients, history, and the way they are marketed to consumers. Understanding these distinctions is key to making informed decisions about the treats we consume and challenging the 'health halo' that often surrounds fruit snacks.

The Historical Roots and Marketing of Each

To truly understand the difference, one must look at the origin story of each treat. The gummy bear, a classic candy, has a clear and honest lineage. It was invented in Germany in 1922 by Hans Riegel, the founder of Haribo. The original "dancing bears" were inspired by the dancing bears seen at street festivals. Gummy bears have always been presented as what they are: a sweet confection.

Fruit snacks, on the other hand, have a more complex history tied to marketing. The first modern fruit snack, Joray Fruit Rolls, was created in the 1970s for backpackers as a high-energy food. However, the term "fruit snack" was popularized by General Mills in 1983 with products like Fruit Roll-Ups, which contained significantly more sugar. This shift marked the beginning of fruit snacks being marketed as a healthier, more wholesome alternative to candy, despite their similar nutritional profiles. This strategic marketing leverages the consumer's positive association with the word "fruit" to create a health halo.

Core Ingredients: A Tale of Two Compositions

The main distinction between these two treats lies in their ingredients. While both rely heavily on sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin for their characteristic chewiness, the additional components set them apart.

The Gummy Bear Recipe

Gummy bears are typically made with a straightforward set of ingredients:

Corn syrup
Sugar
Gelatin
Water
Citric acid
Artificial or natural flavors
Artificial colors

For example, Haribo Goldbears contain corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and coloring agents. Some modern versions may use pectin or starch instead of gelatin to be vegan-friendly.

The Fruit Snack Formula

Fruit snacks often contain many of the same ingredients but with a strategic addition of fruit products to justify the name. A typical fruit snack contains:

Fruit puree or concentrated fruit juice (often apple or white grape concentrate, which is mostly sugar)
Corn syrup
Sugar
Modified cornstarch or tapioca starch
Gelatin (though some versions are gelatin-free)
Added vitamins, such as Vitamin C

The presence of "fruit puree" or "juice concentrate" allows manufacturers to claim their products are made with real fruit, even though these are processed forms that offer minimal nutritional benefits.

Nutritional and Textural Differences

Comparing the nutrition of gummy bears and fruit snacks reveals more similarities than differences. Both are a source of empty calories and offer minimal, if any, dietary fiber. The texture, however, can vary. Gummy bears are known for their dense, springy, and distinctly chewy consistency, thanks to their traditional gelatin base. Fruit snacks, which may use a blend of gelatin, pectin, and modified starches, can have a softer, more delicate chew.

Comparison Table


Feature	Gummy Bear	Fruit Snack
Primary Ingredients	Sugar, Corn Syrup, Gelatin	Concentrated Fruit Juice/Puree, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Gelatin
Source of Sweetness	Primarily sugar from corn and other sources	Concentrated fruit juice (mostly sugar) and corn syrup
Marketing	Advertised as candy, an indulgent treat	Marketed with a "health halo," emphasizing "fruit" and added vitamins
Nutritional Profile	Low in calories, but high in sugar; generally offers no nutritional value	Similar to gummy bears; high in sugar, low in beneficial nutrients like fiber
Texture	Firm, dense, and bouncy chew, often with a wax coating	Can vary from a soft, delicate chew to a more rubbery feel
Shapes	Traditionally bear-shaped, but can be other shapes (e.g., worms)	Wide variety of shapes, often fruit-themed or based on characters
Origin	Created in Germany as a candy	Popularized in the U.S. as a perceived 'healthier' candy alternative

The Verdict on 'Healthy' Claims

Many fruit snack manufacturers fortify their products with added vitamins, such as C and A, to bolster their health-conscious image. While this may seem beneficial, nutritionists point out that the high sugar content and minimal fiber in these processed treats far outweigh any minor vitamin boost. The Center for Science in the Public Interest labels these marketing tactics as misleading, emphasizing that products like Fruit Roll-Ups and other branded fruit shapes are essentially candy. Real, whole fruit remains the superior choice for vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Conclusion

The core difference between a gummy bear and a fruit snack is ultimately a matter of branding and slight ingredient variations, not a significant nutritional gap. While gummy bears are unapologetically a candy, fruit snacks wear a disguise, using the word "fruit" to project a healthier image. Both are processed, sugar-laden treats that should be enjoyed in moderation. For those seeking genuine nutritional benefits, real fruit remains the undisputed champion. By understanding the marketing and ingredients behind these chewy treats, consumers can look past the health halo and make more informed snack choices.

Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) on Phony Fruit Snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite marketing that suggests they are healthier, fruit snacks have a nutritional profile very similar to gummy bears. Both are high in sugar and provide minimal, if any, dietary fiber.

The primary gelling agent used to create the chewy texture in both treats is gelatin. Some modern recipes for both may substitute other agents like pectin or starch to make them vegan-friendly.

Fruit snacks often contain some form of processed fruit, like fruit puree or juice concentrate, which is mostly just concentrated sugar. This is not the same as consuming whole, unprocessed fruit, which contains more fiber and vitamins.

Gummy bears originated in Germany, created by Hans Riegel of Haribo in the 1920s. Fruit snacks were first developed in the 1970s for backpackers but were later commercialized in the U.S. as a children's snack.

The variation in texture is due to the specific combination of gelling agents and starches used by different manufacturers. While classic gummy bears use gelatin for a dense chew, many fruit snacks use a mix of gelatin, pectin, or modified starches, which can result in a softer bite.

Added vitamins do not make a fruit snack healthy. Nutritionists point out that the high sugar content and highly processed nature of these treats outweigh any benefits from added vitamins. The best source of vitamins is whole fruit.

Neither is a nutritionally sound choice for a daily snack. When choosing between them for an occasional treat, the best option is to be aware of the sugar content and simply enjoy whichever one you prefer. For a truly healthy alternative, opt for real fruit.