National Gumdrop Day is on February 15. As Americans are candy lovers, this day is special for them and eagerly waiting for this day to celebrate. Gumdrops are unique as they are not only fun to eat but they also make great decorations. People have been crafting so many years and the shapes, sizes, and colours of gumdrops make the perfect festive décor. So, grab your gumdrops and let’s kick off the celebration!
History of National Gumdrop Day
One of America’s beloved sweets, Gumdrop features chewy, gelatin candy, typically flavoured with fruit or spices.
In their most traditional form, gumdrops are coated in sugar and look like a small dome or ‘drop.’ However, they have changed and today you find them with smooth coatings and in tons of fun shapes and sizes.
There are many debates about the history of gumdrops. Some people argue that Percy Trusdale was the inventor of gumdrops in 1801. The word ‘gumdrop’ first appeared in an Illinois newspaper in the 1850s, referring to a local candy shop owner, George Julier.
Moreover, The National Confectioners Association includes National Gumdrop Day as one of the many candy-focused holidays we can enjoy by buying more candy while we’re at it, of course!
Today, gumdrops are available in several flavours such as orange, cherry, grape, and lemon as the popular trend of gourmet candies hitting the market. Whole Foods sells larger gumdrops (1 inch tall x 1 inch wide) in unique flavors like key lime, tangerine, grapefruit, and pomegranate.
The classic gumdrop set the stage for what we know today as gummy candies, like gummy bears and -worms, and even gummy vitamins (remember, the vitamins are not candy!).
Gumdrops can be stored for up to 12 months if it kept in an unopened package and stored in a cool place. Similarly, if you want to use them for crafting, they will become hard but that’s fine as long as you don’t try to eat them later.
Also read, National Crab Rangoon Day – February 13, 2025
Timeline of National Gumdrop Day
| 1682 (Gelatin Discovered) | Frenchman Denis Papin discovers gelatin, a pure protein product, through research and experimentation. |
| 1949 (“Candy Land”) | The wildly popular Hasbro board game debuts with an appropriate reference to the ever-popular gumdrop — players go through the Gumdrop Mountains and can take the shortcut, Gumdrop Path. |
| 1960 (Gummy Bears Debut) | Haribo introduced the bear-shaped gummy in Germany — made out of liquorice, they were called ‘dancing bears.’ |
| 1981 (Gummy Worms Introduced to the U.S.) | The first gummy worm candy was introduced to the U.S. in 1981 by Trolli, a German confectionery brand, who, today, makes neon gummy crawlers. |
5 Fun Facts About Gummy Candies
Largest gummy candy: In 2014, the largest gummy candy of any shape was made which weighed around 1,128 pounds and 12 ounces and took six days to set during refrigeration.
The Biggest Gummy Bear In The World: The World’s Largest Gummy Bear is the king of the candy world. It weighs around 5 pounds of gummy bears which is equal to 1400 regular-sized gummy bears! You can also find them on Amazon. Similarly, it contains around 6000 calories.
Most eaten in one minute: In 2017, Kevin ‘L.A. Beast’ Strahle set the record by eating 31 gummy bears in just one minute.
There Was a Gummy Bear Cartoon!: During the 1980s, NBC created a show called The Adventures of the Gummi Bears. It was Disney’s first major animated TV series which was aired for a total of six years. It helped shoot Gummy Bears into popular culture for all time.
Endless Shapes: What began with gummy worms and bears has grown into a collection of wildly strange collection. Today gummies are available in several shapes such as Pizza, Gummy Bacon Strips, Gummy Burgers, Gummy Hot Dot, Gummy Brain, Gummy Eye and even Fried Egg Shaped Gummies.
Most popular flavour: Cherry is considered the most popular gumdrop flavour followed by grape, orange, and lemon.
Frequently Ask Question
What are gumdrops made of?
Gumdrops are typically made from gelatin and sugar, often flavored with fruit or spices, and are commonly coated in sugar.
Who invented gumdrops?
The invention of gumdrops is credited to Percy Trusdale in 1801, although the term “gumdrop” first appeared in an Illinois newspaper in the 1850s.
How many grams of sugar are in a serving of gumdrops?
A serving of gumdrops, which is approximately 10 pieces, contains about 21.2 grams of sugar, equivalent to nearly 6 teaspoons.
Are gumdrops and jujubes the same?
No, gumdrops are sugar-coated, while jujubes have a smooth coating.
How can I celebrate National Gumdrop Day?
You can celebrate by getting crafty with gumdrops, making homemade gumdrops, or using them in fun science projects like building structures with toothpicks.
What is the most popular flavour of gumdrops?
Cherry is the most popular flavour of gumdrops, followed by grape, orange, and lemon.
How long do gumdrops last?
If stored properly in an unopened package and kept in a cool place, gumdrops can last for up to 12 months.
What is the largest gumdrop ever made?
Brach’s Candy holds the record for the largest traditional-shaped gumdrop at just over 10 pounds.
You may also like to read, National I Want Butterscotch Day – February 15, 2025
