Top 10 Chewy Fruit Candy Brands in the World

There's just something about chewy candy that we can't get enough of. The texture, the flavors, the colors - it's all so addicting! But with so many different options out there, it can be hard to decide which ones to try. That's why we've put together a list of the top 10 chewy candy brands that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

1) Starburst: It’s hard to talk about chewy candy without mentioning the classic Starburst. These little squares of deliciousness have been a fan favorite for generations, and it’s not hard to see why. With flavors like cherry, strawberry, orange, and lemon, there’s something for everyone.

2) Skittles: Skittles is another well-known chewy candy that has taken the world by storm. It is known for its rainbow colors, fruity flavors and chewy texture. The brand has become synonymous with fun, happiness, and excitement and is loved by both young and old. Plus, with a variety of pack sizes and even special editions (like the spooky Halloween mix), Skittles is a versatile and delicious option.

3) Haribo: This German candy brand has made a huge impact on the US market with its gummy bears, but Haribo also offers various chewy candy options. Some of their most popular flavors include golden bears, peach rings, and happy cola.

4) Trolli: Trolli is a brand that’s known for pushing the limits of what’s possible with chewy candy. When it comes to Trolli, many people's first thought is of its quirky, playful character. But when it comes to flavors and textures, their candies are no joke. From gummy worms to neon sour bites, Trolli has something for everyone.

5) Airheads: Airheads are another classic chewy candy that’s been around for decades. They’re known for their stretchy, taffy-like texture and their wide range of flavors, including some unique options like blue raspberry and white mystery.

6) HapiChew: HapiChew is a brand of chewable candies owned by Suifa. The brand is now the hottest selling chewable candy brand in China. In addition to coming in a variety of packaging forms, HapiChew has dozens of fruit flavors for you to choose from, and I guarantee you'll definitely find the flavor you want among them!

7) Sour Patch Kids: For those who prefer a more sour twist to their chewy candy, Sour Patch Kids is the way to go. Sour Patch Kids is a brand that is popular not only for its chewy texture but also for its sour taste. The brand is known for its tangy flavors and the pleasure that comes from sucking on them until they become soft and chewy.

8) Now and Later: Now and Later is a brand that has been around for several decades. It is known for its taffy-like texture, which takes a while to dissolve. The brand offers a range of fruity flavors that make it an excellent choice for people who love candy with a chewy texture.

9) Jolly Ranchers Chews: Jolly Ranchers Chews are a branded variation of the iconic Jolly Ranchers hard candy. The chewy version comes in a square shape with a variety of fruit flavors and a soft, chewy texture, making it a great choice for those who prefer chewy candy to hard candy.

10) Swedish Fish: Swedish Fish is a chewy candy that has a cult following all around the world. It is known for its ruby-red color, unique fish shape, and delicious fruit flavors. The candy has a chewy texture which makes it a great treat to savor and enjoy.

FAQ About Chewy Candy

1. What Makes Chewy Candy Chewy?

The chewy texture of candies comes mainly from their hardness and texture. Some candies, such as fondant and gummy candies, usually have a softer, more flexible texture, which makes them chewy in the mouth. In addition, some candies have ingredients such as gelatin added to increase chewiness. Gelatin is a natural protein derived from animal bones, skin and ligaments that adds consistency and elasticity to the candy, making it chewier. Of course, the texture and chewiness of candy is also related to factors such as temperature, pressure and recipe during the manufacturing process.

2. How to Improve the Chewiness and Texture When Making Candies?

1. Adding natural colloids: Adding natural colloids such as gelatin, pectin or sertian during the candy making process can increase the consistency and elasticity of the candy, thus improving the chewiness.

2. Control the boiling time of the syrup: When boiling the syrup, the proper fire and time are crucial to the taste of the candy. Too much fire will lead to the syrup being too dark in color and bitter in taste, while too little fire will lead to the syrup being too thin and soft and lacking in chewiness. Therefore, it is necessary to precisely control the boiling time and temperature.

3. Syrup stirring and crystallization: In the production of hard candy or crispy candy, by stirring the syrup or let it crystallize naturally, you can make the candy taste more uniform, and at the same time increase the chewiness.

4. Use of high quality raw materials: Using high quality sugar, milk powder and other raw materials can make better taste and chewy candy.

5. Adjustment of the formula: By properly adjusting the formula, such as adding milk powder, oil and other ingredients, you can increase the consistency and texture of the candy.

6. Temperature control during production: During the production of candy, temperature control is crucial to its taste and chewiness. Too high or too low a temperature will affect the texture and taste of the candy.

7. Air Stirring: In the process of candy making, air stirring can reduce the production of air bubbles to make the candy more delicate and better taste.

8. Sugar-coating treatment: For candies that need to be coated, choose cocoa powder, milk powder and other high-quality raw materials for sugar-coating treatment, which can increase the taste and chewiness of the candies.

9. Putting time: Properly placed for a period of time can make the candy more firm and chewy. Generally speaking, 1-2 days can let the candy fully harden and improve the chewiness.

3. What is the Difference Between Chewy and Hard Candy?

Hard candies are mainly composed of sucrose and glucose, with a water content of between 1~3%. Because of its low water content, hard candies will have a crispy texture and greater hardness.

The composition of chewy candy is more complex, in addition to sucrose and dextrose, it also includes gel components such as gelatin, carrageenan agar, starch or pectin, with a water content of 14~18% or even higher, resulting in a soft, elastic and chewy texture.

4. Does Chewy Candy Have Gelatin?

Yes, most chewy candies on the market contain gelatin.

However, there are also chewy candies that do not contain gelatin. Some chewy candies use other ingredients instead of gelatin, such as starch syrup, pectin, carrageenan agar, and so on. These ingredients also serve to improve the chewiness of the product enhancing sucrose crystallization and so on. These ingredients in chewable candies are mainly used to improve the texture and mouthfeel of the candy and to prevent the candy from sticking to the teeth. Different manufacturers and products choose different alternative ingredients, so the alternative ingredients used in gelatin-free chewable candies need to be determined on a product and formulation-by-product basis.

5. Is Chewy Candy Halal?

The answer is not necessarily. As you can tell from the above, most chewy candies contain gelatin, which is extracted from animal ingredients such as pig skin, cow bones, fish skin, etc., and therefore do not comply with halal food regulations.

Of course, there are many manufacturers who use agar, guar gum, xanthan gum, etc. instead of gelatin, so check the ingredient list for details!

Conclusion

Chewy candy, with its various textures, colors, and flavors, can satisfy your craving for something sweet and delight your taste buds. Our list of the top 10 chewy candy brands includes some of the most popular and iconic brands that offer the perfect balance of flavor and chewiness. Whether you go for fruity favorites like Starbursts or Skittles, or the more classic candy like HapiChew and Airheads, you are sure to indulge and treat yourself to some tasty treats that will leave you wanting more!