The intense flavor science behind Haribo’s gummies
The Haribo Goldbear's century-old recipe has evolved over time. Today, a gummy in Germany might taste different than one in Singapore, Brazil, or the US. (Stan Horaczek/)A hundred years ago, the first Haribo factory cranked up its confectionery machines on the banks of Germany’s Rhine River. Started by 27-year-old Hans Riegel, the business stayed modest and local—until the founder made a marvelous culinary discovery. The exact formula to his bear-shaped success remains a secret to this day, but it’s recipe includes gelatin, sugar, a copper kettle, a rolling pin, and the magic of thermodynamics.Today Haribo Goldbear gummies are one of the top-selling candies in the world, spawning dozens of copycats and filling hundreds of fingerprint-smudged waiting-room jars. The company has grown out of Riegel’s home city of Bonn with 16 factories across Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. It’s slated to open its first US production facility in Pleasant Prairie,...