I’m kind of ridgid with my definition of gummi. I consider it a jelly-type candy made with gelatin. So just by that definition vegetarians can’t eat gummis because gelatin is an animal product. But gelatin gives gummis an inimitable bounce and chew that no other ingredient has been able to match.
But every once in a while a product comes along that does a pretty good simulation of a gummi, and in this case it’s not only vegan but also mostly organic. Enter Surf Sweets Super Sour Worms. If you’re looking for a candy with no artificial anything that still feels like the candy all the other kids are eating, this just might be it.
The ingredients list is short: Organic evaporated cane juice, organic tapioca syrup, citric acid, pectin, sodium citrate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), colors (black carrot juice concentrate, turmeric & annato), natural flavors. So for anyone concerned about corn products, those are also not on the list.
The sugar sanded worms are pretty firm, they’re still bendable (even posable) but not at all sticky. The sugar sanding is pure sweet, not blasting acid wash here. (So kids who are used to really sour candies might be disappointed here.)
Inside the stiffy jelly candy is pleasantly chewy, plenty tangy and comes in different flavors.
One is a cherry & lemon (alternating yellow & dark red), on the wild cherry side of flavors, rather woodsy and sour enough to keep my salivary glands a-tingling.
The solid amber orange one is orange, or perhaps tangerine. It’s an authentic-tasting citrus mix.
If you leave the package open they will get a bit firmer, which is the way I preferred them. Right out of the bag they were very soft, kind of limp but extremely juicy.
They’re made in a peanut-free, tree nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free facility, though they’re not certified Kosher, they’re also vegan.
I’m glad to see that Surf Sweets is continuing their trend of making (mostly) organic, all natural versions of mainstream treats. There are very few compromises here if you’re a parent looking for a treat for the kids that doesn’t have the dreaded glutens, nuts or artificial colors. The packaging is friendly looking and won’t make the kids feel like freaks either.
Related Candies
- Chocolate Covered Gummi Bears
- Sour Gummi Bears
- Pure Fun & Yummy Earth Organic Hard Candies
- Organic Surf Sweets
- College Farm Organic Naturepops
I’m no hunter of organic items. But it is good to see that at least some companies ‘get it’. If they’re going to offer an ‘organic’ or even ‘vaguely healthy’ candy, it needs to still be ‘candy’ and ‘tasty.’
These sound tasty by any standard. And it’s a cherry you can enjoy!
I LOVE Surf Sweets! Love love love.
I find it interesting that they call them ‘super sour’ when they are just ‘sour.’
Those who want true ‘super sour’ will be turned off after they buy them, and those who hate ‘super sour’ won’t even give them a chance…
Yum, I need to find these.
These remind me of my all time favourite candy - Dinosours
I agree with you, Cat Skyfire.
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