Jolly Rancher Gummies Review
Jolly Rancher Gummies deliver the bold, fruity flavors the brand is famous for in a chewy gummy format. While they successfully capture the signature taste of Jolly Rancher hard candies, the texture falls short of premium gummy standards—these are firmer and less squishy than many competitors. Available in original, sour, and Misfits varieties, they offer decent value for bulk purchases but aren’t a revolution in the gummy candy category.
Best For: Jolly Rancher fans seeking a softer alternative to hard candies; bulk candy buyers for events or candy dishes
Skip If: You prefer ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth gummy textures; you’re avoiding artificial colors and flavors
Jolly Rancher Gummies Varieties
1. Jolly Rancher Original Gummies
- Contains 12- 5 Ounce bags of Jolly Rancher Gummies candy
- Perfect for snacking at home, work, school, and on the go
- Flavors include grape, cherry, Green Apple, orange, watermelon, and lemon
- A fat-free and cholesterol-free candy
- Naturally and Artificially Flavored
Flavors: Green Apple, Cherry, Watermelon, Grape, Orange, Lemon
What We Like:
- Authentic Jolly Rancher flavor profiles, especially watermelon and green apple
- Bright, eye-catching colors perfect for candy displays
- Excellent value in larger bag sizes (27 oz, 5 lb options)
- Softer texture than hard candies makes them more accessible
- Fun fruit shapes add visual appeal
What Could Be Better:
- Texture is firmer and chewier than premium gummy brands
- Some flavors blend together and aren’t strongly identifiable
- Contains artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)
- Not as squishy or soft as many competing gummy products
Bottom Line: Jolly Rancher Original Gummies successfully translate the brand’s iconic flavors into chewy form. The watermelon and green apple varieties particularly shine, delivering authentic taste that fans will recognize immediately. However, the harder texture may disappoint those expecting ultra-soft gummies, and some flavors lack the distinctiveness of the hard candy versions. Best purchased in bulk for parties or candy jars where value matters more than premium texture.
Jolly Rancher Gummies Candy, Original, 5 Ounce (Pack of 12)2. Jolly Rancher Sour Gummies
- Contains 12- 5 Ounce bags of Jolly Rancher Sour gummies candy
- Perfect for snacking at home, work, and school
- Flavors include green apple, Watermelon, orange, and cherry
- Chewy sour candies
- A fat-free, cholesterol-free candy
Flavors: Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Cherry, Lemon, Watermelon
What We Like:
- Sweet-and-sour flavor combination adds complexity
- Contains both malic acid and citric acid for authentic sour punch
- Same bold fruit flavors as originals with tangy twist
- Individual 5-ounce bags perfect for portion control
- Resealable packaging keeps gummies fresh
What Could Be Better:
- Sour coating isn’t as intense as dedicated sour candy brands
- Texture remains on the firmer, chewier side
- Can be challenging for children under 8 due to chewy texture
- Sugar content is significant (similar to regular gummies)
Bottom Line: The sour variety adds welcome complexity to the Jolly Rancher gummy lineup. While not extremely sour by candy enthusiast standards, the sweet-sour balance works well for mainstream tastes. The same texture limitations apply, but the flavor enhancement makes these marginally more interesting than the originals.
Jolly Rancher Gummies Candy, Sour, 5 Ounce (Pack of 12)3. Jolly Rancher MISFITS 2-in-1 Gummies
- Fruity flavors include green apple and cherry, blue raspberry and watermelon, and strawberry and lemon
- Sweet and sour gummies
- 2 in 1 flavor combinations
- Resealable pouch is perfect for home, work, and on the go
Flavor Combinations: Green Apple/Cherry, Blue Raspberry/Watermelon, Strawberry/Lemon
What We Like:
- Unique dual-flavor concept provides variety in each gummy
- Watermelon-Raspberry combination is particularly successful
- Sweet and sour elements in single pieces
- Fun novelty factor for candy enthusiasts
- 8-ounce resealable bag maintains freshness
What Could Be Better:
- Flavor pairings feel random rather than complementary
- Some combinations (like the ones provided) don’t work as well as they could
- Texture is slightly softer than originals but still firm
- Limited availability compared to original varieties
- Higher price per ounce due to novelty factor
Bottom Line: MISFITS offer an interesting twist on the Jolly Rancher gummy formula, but the flavor pairings don’t always make sense. The Watermelon-Raspberry works beautifully, but other combinations feel like missed opportunities. The novelty is fun initially, though most users would prefer better flavor matching (like Apple-Lemon or Strawberry-Cherry) over the current lineup.
Jolly Rancher MISFITS 2 in 1 Gummies, 8 ozIngredients Analysis
Jolly Rancher Gummies contain typical gummy candy ingredients with a few noteworthy components:
Primary Ingredients:
- Sugar and Corn Syrup: Standard sweeteners providing the candy base
- Modified Corn Starch: Creates the gummy texture and structure
- Malic Acid: Provides tartness and enhances fruit flavors
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: Deliver the signature Jolly Rancher taste profiles
- Artificial Colors: Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Limonene
Notable Absences: Unlike premium gummy brands, Jolly Rancher Gummies do not contain gelatin (they use pectin instead), making them vegetarian-friendly. However, they also lack vitamins, minerals, or functional ingredients beyond basic candy components.
Texture and Taste Profile
The texture represents the most divisive aspect of Jolly Rancher Gummies. Compared to premium brands like Haribo or Black Forest, these gummies are significantly firmer and chewier. They require more jaw effort and don’t have that satisfying “melt” quality many gummy enthusiasts seek.
However, the flavor delivery is where Jolly Rancher Gummies excel. The bold, fruity taste profiles match the hard candy versions remarkably well, especially in watermelon and green apple varieties. The flavors last throughout chewing and don’t fade quickly like some budget gummy options.
One reviewer noted the texture is “almost a little melty, the way the gummy stretches and pulls apart between your teeth,” which some find appealing while others describe as slightly off-putting compared to traditional gummy consistency.
Value Comparison
| Size | Price Range | Price Per Ounce | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 oz box | $2-3 | $0.70-0.85 | Individual snacking |
| 5 oz bag | $2.50-4 | $0.50-0.80 | Personal use |
| 8 oz bag (Misfits) | $4-6 | $0.50-0.75 | Novelty seekers |
| 27 oz bag | $8-12 | $0.30-0.45 | Families/events |
| 5 lb bulk | $25-35 | $0.31-0.44 | Bulk candy needs |
Customer Experience Highlights
Positive Feedback:
- “These shocked me and actually taste amazing! Especially the watermelon flavor”
- “Great value for the size of bag – perfect for candy dishes”
- “My kids love them as an after-school snack”
- “Bold fruit flavors that really stand out”
- “Softer than the hard candies but still have that Jolly Rancher punch”
Critical Feedback:
- “Dry, flavorless embarrassment to gummy candy everywhere” (harsh but outlier review)
- “Not as squishy as I was expecting compared to other gummies”
- “Had high hopes but weird and hard texture I didn’t really like”
- “Some flavors aren’t strongly identifiable from others”
- “Stick to regular gummy bears – these aren’t worth it”
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (7 pieces/30g):
- Calories: Approximately 80-90
- Total Carbohydrates: 21-23g
- Sugars: 15-17g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Jolly Rancher Gummies are purely a candy product with no nutritional benefits beyond quick energy from simple sugars. They’re not fortified with vitamins or minerals and should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Authentic Jolly Rancher flavors in gummy format
- Excellent value, especially in bulk sizes
- Multiple variety options (Original, Sour, Misfits)
- Vegetarian-friendly (no gelatin)
- Bold, long-lasting fruit flavors
- Good for events, parties, and candy displays
Cons:
- Texture is firmer and chewier than premium gummy brands
- Contains artificial colors and flavors
- Some flavors lack distinctiveness
- Not suitable for those seeking soft, melt-in-mouth texture
- Can be challenging for young children due to chewiness
- Zero nutritional value
Final Verdict
Jolly Rancher Gummies successfully deliver on flavor but miss the mark on texture compared to premium gummy competitors. If you’re a die-hard Jolly Rancher fan who wants a softer alternative to hard candies, these will satisfy your craving with authentic fruit flavors—particularly the standout watermelon and green apple varieties.
However, gummy purists seeking that perfect chewy-yet-soft texture will find these disappointing. The firmer consistency requires more jaw work and lacks the satisfying squish of brands like Haribo or Black Forest.
The best value proposition comes from bulk purchases for events, parties, or large candy dishes where the bold flavors and bright colors make them crowd-pleasers despite texture limitations. For individual snacking, you might prefer softer alternatives unless you’re specifically craving that distinct Jolly Rancher taste profile.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
- Flavor: 4.5/5
- Texture: 2.5/5
- Value: 4/5
- Overall Experience: 3.5/5
Where to Buy
Jolly Rancher Gummies are widely available:
- Amazon: Best selection of sizes and varieties with Prime shipping
- Walmart: Competitive pricing on larger bags
- Target: Good for single bags and impulse purchases
- Grocery Stores: Check candy aisles for common sizes
- Convenience Stores: Individual boxes and small bags
- Sam’s Club/Costco: Bulk options at best per-ounce pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jolly Rancher Gummies vegetarian?
Yes, Jolly Rancher Gummies are vegetarian-friendly as they use pectin rather than gelatin. However, they are not vegan due to other animal-derived ingredients in the processing.
Do Jolly Rancher Gummies taste like the hard candies?
Yes, particularly the watermelon and green apple varieties capture the authentic Jolly Rancher flavor profile remarkably well. Some flavors are less distinct than their hard candy counterparts, but overall flavor translation is successful.
Why are Jolly Rancher Gummies harder than other gummies?
The firmer texture comes from their specific formulation and processing method. They’re designed to provide a chewy experience rather than the ultra-soft texture of premium gummy brands, which is a deliberate choice but doesn’t appeal to all gummy candy fans.
Are Jolly Rancher Gummies gluten-free?
While the ingredients don’t contain gluten, Jolly Rancher Gummies are not certified gluten-free. Those with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should check current packaging for the most accurate allergy information.
How long do Jolly Rancher Gummies stay fresh?
When stored in a cool, dry place in the original resealable packaging, Jolly Rancher Gummies maintain freshness for several months. Check the “best by” date on packaging for specific guidance.
Can I use Jolly Rancher Gummies for baking?
Yes, you can incorporate them into baked goods like cookies, brownies, or cupcakes. They add color and flavor but will partially melt rather than maintaining their gummy texture in high heat.
