What Are Wine Gums? Do They Contain Wine?
No, wine gums do not contain any actual wine. Wine gums are a type of chewy sweet that are flavored to taste like various wines. They are soft and jelly-like in texture and come in a variety of flavors including sherry, port, and champagne.
Wine Gums Brief History
Charles Gordon Maynard revolutionized the confectionery industry in 1909 when he invented Wine Gums, a unique candy delicacy that quickly became popular with consumers. His father Charles Riley Maynard ran the family-owned confectionery business alongside his wife Sarah Ann and brother Tom.
As a devoted worshipper, he was very reluctant to the notion of selling candy with ‘wine’ in its label. In fact, he abstained from alcohol entirely and so had no interest whatsoever at first.
After some time, his son was able to persuade the religious business owner that the gummies were entirely appropriate for children and didn’t contain any alcohol. In fact, they may have initially been created as a substitute for alcoholic drinks.
Mondelez International proudly distributes the beloved gummies, Maynard’s Bassetts Wine Gums. Furthermore, they are also the proprietors of renowned British candy company Cadbury! Today, wine gums can be acquired from a plethora of manufacturers.
Nowadays, these delightful treats are favored in many Commonwealth countries including the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada.
If you are searching for a delicious American equivalent to wine gums, Swedish Fish Candy is the perfect option. I can confidently attest to this as I’ve tried them myself!
Maynards Bassetts reports that the classic flavors of black and red wine gums are the most popular choices.
Why are they called Wine Gums?
While there is no definitive answer to this thought-provoking query, some excellent suppositions do exist.
The argument surrounding these gummies is that they do not contain any wine, yet are still labeled as “wine gums”.
So why call them this?
- The first theory is that they were invented to mimic the flavor sensation of wine drinking. Their firm texture means the full fruit flavors linger like the long finish of a full bodied wine.
- Charles Gordon Maynard is credited with the invention of wine gums as a substitute for consuming alcohol. It’s speculated that his goal was to create an analog to nicotine gum, which helps people quit smoking. Despite numerous theories and speculations, no one truly knows why he created it in the first place.
What types of Flavors Are Available?
Wine gums come in a range of shapes and flavors, each distinctly named after an exquisite wine.
For instance, the Maynards label offers a range of stellar wines inch as champagne, claret, burgundy, sherry and port.
However, numerous manufacturers employ other wines and even alternate types of alcohols. Gin, Rioja, Brandy, Cider and Cognac are examples you may come across in the market.
When it comes to flavor, wine gums are typically characterized by artificial fruit flavors like red (strawberry), yellow (lemon), orange (orange!), green (lime) and blackcurrant.
Yet, wine gums don’t usually provide a genuine fruit flavor. This isn’t the case for Maynards Wine Gums though! Today you can find lots of different varieties of these delicious treats as well, such as tangy editions and ‘red and black only’ bags which are extremely popular among consumers.
What are the Ingredients of Wine Gums?
Don’t believe us when we tell you there’s no wine in our Maynards Bassetts Wine Gums? Here, take a look at the ingredients!
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Starch
- Water
- Gelatine,
- Acids (Acetic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid)
- Colours (Vegetable Carbon, Lutein, Anthocyanins, Paprika Extract, Curcumin)
- Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Palm Kernel, Coconut)
- Flavourings
- Glazing Agent (Carnauba Wax)
While I can’t guarantee a glass of wine or a piece of fruit, these treats are still deliciously delightful!
Benefits of Eating Wine Gums
Wine gums are a great snack for kids and adults alike. It’s no surprise that they’ve become so popular over the years. Not only do they taste incredible but there are several other benefits to eating them as well:
- No Alcohol Content – Unlike many of their sugary counterparts, wine gums don’t contain any alcohol. As such, they can be enjoyed by people of any age.
- Low Calories – Wine gums are very low in calories and fat, which makes them a much better alternative to other sugary snacks.
- No Artificial Sweeteners – Manufacturers pride themselves on using natural ingredients in wine gums, so there’s no artificial sweeteners to worry about.
How to Store and Serve Them Properly?
Wine gums should always be stored away from direct sunlight and kept in a cool, dry place. It is also important to ensure that the wine gums are tightly sealed so that they remain fresh and delicious for longer.
As for serving them, you can simply pop them into your mouth or use them as a topping for cakes and desserts.
Conclusion
Finally, here is a summary of this comprehensive guide to wine gums: The key points to remember are:
- Absolutely not! Wine gum candy has never and will never contain any traces of alcohol.
- We can only speculate the etymology of their name. It may have been a way to promote them as an alternative beverage, or it could be due to the lingering fruit flavor after consumption that mimics sipping on wine.
FAQs
Do wine gums actually have wine?
Absolutely not! Wine gum candy has never and will never contain any traces of alcohol.
Why is there no wine in wine gums?
The primary purpose of wine gums is to provide a delicious and fruity candy without the alcohol content. Since they are intended for children, this was intentional in order to ensure their safety.
Why are they called Wine Gums?
We can only speculate the etymology of their name. It may have been a way to promote them as an alternative beverage, or it could be due to the lingering fruit flavor after consumption that mimics sipping on wine.
What flavors are available?
The classic black and red flavors are the most common, but wine gums come in a range of shapes and flavors. Popular varieties include: Champagne, Claret, Burgundy, Sherry and Port. There are also other wines such as Gin, Rioja, Brandy, Cider and Cognac.
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