HOU - May 15, 2025
Japanese Gummies: How Japan’s Sweetest Innovation Took Over Germany
INrecent years, Japanese gummies have become a global snack sensation, especially among those seeking unique, texturally adventurous treats. A Japanese TV show recently set out to test their appeal in an unexpected place—Germany, home of the original gummy bear and legendary brand Haribo.The experiment? Present 10 standout Japanese gummy varieties to residents of Bonn, the city where Haribo was born, and record their reactions. What followed was a surprisingly sweet triumph.
🍬 What Makes Japanese Gummies So Special?
Japanese gummies differ from their Western counterparts in both design and philosophy. They emphasize texture ("shokkan" 食感) and balance, often borrowing from centuries-old Japanese culinary practices.
Here’s why they stand out:
- 🍇 Juicier: Many are made with real fruit juice, with some even having jelly-filled centers.
-🧃 Texture-forward: From mochi-inspired chewiness to melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- 🌟 Artistic presentation: Shapes include grapes, animals, rice cakes—candy as visual delight.
- 🍋 Bolder flavor: Sour powder coatings and layered flavor profiles add intrigue, especially appreciated by German consumers accustomed to sharper tastes.
“I've never had a gummy like this!” – German participant in Bonn
🎤 TV Show Recap: Japanese Gummies vs Haribo in Germany
The show, aired on TV Tokyo as part of the program “JAPANをスーツケースにつめ込んで！～世界に日本を持ってった～”, brought 10 popular Japanese gummies to the streets of Bonn. The tasting took place under cherry blossoms, in local marketplaces, and at a youth football field.
Featured Gummies:
- Pure Gummy (Lemon) – Real lemon juice + sour powder
- Sharimoni Yogurt Gummy – Tangy yogurt coating, chewy core
- Kororo – Grape-shaped, juice-bursting texture
- Tough Gummy – Firm chew for active lifestyles
- Kajuu Gummy – Japan’s #1 seller, made with 100% fruit juice
- Otoko Ume Gummy – Salty pickled plum; uniquely Japanese
- Mochi-Cure Gummy – Inspired by rice cake textures
- Shine Muscat Gummy – Premium green grape juice from Nagano
- Tabekko Animal Gummy – Nostalgic animal shapes
- Cola-Up – Japan’s take on cola-flavored candy
Participants included:
- Elderly Haribo fans
- Young children
- Athletes and footballers
- Tourists- Even a former Haribo employee
🇩🇪 How Did Germans React?
German participants were mostly shocked—in a good way—by the differences in taste and texture.
“Haribo always feels the same. Japanese gummies change mid-bite!”
“The grape gummy is like real juice.”
“The yogurt one? Tangy and chewy at once—amazing.”
“I’d buy this every day if they sold it here.”
“Better than Haribo. No joke.”The only consistently disliked flavor was Otoko Ume (salty plum)—a flavor unfamiliar and too bold for most German palates.
🏆 Top 3 Ranked by 113 German Participants
🥇 RankGummy NameWhy It Was Loved1Pure Gummy (Lemon)Refreshing citrus + perfectly balanced sourness2Sharimoni Yogurt GummyTangy, fun, and surprising dual texture3KororoJuicy, realistic fruit burst, smooth finish
⚽ A local youth football coach even mentioned that the Tough Gummy was ideal for players after training:“Chewy, satisfying, and energizing without being heavy.”
🥇 Rank | Gummy Name | Why It Was Loved |
|---|---|---|
１ | Pure Gummy (Lemon) | Refreshing citrus + perfectly balanced sourness |
２ | Sharimoni Yogurt Gummy | Tangy, fun, and surprising dual texture |
３ | Kororo | Juicy, realistic fruit burst, smooth finish |
📊 Industry Context and Expert Insights
According to a 2023 Euromonitor report, Japan’s gummy candy market has expanded globally by over 18% since 2020, with Europe—especially Germany—becoming a surprising growth hotspot.
Japanese brands such as Kanro, UHA Mikakuto, and Bourbon have led the charge, pioneering techniques like:
- Gel encapsulation technology (used in Kororo)
- Sour powder layering (used in Pure Gummy)
- Mochi-texture integration (seen in Mochi-Cure Gummy)
Professor Yuki Nishimura, a food culture researcher from Kyoto University, explains:
“Texture is integral in Japanese food—whether it's sushi, wagashi, or konnyaku. Gummies naturally inherit this sensibility.”
🌍 Design, Packaging & Philosophy: What Sets Japan Apart
Japan’s attention to detail isn’t just in flavor:
- Resealable pouches maintain freshness
- Minimalist, kawaii packaging blends function and style
- Portion control reflects Japan’s approach to mindful snacking
Even the names—like “Otoko Ume” ("Manly Plum")—reflect cultural storytelling in a bite-sized form.
“German gummies are nostalgic. Japanese gummies are futuristic.” – TV Narrator
🧪 Why Trust This Report?
This article references:
- Aired footage from TV Tokyo’s “JAPANをスーツケースにつめ込んで！” (May 2024 episode)
- Data from Euromonitor International and Japan Sweets Association
- On-site reactions from 113 German participants
- Commentary from a former Haribo employee
- Expert insights from food culture researchers and Japanese confectionery brands
Together, these sources provide a verified, multi-perspective view on how Japanese gummies are reshaping the global confectionery landscape.
“German gummies are nostalgic. Japanese gummies are futuristic.” – TV Narrator
📊 Industry Context and Expert Insights
Convenience Store Staples
- Bottled Teas
Japan’s convenience stores offer a wide selection of bottled teas—green, barley, oolong—all typically unsweetened. I regularly purchased Ito En’s unsweetened green tea while traveling. These drinks cater to health-conscious consumers and are rich in catechins, contributing to cardiovascular health (source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan) - Canned Coffee
Canned coffee is a cultural icon in Japan. Brands like Boss Coffee and Georgia (Coca-Cola Japan) are available in hot and cold vending machines. Each sip delivers a strong caffeine hit—perfect for early train rides. According to Japan Coffee Association, Japan ranks third globally in canned coffee consumption. - Flavored Milk Drinks
Banana milk and coffee milk are sweet and comforting, often targeting younger audiences. I enjoyed a banana milk drink from SeicoMart in Hokkaido—smooth, nostalgic, and satisfying. These beverages are part of a broader dairy trend tied to calcium intake promotion in Japanese dietary guidelines.
Japanese Alcoholic Drinks
- Umeshu
Umeshu is a liqueur made from ume plums, rock sugar, and shochu. It has a sweet and tart profile, often served over ice. I visited a distillery in Wakayama, Japan’s top ume-producing region, and learned how aging affects umeshu’s complexity. - Highball
A whiskey highball is one of Japan’s favorite mixed drinks—simple yet elegant. At an izakaya in Ginza, I had a Suntory highball with lemon twist, perfectly balanced and refreshing. The rise of highballs is partly due to whisky marketing campaigns and their compatibility with Japanese cuisine. - Japanese Beer
Japan’s beer culture is thriving, with major brands like Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo. I toured a microbrewery in Yokohama experimenting with yuzu and sansho pepper infusions. The craft beer scene is growing rapidly, supported by events like the Japan Brewers Cup.
💬 Final Thoughts
From soft, juicy fruit spheres to chewy, sour innovations, Japanese gummies have done more than impress—they’ve challenged Germany’s confectionery status quo.
Their success in Haribo’s own backyard proves that Japan’s blend of culinary precision, aesthetic creativity, and food tech mastery can captivate even the most traditional of candy lovers.
The verdict is clear: The gummy bear has serious competition—and it comes with a resealable pouch.
📚 References:
- Euromonitor International. Global Confectionery Trends, 2023
- Japan Sweets Association. Japanese Candy Export Report, 2024
- TV Tokyo. “JAPANをスーツケースにつめ込んで！”, May 2024 episode
- Kyoto University Food Culture Department Interview, April 2024
