National Gummi Worm Day (July 15)

One weird holiday on July 15 is National Gummi Worm Day. Check out the other weird July holidays!

National Gummi Worm Day is a sweet celebration of one of the most beloved candies in the world. On this day, candy enthusiasts come together to indulge in the chewy, colorful goodness of gummi worms.

From their whimsical appearance to their delicious flavor, gummi worms hold a special place in the hearts of both children and adults alike.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of National Gummi Worm Day, the history of gummi worms, fun facts about these iconic treats, and creative ways to celebrate this tasty holiday, including delicious recipes.

When is National Gummi Worm Day?

National Gummi Worm Day takes place each year on July 15th.

Who Invented National Gummi Worm Day?

The origins of National Gummi Worm Day are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been established by candy enthusiasts and confectionery companies who wanted to celebrate this beloved candy.

Gummi Worms or Gummy Worms?

Both “Gummi Worms” and “Gummy Worms” are widely used terms to refer to the same type of candy—worm-shaped, chewy, gelatin-based treats.

The spelling “Gummi” is derived from the German word “Gummibär,” which means “rubber bear” and is often associated with the chewy, rubbery texture of these candies.

On the other hand, “Gummy” is a more informal variant of “Gummi” that is commonly used in American English.

Ultimately, whether you prefer to call them “Gummi Worms” or “Gummy Worms” is simply a matter of personal preference or regional variation. Both terms are widely recognized and used interchangeably to describe this beloved candy.

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History of Gummi Worms

Gummi worms have a fascinating history that traces back to the early 20th century in Germany. The story begins with Hans Riegel, Sr., the founder of Haribo, a confectionery company based in Bonn, Germany.

In the 1920s, Riegel revolutionized the candy industry by introducing a new type of chewy candy called gummi bears. Inspired by the success of gummy bears, Riegel set out to create another iconic candy that would capture the imaginations of children and adults alike. Thus, the gummi worm was born.

Riegel’s vision was to create a candy that resembled real worms but was much more appetizing and enjoyable to eat. He experimented with different shapes, colors, and flavors until he perfected the recipe for gummy worms. Once introduced to the market, gummi worms quickly became a hit, captivating consumers with their whimsical appearance and delicious taste.

Today, gummi worms are one of the most popular candies in the world, enjoyed by millions of people of all ages. They have become a staple treat at birthday parties, Halloween celebrations, and other special occasions. While the original gummi worms were made with gelatin, sugar, and fruit flavorings, modern versions may use alternative ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

Despite the changes in ingredients and manufacturing methods, the essence of gummi worms remains the same: a fun, colorful, and irresistibly chewy candy that brings joy to candy lovers everywhere.

Fun Facts About Gummi Worms

Here are some fun facts about gummi worms:

World’s Largest Gummi Worm: The Guinness World Record for the largest gummi worm was set in 2014 by Trolli, a German candy manufacturer. Their colossal creation measured a whopping 26 inches in length and weighed over 3 pounds.
Most Gummi Worms Eaten in One Minute: Competitive eater Furious Pete holds the Guinness World Record for the most gummi worms eaten in one minute. He devoured an impressive 48 gummi worms in 60 seconds, showcasing his rapid eating skills and love for candy.
Dozens of Varieties: Gummi worms come in a variety of flavors, including cherry, orange, lemon, lime, and grape. Some manufacturers even offer exotic flavors like mango, pineapple, and watermelon.
Change in Recipe: The first gummi worms were originally made using a combination of gelatin, sugar, and fruit flavorings. Today, most gummi worms are made with a similar recipe, although some companies use alternative ingredients to create vegan-friendly or allergen-free versions.
Unique Uses: Gummi worms are often enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack, but they can also be used as a fun topping for ice cream, cupcakes, and other desserts. Some adventurous foodies even incorporate gummi worms into savory dishes like salads and stir-fries.
Gummi Worm Anatomy: Gummi worms typically feature a dual-color design, with one half of the worm being a different color from the other half. This distinctive feature adds visual interest to the candy and makes it even more appealing to candy enthusiasts.
Gummi Worm Fishing: Gummi worms are sometimes used as bait in novelty fishing competitions and events. Anglers may use them as a lighthearted alternative to traditional fishing bait, casting their lines in pursuit of fun and laughter rather than fish.

Creative Ways to Celebrate National Gummi Worm Day

Gummi Worm Scavenger Hunt: Hide gummi worms around your home or backyard and challenge your friends and family to find them. The person who collects the most worms wins a prize!
Gummi Worm Dessert Bar: Set up a DIY dessert bar with an assortment of gummi worms, ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and other toppings. Let everyone create their own custom gummi worm sundaes.
Gummi Worm Crafts: Get creative with gummi worms by using them to make edible jewelry, keychains, or even gummi worm sculptures. The possibilities are endless!
Gummi Worm Learning: check out this free human body unit study with gummi worms and comes with an edible skin project!
Gummi Worm Taste Test: Buy an assortment of gummi worm flavors from different brands and host a taste test to determine which ones are the best. Rate each flavor based on taste, texture, and overall enjoyment.
Gummi Worm Movie Marathon: Pick a selection of classic movies featuring worms like the movie Dune, or other similar creatures and enjoy a movie marathon with a bowl of gummi worms by your side. Don’t forget to share your favorite movie quotes and moments on social media!

National Gummi Worm Day is a fun and lighthearted holiday that brings people together to celebrate the joy of gummi worms.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of these chewy candies or you’re discovering them for the first time, National Gummi Worm Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a sweet treat and make lasting memories with friends and family.

So grab a handful of gummi worms, let your imagination run wild, and enjoy the sweet sensation of National Gummi Worm Day!