Gummi

Gummi is a German noun that most often denotes rubber, especially natural rubber (Kautschuk) and other rubbery materials used in tires, seals, hoses, and industrial elastomers. In everyday German, Gummi can refer to any rubber-like substance, and compounds or items derived from rubber are often named with Gummi as a component. In English contexts, gummi or gummi-like forms appear in product names or descriptions, and the term is also associated with gummy candies, due to their chewy, elastic texture.

Gummi candies are a broad category of chewy confections, typically gelatin-based, that come in various shapes and flavors. The best-known member is the Gummibärchen (gummy bears), popularized in Germany in the early 20th century. Haribo, founded in Bonn in 1920 by Hans Riegel, introduced Gummibärchen in 1922 and helped popularize gummy candies worldwide. Standard recipes use gelatin, sugar or corn syrup, flavorings, and colorings; vegan versions substitute gelatin with pectin or starch.

Outside candy, Gummi is the general German term for rubber and is used in many compound words describing rubber products and materials. The term also appears in branding and everyday language to describe rubbery or elastic substances and the related industries.

See also Kaugummi, Gummibärchen, Rubber, Gelatin.