All About Gumdrops & Recipe
A Nostalgic Christmas History
Gumdrops first appeared in the early 19th century in America—some references date back to around 1801, with the term “gumdrop” first printed in 1859 in an Illinois candy shop advertisement. In 1915, Ohio confectioner Percy Truesdell, affectionately known as The Gumdrop King, perfected the modern gumdrop recipe, giving them the soft, smooth texture we know today. By the early 20th century, gumdrops had become staples of Christmas celebrations—their bright colors and fruity or spicy flavors graced candy bowls, gingerbread houses, and holiday desserts, cementing their place in festive traditions.
Classic Gumdrops & Modern Favorites
Gumdrops are cheerful, sugar-coated confections shaped like little domes or cones. Popular mainstream brands include: Brach’s, Dots, and Sweet Candy Company. Traditional fruity or spicy gumdrops, widely available at grocery stores, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and online retailers like Amazon and CandyWarehouse. Sunkist Fruit Gems by Jelly Belly made with non-GMO ingredients, naturally colored using fruit and vegetable juices, and free from artificial dyes. Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears, while not gumdrops, they’re a clean, natural alternative using organic ingredients and plant-based colors, stocked in most grocery chains.
Where to Buy Gumdrops
You can find gumdrops almost anywhere: Local supermarkets (Target, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Safeway), Pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS), Online: Amazon, CandyWarehouse, Nuts.com, and specialty candy shops. Seasonal aisles in big-box stores during the holidays
Homemade All-Natural Gumdrop Recipes (Takes 2 Days)
You will need to purchase a silicone candy mold to make homemade gumdrops.
Jubilee’s Grateful Gumdrop Recipe
A whimsical, dye-free gumdrop crafted for firm Christmas cheer!
Natural Color Suggestions:
• Suncore Foods natural color powders (pitaya pink, blue spirulina, turmeric gold)
• Or Simply Nature's Natural Food Colors (vegetable-based)
Ingredients: 1 cup fruit juice (cherry, grape, or apple), 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp powdered pectin, 1/4 cup unflavored powdered gelatin such as Knox brand not Jell-O
Instructions:
1. Bloom gelatin in 1/2 cup juice.
2. Heat remaining juice, sugar, lemon juice, pectin. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in gelatin. Heat gently 5–8 minutes.
4. Add natural color (optional).
5. Pour into molds. Chill 12 hours.
6. Dry 12+ hours, then sugar coat.
Clementine’s Grateful Gumdrop Tree Recipe (Vegan)
A vegan, tree-ready gumdrop with natural colorful magic!
Natural Color Suggestions:
• Suncore Foods color powders (beet red, matcha green, butterfly pea blue)
• Watkins Natural Food Coloring (vegetable-derived)
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fruit juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp powdered pectin
• 1 tsp agar powder
Instructions:
1. Whisk agar + pectin into juice.
2. Add sugar + lemon juice, simmer 5–7 minutes.
3. Add natural dye for festive colors.
4. Pour into molds and chill for 12 hours.
5. Dry 24 hours before rolling in sugar.
JoJo & Jangles’ Grateful Gumdrop Recipe
A Christmas-spiced gumdrop with warm nostalgic cheer!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp powdered pectin
• 1/4 cup unflavored powdered gelatin such as Knox brand not Jell-O
• Spices: cinnamon, clove, anise (1/4 tsp each)
Instructions:
1. Bloom gelatin in 1/2 cup juice.
2. Heat remaining juice, sugar, lemon juice, pectin, spices.
3. Add gelatin; warm 5–8 minutes.
4. Pour into molds; chill for 12 hours
5. Dry 12+ hours before coating.