When it comes to gummies, most people think of those soft, chewy candies we ate as kids and still love today. But have you ever wondered what goes into making gummy candies? After all, they’re not exactly natural or wholesome foods. Despite the sugary texture, gummies are little more than gelatinous sweets with a few natural flavors and colors. The problem is that to make them look, taste and feel like gummy bears or worms, manufacturers add artificial colors and flavors as well as other additives that turn these cute little chunks of candy into something far less healthy. If you’re trying to avoid these additives for health reasons or simply because you want to know what you’re eating, here’s a closer look at the hidden dangers of mystic labs delta 8 bears and other toxic chemicals lurking in your favorite gummy candies…
What Are Delta-8 Gummies?
First, let’s take a look at what delta-8 gummies are and why they’re potentially so dangerous. Delta-8 is an artificial flavoring used to give gummies their characteristic fruity flavor. It’s also commonly found in chewing gum, baked goods and other candies. You may see it listed as “FD&C Red #40” or “Allura Red” on the ingredients list of your favorite gummy candies. Delta-8 gummy bears are simply regular gummy candies that have been artificially colored and flavored. Making gummies pink, purple or some other unnatural color is pretty easy. It can be as simple as adding a bit of coloring and a touch of sugar to a couple of gelatin sheets.
Other Toxic Chemicals to Avoid in Gummy Candy
Gummy candy is full of artificial colors and flavors. Unfortunately, these aren’t the only toxic chemicals to avoid in gummy candies. Gummy bears and other gummy candies are also likely to contain one or more of the following chemicals: When you’re shopping for gummy bears, be sure to check the ingredients list for any of these additives. If you see any of these chemicals listed on the ingredients list, you can be sure your gummy bears contain artificial colors and flavors.
Artificial Colors
Most gummy candies are artificially colored. While some use natural colors derived from beets or carrots, most use artificial ones that are made in a lab. These include Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. There are plenty of reasons to avoid artificial colors in your food. For one thing, they aren’t safe for your health. Studies suggest that these dyes may increase the risk of health problems like asthma, attention deficit disorder and cancer. Artificial colors are also known to cause allergic reactions in some people. And artificial colors aren’t just bad for you. They’re also bad for the environment. During the manufacturing process, these dyes can pollute the air, soil and water.
Artificial Flavors and Fragrances
Not only do gummy candies contain artificial colors. They also contain artificial flavors and fragrances. For example, gummy bears are usually flavored with the natural cherry extract. They smell like cherry thanks to the chemicals added to the candies for flavoring. Cherry extract is a natural flavoring derived from cherries.
Unfortunately, it’s not the only flavoring used in gummy candies. Most manufacturers also use artificial flavors — man-made chemicals that smell and taste like the real thing. Artificial flavors are also found in syrups and soft drinks. Besides the health risks associated with artificial flavors, they also have a downside: they’re short-lived. By their very nature, artificial flavors are easily broken down by heat and light. As a result, they’re present in gummy candies for only a short period — or even just a few minutes. In other words, the gummy bears in your bag will taste like cherry for only a couple of minutes before the flavor disappears.
Preservatives: Safer or Worse?
Gummy bears and other gummy candies contain preservatives. These chemicals help extend the shelf life of gummy candies so that they last longer before going stale or growing mould. Gummy bears are full of artificial flavors and dyes, but they also contain natural coloring and flavors. These are the only ingredients that keep gummy bears fresh without the need for artificial preservatives. For example, gummy bears don’t contain starch or artificial flavors and dyes. As a result, they don’t have to be preserved with artificial preservatives. Instead, they’re preserved with natural ingredients like citric acid, natural flavors and natural colors.
Conclusion
Gummy bears and other gummy candies are often loaded with synthetic chemicals, including artificial colors and flavors. Many gummy candies are also preserved with artificial preservatives. If you want to avoid these additives, the best way is to choose gummy candies made with natural ingredients. However, you can’t just read the ingredients list and know for certain that a certain gummy candy is free of artificial additives. Even foods marked “all-natural” or “organic” may contain artificial ingredients. The best way to know for sure is to read the ingredients list and look for the following terms: All-natural, no artificial ingredients, no artificial flavors, no artificial colors and no artificial preservatives. And remember, just because something is “all-natural” doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
