Why Are Wine Gums Called Wine Gums?

Wine gums are a sweet from the early 1900s that Charles Gordon Maynard, whose father operated a sweetshop, invented. Despite the name, these popular candies contain no wine, which can confuse a lot of people.

Why the name?

Wine gums are called wine gums because of the way those eating them should savour the flavours of the treat -- as one savours wine -- as well as the candies' flavours, not because of any alcohol content.

Types of Flavors

Flavours of wine gums include port wine, champagne, burgundy, gin and even sherry. The candies also come in a variety of colours, including black, purple, orange, green and yellow.

Recipe

Wine gums contain gelatin, sweeteners, flavouring and colourings. Most wine gums are firm and chewy, but people can make their own candies at home to get their own desired wine gum consistency.