Gumdrop vs. Jujube — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 1, 2024
Gumdrops are soft, chewy candies often coated in sugar, with a jelly-like texture and fruit flavors, whereas jujubes are chewier, firmer candies made from gum arabic, with flavors ranging from fruity to spicy.
Difference Between Gumdrop and Jujube
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gumdrops are a popular type of candy characterized by their soft, chewy texture and are commonly coated with granulated sugar. They are often flavored with various fruit juices or extracts, giving them a wide range of sweet, tangy tastes. On the other hand, jujubes are traditionally made from gum arabic or gelatin, resulting in a chewier and sometimes firmer texture. Jujubes can come in both sweet and slightly spicy flavors, offering a different taste experience from gumdrops.
While gumdrops are typically associated with festive occasions like Christmas and are used as decorations on gingerbread houses, jujubes have a broader appeal, often enjoyed year-round and used in various culinary applications beyond confectionery. Jujubes, on the other hand, are enjoyed for their distinct chewiness and the variety of flavors they offer, from fruity to herbal and spicy, making them versatile in their appeal.
In terms of ingredients, gumdrops primarily rely on pectin or gelatin for their jelly-like consistency, which contributes to their soft bite. Jujubes, however, utilize gum arabic as a key ingredient, which not only gives them a firmer texture but also a glossy appearance. This difference in texture is one of the most distinguishing features between the two candies.
Another notable difference is in their historical origins and cultural significance. Gumdrops have a distinctly American heritage, becoming popular in the United States in the 19th century. Jujubes, however, have a more complex history, with their name originally referring to a fruit before becoming associated with the candy form. This has influenced the variety of flavors found in jujubes, reflecting a broader cultural palette.
While both candies come in a range of colors and flavors, gumdrops are often associated with a softer, more palate-pleasing sweetness, making them a favorite among children and for use in decorative desserts. Jujubes offer a more diverse flavor profile, catering to a wider range of taste preferences, including those who prefer less sweet, more nuanced confectionery options.
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Comparison Chart
Texture
Soft and chewy
Chewier and firmer
Main Ingredients
Pectin or gelatin, sugar
Gum arabic or gelatin, sugar
Flavor Profile
Primarily sweet and fruity
Fruity to spicy, more varied
Cultural Significance
Associated with festive occasions, particularly Christmas
Enjoyed year-round, versatile in culinary uses
Historical Origins
American, 19th century
More complex, with ancient roots
Compare with Definitions
Gumdrop
A soft, jelly-like candy coated with sugar, known for its fruit flavors.
She decorated the gingerbread house with colorful gumdrops.
Jujube
Can range from sweet to slightly spicy, reflecting a broader flavor profile.
The herbal jujubes have a unique, slightly spicy aftertaste.
Gumdrop
Often associated with Christmas and festive decorations.
Gumdrops are a staple in our holiday baking traditions.
Jujube
Historically rooted, with the name originally referring to the fruit.
Jujubes were named after the fruit due to their originally fruit-based flavors.
Gumdrop
Made primarily with pectin or gelatin for a chewy texture.
The pectin in gumdrops gives them their distinctive chew.
Jujube
Known for their glossy appearance and versatility in flavors.
The glossy jujubes in the candy dish caught everyone's attention.
Gumdrop
Recognized by their bright colors and sugary coating.
The bright red gumdrops stood out on the dessert table.
Jujube
A firmer, chewier candy made from gum arabic, available in various flavors.
The box of jujubes offered flavors from cherry to mint.
Gumdrop
Enjoyed for their sweet, fruity taste.
The lemon and lime gumdrops are my favorites because of their tangy flavor.
Jujube
Utilized in both confectionery and culinary applications.
She used jujubes to add a chewy texture and sweet flavor to the dessert.
Gumdrop
Gumdrops are a type of gummy candy. They are brightly colored pectin-based pieces, shaped like a narrow dome (sometimes with a flattened top), often coated in granulated sugar and having fruit and spice flavors; the latter are also known as spice drops.
Jujube
Ziziphus jujuba, commonly called jujube (; sometimes jujuba), red date, Chinese date, Chinese jujube is a species in the genus of Ziziphus (some of whose other species are also sometimes referred to as jujube), in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae).
Gumdrop
A small candy made of sweetened, colored, and flavored gum arabic or gelatin and often coated with sugar.
Jujube
The edible berrylike fruit of a Eurasian plant, formerly taken as a cure for coughs.
Gumdrop
A small chewy candy made with corn syrup, gelatin, and flavouring.
Jujube
The shrub or small tree that produces the jujube fruit, native to the warmer regions of Eurasia.
Gumdrop
A jellied candy coated with sugar crystals
Jujube
A thorny deciduous small tree or shrub (Ziziphus jujuba) native to Asia, widely cultivated for its edible fruit.
Jujube
The small sweet greenish to red fruit of this tree. Also called Chinese date.
Jujube
Any of various other trees or shrubs of the genus Ziziphus bearing edible fruit.
Jujube
(also jj-bē′) A fruit-flavored candy or lozenge.
Jujube
The sweet and edible drupes (fruits) of several Mediterranean and African species of small trees.
Jujube
A fruit-bearing tree, Ziziphus jujuba or Ziziphus zizyphus.
Jujube
The fruit of this tree, fructus jujubae.
Jujube
A fruit-bearing tree, Ziziphus mauritiana.
Jujube
The fruit of this tree.
Jujube
(North America) A type of candy; specific type varies by country.
Jujube
The sweet and edible drupes (fruits) of several Mediterranean and African species of small trees, of the genus Zizyphus, especially the Zizyphus jujuba, Zizyphus vulgaris, Zizyphus mucronata, and Zizyphus Lotus. The last named is thought to have furnished the lotus of the ancient Libyan Lotophagi, or lotus eaters.
Jujube
A chewy gelatinous lozenge made of or in imitation of, or flavored with, the jujube fruit.
Jujube
Spiny tree having dark red edible fruits
Jujube
Dark red plum-like fruit of Old World buckthorn trees
Jujube
Chewy fruit-flavored jellied candy (sometimes medicated to soothe a sore throat)
Common Curiosities
Why are gumdrops associated with Christmas?
Gumdrops are often used as festive decorations, especially on gingerbread houses during Christmas, due to their colorful and cheerful appearance.
Can jujubes be spicy?
Yes, jujubes can range from sweet to slightly spicy, offering a variety of flavors beyond just fruity.
What makes gumdrops different from jujubes in terms of texture?
Gumdrops are softer and chewier due to pectin or gelatin, while jujubes are firmer and chewier, often made from gum arabic.
Are jujubes named after a fruit?
Yes, jujubes are named after the jujube fruit, reflecting their initial fruit-based flavors.
Can jujubes be used in cooking?
Yes, jujubes are versatile and can be used in various culinary applications beyond just being eaten as candy.
What is the historical origin of gumdrops?
Gumdrops originated in the United States in the 19th century, becoming a popular confection.
Can gumdrops be used for decorations?
Yes, gumdrops are commonly used for decorations, especially in festive settings like gingerbread house making.
What is the main ingredient in jujubes that gives them their texture?
The main ingredient in jujubes is gum arabic, which contributes to their firmer and chewier texture compared to gumdrops.
How do the flavors of gumdrops and jujubes differ?
Gumdrops primarily offer sweet and fruity flavors, while jujubes have a broader range including fruity, herbal, and spicy flavors.
Why do jujubes have a glossy appearance?
The glossiness of jujubes comes from the use of gum arabic, which gives them a shiny, attractive surface.
Are gumdrops and jujubes suitable for vegetarians?
It depends on the specific brand and product, as some may use gelatin (an animal product) while others may use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like pectin.
What is the appeal of jujubes to a wider audience?
Jujubes appeal to a wider audience due to their varied flavor profile, including sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy options.
Do gumdrops and jujubes have the same base ingredients?
While both may contain sugar and flavorings, gumdrops often use pectin or gelatin, whereas jujubes use gum arabic or gelatin for their chewy texture.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
