Gummy vs. Pastille — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Gummy candies are chewy sweets made from gelatin, often in various fruit flavors and shapes, whereas pastilles are small, flavored lozenges made from gelled sugar, gum arabic, or gelatin, primarily designed for soothing throats or freshening breath.
Difference Between Gummy and Pastille
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gummy candies are known for their elastic, gelatin-based texture which gives them a distinctive chewiness. Whereas pastilles, often softer and more dissolvable, are made using gelling agents like gum arabic or starch alongside sugar.
Gummies are typically bright and colorful, often shaped like bears, worms, or fruits, making them appealing to children. On the other hand, pastilles are usually small, round, or oval and come in muted colors, targeting adults seeking throat relief or oral freshness.
The flavor of gummy candies is predominantly sweet and fruity, derived from various fruit concentrates or artificial flavorings. Whereas pastilles may have fruit flavors but also include mint, honey, or medicinal ingredients for specific benefits like soothing sore throats.
Gummy candies are mainly consumed as a snack or treat, enjoyed for their fun shapes and sweet taste. On the other hand, pastilles are often considered a functional confectionery, used for their benefits in soothing the throat or freshening breath, not just for enjoyment.
While gummies are a popular choice for casual snacking during movies or as a part of festive treats, pastilles serve more specific needs, such as providing relief from coughs or colds or serving as a discreet option for breath freshening during meetings or social interactions.
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Comparison Chart
Base Ingredient
Gelatin
Gum arabic, gelatin, or starch
Texture
Chewy and elastic
Softer, dissolvable
Shape and Color
Various shapes, bright colors
Small, round/oval, muted colors
Primary Use
Snack, treat
Throat soothing, breath freshening
Flavor Profiles
Sweet, fruity
Fruity, minty, medicinal
Compare with Definitions
Gummy
Known for their bright colors and appealing texture.
The bright red gummy candy was her favorite.
Pastille
A small medicinal lozenge used for soothing the throat or freshening breath.
He took a pastille to soothe his sore throat.
Gummy
Chewy sweets that come in various fruit flavors.
His favorite gummy flavor is raspberry.
Pastille
Often made with gelling agents like gum arabic or gelatin.
The pastilles were effective because they contained natural gum arabic.
Gummy
Often shaped like bears, worms, or other fun forms.
The kids chose gummy worms as a treat for their party.
Pastille
Available in flavors like mint, honey, and lemon.
She preferred honey-flavored pastilles during cold seasons.
Gummy
A soft, elastic candy made primarily from gelatin.
She enjoyed a pack of gummy bears during the movie.
Pastille
Used for their benefits in health or oral care.
Before the meeting, he popped a mint pastille to freshen his breath.
Gummy
A popular choice for festive occasions and casual snacking.
They handed out Halloween-themed gummy candies.
Pastille
Typically less colorful and more subdued in appearance.
The pastilles were a simple white color but very effective.
Gummy
Having a viscous or sticky consistency
A gummy discharge
Pastille
A pastille is a type of sweet or medicinal pill made of a thick liquid that has been solidified and is meant to be consumed by light chewing and allowing it to dissolve in the mouth. The term is also used to describe certain forms of incense.A pastille is also known as a troche, which is a medicated lozenge that dissolves like sweets.
Gummy
Toothless
A gummy grin
Pastille
A small medicated or flavored tablet; a troche.
Gummy
A small edible shark of Australasian coastal waters, with rounded teeth that it uses to crush hard-shelled prey.
Pastille
A tablet containing aromatic substances that is burned to fumigate or deodorize the air.
Gummy
A sheep that has lost or is losing its teeth.
Pastille
A pastel paste or crayon.
Gummy
Consisting of or containing gum.
Pastille
An often round and somewhat flat flavoured candy or sweet.
Gummy
Covered or clogged with or as if with gum.
Pastille
Any small, usually round and somewhat flat, granular piece of material; a tablet.
Gummy
Having the texture or properties of gum; sticky and viscid.
Pastille
A small pellet containing aromatic substances, burned to diffuse a fragrance or to disinfect or fumigate.
Gummy
Showing the gums.
A gummy grin
Pastille
(pharmacy)
Gummy
Resembling gum the substance.
Pastille
(historical) A medicinal pill, originally made of compressed herbs.
Gummy
Covered with gum or a substance resembling gum.
Pastille
A candy- or sweet-like lozenge, which, when sucked, releases substances that soothe a sore throat, and sometimes vapours to help unblock the nose or sinuses.
Gummy
; fat.
Pastille
Nonstandard spelling of pastel
Gummy
(Australia) gummy shark
Pastille
A medicated lozenge used to soothe the throat
Gummy
A sheep that is losing or has lost its teeth.
Gummy
A gummi candy.
Gummy
Consisting of gum; viscous; adhesive; producing or containing gum; covered with gum or a substance resembling gum.
Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine.
Then rubs his gummy eyes.
Gummy
Having the properties of glue
Common Curiosities
Can gummies be used for throat relief?
Gummies are not typically used for throat relief as they are designed for taste rather than medicinal benefits.
Are pastilles good for children?
Pastilles can be suitable for children, especially those formulated for soothing sore throats, but always check the ingredients for suitability.
Are gummy candies suitable for vegetarians?
Traditional gummy candies containing gelatin are not suitable for vegetarians, though vegetarian alternatives are available.
Are there any age restrictions for consuming gummies?
There are no specific age restrictions, but they are not recommended for very young children due to choking hazards.
What is the main ingredient in gummies?
Gummies are primarily made from gelatin.
Do pastilles contain sugar?
Yes, most pastilles contain sugar, which helps in soothing the throat and improving the taste.
What are the common shapes for gummy candies?
Gummy candies come in shapes like bears, worms, and fruit.
How long do pastilles last once opened?
Pastilles usually last a long time if stored properly, often several months.
Can pastilles help with bad breath?
Yes, certain minty or medicinal pastilles are designed to freshen breath.
Can gummies be made without sugar?
Yes, sugar-free gummies are available, which use alternative sweeteners.
What are the health implications of consuming gummies?
Consuming gummies in excess can lead to dental issues and excessive calorie intake due to their high sugar content.
Are pastilles effective in treating coughs?
Some pastilles contain ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus oil, which can help in treating mild cough symptoms.
Can pastilles be homemade?
Yes, pastilles can be made at home with the right ingredients and recipes.
What differentiates pastilles from regular candies?
Pastilles often have medicinal properties or are designed for oral hygiene, unlike regular candies which are primarily for enjoyment.
Is it common to find vitamin-enriched gummies?
Yes, many gummies are also available with added vitamins and minerals, aimed at health benefits.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
