When is Gummy Worm Day?

It is observed on July 15 each year.

How do people celebrate Gummy Worm Day?

Eat an actual handful of gummy worms — they're newer than you'd think, introduced in 1986 by the German candy company Trolli as a spin on the original 1922 gummy bear.

Annual observance

Gummy Worm Day

July 15 Food / Dessert Updated 2026-07-08

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Overview

Gummy Worm Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on July 15th, dedicated to appreciating the iconic, squiggly, fruit-flavored candy. These chewy treats, often featuring two distinct colors and flavors twisted together, have been a beloved confectionery since their introduction, captivating candy enthusiasts with their unique shape and delightful taste. It's a day to enjoy this popular sweet in all its wiggly glory.

Why it matters: Gummy Worm Day, celebrated on July 15, honors the playful and nostalgic appeal of gummy worms, a candy that has delighted taste buds since its introduction in 1986. This holiday highlights the creativity and joy that these colorful confections bring to both casual snackers and dedicated dessert enthusiasts.

Origin and story

Gummy worms were first introduced in 1986 by the German candy company Trolli.

They were created as a playful variation following the success of the original gummy bear, which debuted in 1922.

Quick facts

DateJuly 15
TypeFood / Dessert
Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

Gummy candy feels timeless, but the worm is a relative latecomer — it showed up more than six decades after the original gummy bear, once candy makers figured out how to twist two flavors into one strand.

Eat a handful

Celebrate by:

Eating an actual handful of gummy worms today, savoring the two-flavor twist.
Seeing if you can identify both flavors twisted into a single worm.
Trying a homemade gummy worm recipe instead of a store-bought bag.

See how recent the invention really is

Helpful resources:

The Invention Of Gummy Worms Is Not Nearly As Far Back As We Thought (The Daily Meal)

Did you know?

The original gummy bear dates back to 1922 in Germany, but the gummy worm didn't arrive until 1986 — making it, in candy terms, a fairly modern invention rather than an old classic.

Fun facts

Gummy worms were first introduced in 1986 by the German candy company Trolli.
They were created as a playful variation following the success of the original gummy bear, which debuted in 1922.
Many gummy worm varieties feature two distinct colors and flavors twisted together, offering a dual taste experience in each bite.

Sources and attribution

The Invention Of Gummy Worms Is Not Nearly As Far Back As We Thought (The Daily Meal)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

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FAQ

When is Gummy Worm Day?: It is observed on July 15 each year.
What is Gummy Worm Day?: Gummy Worm Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on July 15th, dedicated to appreciating the iconic, squiggly, fruit-flavored candy. These chewy treats, often featuring two distinct colors and flavors twisted together, have been a beloved confectionery since their introduction, captivating candy enthusiasts with their unique shape and delightful taste. It's a day to enjoy this popular sweet in all its wiggly glory.
How do people celebrate Gummy Worm Day?: Eat an actual handful of gummy worms — they're newer than you'd think, introduced in 1986 by the German candy company Trolli as a spin on the original 1922 gummy bear.

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