Peach rings, also known as peach gummies, are a popular soft, chewy candy that are shaped like rings and have a sweet peach flavor. They are a gelatin-based confection that is made from a variety of ingredients that provide their signature taste, texture, and appearance. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients that go into making peach rings.
Gelatin
The primary ingredient in peach rings is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones of animals. It acts as a gelling agent that gives candy like peach rings their chewy, gummy texture. Gelatin allows the rings to keep their shape and solid structure. Most commercial peach rings use gelatin derived from pig skin, but some brands may use cattle bones or fish byproducts. On average, peach rings contain 11-16% gelatin per 100g.
Corn syrup
Corn syrup is another major component of peach rings. It is a sweetener made from cornstarch that helps provide a smooth, supple texture. Corn syrup contains glucose, maltose, higher saccharides, and trace amounts of amino acids, proteins, and fat. It prevents the gummy candy from hardening and becoming brittle. Corn syrup makes up around 20-30% of a typical peach ring recipe.
Sugar
Regular granulated sugar is also used in making peach rings. Sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps retain moisture to give the gummies their soft, juicy mouthfeel. The sugar interacts with the gelatin and corn syrup to provide the signature gummy candy consistency. Common types of sugar used include sucrose, dextrose, and fructose. Sugar comprises approximately 30-40% of peach ring ingredients.
Food coloring
Coloring agents are added to give peach rings their distinctive golden orange hue. Manufacturers often use artificial food dyes like Red #40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6 to achieve the bright peach color. Natural coloring derived from annatto, turmeric, beets, or carrot juice may also be used. Just a small amount, around 0.05% of the total ingredients, provides the vibrant color.
Flavors and extracts
Peach flavoring and extracts are critical for giving the gummies their sweet peach taste. Natural flavors that emulate the taste of ripe peaches are commonly blended in. These can come from peach juice concentrates or oils. Artificial peach flavors made in labs may also be used. The flavors are often boosted with citric acid to add tartness resembling real peaches. These flavorings and acids make up approximately 1-3% of ingredients.
Fruit juices
Some brands enhance the fruit flavor of peach rings by incorporating actual fruit juices. These can include concentrates of peach, apricot, apple, pear, pineapple, and orange juice. The fruit juices introduce natural sugars, acids, and aromatic compounds found in real peaches and other fruits. When present, fruit juices may account for 5-10% of the ingredients.
Acids
In addition to citric acid and natural fruit acids, other types of acids are used in peach rings. Malic acid and fumaric acid help sharpen the tart, sour qualities. Lactic acid also enhances flavor. These acids only make up around 0.5-1% of the candy but are important for recreating the peach taste.
Waxes
Small amounts of edible waxes like beeswax, carnauba wax, or candelilla wax are sometimes added. These help keep the peach rings from sticking together. Waxes give the candies a more polished look and act as releasing agents when removing the gummies from molds. Waxes comprise 0.1-0.5% of the ingredients.
Colors
In addition to dyes for coloring, other types of color modifiers may be present. Opaque coloring agents like titanium dioxide provide a cloudy, opaque white color that gives a more matte finish. Metallic foils or powders add a shimmering effect. Colors usually make up less than 0.5% of ingredients.
Preservatives
Preservatives help extend the shelf life of peach rings by protecting against mold and bacterial growth. Common preservatives used include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate. Some brands may also contain sulfating agents like sulfur dioxide or sodium sulfite. Preservatives represent around 0.1-0.5% of the ingredients.
Thickeners
Additional thickeners and stabilizers are used to give peach rings their smooth, consistent gummy texture. These include gums like gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, and carrageenan. Thickeners comprise around 0.5-2% of the ingredients.
Acidity regulators
Citric acid and malic acid add tartness, while compounds like sodium citrate help control acidity levels. Keeping the right acidity balance allows the flavors to pop and gives peach rings their sour punch. Acidity regulators make up approximately 0.5-1% of the ingredients.
Conclusion
Peach rings owe their unique chewy texture, sweet and sour peach flavor, vibrant color, and extended shelf stability to a careful blend of multiple ingredients. While exact ingredient percentages vary by brand, most peach ring recipes call for a base of gelatin, corn syrup, and sugar, supplemented by coloring, flavorings, fruit juices, acids, waxes, preservatives, and texture modifiers. By understanding the roles of these components, we gain insight into what makes these candies so delicious and fun to eat.