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.

==History== thumb|Dots (candy)|Dots, a gumdrop brand introduced in 1945 and acquired by [[Tootsie Roll Industries in 1972.]] Gumdrops first appeared in the 19th century United States, purportedly as early as 1801, although at that time gumdrop likely referred to small, hard sweets also derived from fruit gelatin. The name "gumdrop" is not found in print until 1859, appearing in an advertisement published by the Illinois State Chronicle of Decatur, Illinois for a candy shop owned by a George Julier. By that time, a gelatin-based, rubbery candy akin to modern gummies went by the gumdrop name, but also a pastier candy with a potato starch base.