If you grew up in Germany, Katjes is not just a candy brand. It is part of childhood.
Katjes has been around since 1910 and built its reputation first with licorice before becoming known for fruit-based gummies. What makes Katjes different from many other German gummy brands is its early and very public move toward gelatin-free production. Today, most Katjes gummies are made with pectin instead of gelatin, which made the brand especially popular among vegetarians and later among vegan consumers.
Katjes vs Haribo
In Germany, Katjes and Haribo are often mentioned together, but they serve slightly different audiences.
Haribo is known for classic gummy bears and traditional fruit gummies. Katjes built its identity around:
- Fruit-forward flavor profiles
- Softer textures
- Creative shapes
- Gelatin-free recipes
Katjes gummies tend to be slightly softer and more fruit-driven in taste, whereas Haribo gummies are firmer and chewier. Germans often have a clear preference for one or the other.
Fred Ferkel: A German Candy Icon
No Katjes page is complete without mentioning Fred Ferkel.
Fred Ferkel, the pink pig-shaped gummy, is one of the most recognizable Katjes products in Germany. It is more than just a candy. It became a small pop culture reference point over the years. Kids grew up trading Fred Ferkel pieces at school. Adults still buy them out of nostalgia.
The texture is soft and slightly elastic. The flavor is fruity but distinct from standard mixed gummies. The pig shape is instantly recognizable in Germany.
For many Germans living abroad, seeing Fred Ferkel again is a small moment of home.
Licorice and Fruit Classics
Katjes also maintains a strong licorice tradition. Germany has a long-standing love for licorice, especially in the north, and Katjes produces both sweet and stronger varieties.
At the same time, fruit-based gummies remain central to the brand. Katjes products often focus on:
- Bright fruit flavors
- Distinct shapes
- Clean ingredient lists
- Gelatin-free production
That gelatin-free shift was not originally a trend move. It was a deliberate brand decision long before vegan candy became mainstream in the US.
Why Katjes Matters in German Candy Culture
In Germany, Katjes is seen as slightly more modern and progressive compared to some older candy manufacturers. The brand has leaned into sustainability messaging and plant-based production in recent years, but the loyalty to the brand is much older than that.
Katjes candy is:
- Packed in school lunchboxes
- Bought at train stations for road trips
- Shared during movie nights
- Included in holiday candy bowls
It is everyday candy, not novelty candy.
Texture and Taste Differences Americans Notice
For American customers trying Katjes for the first time, the biggest differences are:
- Less artificial aftertaste
- Softer chew
- More fruit-forward flavor
- Less aggressive sweetness
German gummies in general tend to be less sugary than many American gummy brands. Katjes fits squarely into that tradition.
