San Francisco–based candy company Gimbal’s was born in 1898. (Yes, that’s Gimbal’s, not gumballs.) Brothers Alexander, Louis and Eugene Gimbal Joined forces to cook up some of the greatest candy in town. In fact, they first made a name for themselves by using a steam-production process under the name “Pacific Steam Candy Factory.” Making penny candies and nickel candy bars, not much has changed outside of the price. They still have the old-fashioned goods, but also some innovative candies in the works.

Good thing for Gimbal’s, some candies never get old. Take jelly beans, for instance. These are not just a sweet treat for Easter baskets anymore, but are yummy any day of the year. Gimbal’s Jelly Beans are of the gourmet variety, and they come in 41 flavors like tiramisu, java, buttered popcorn, baja margarita, key lime, boysenberry, french vanilla, passion fruit, peach, chocolate, lemon meringue, blue Hawaiian, tutti frutti and hot cinnamon—and that’s not even half of them. You may be thinking that these sound a lot like the Jelly Belly flavors, and they are very similar. But there are some different ones—and besides, there’s no copyright on candy flavors. That would be so limiting! The Java is a standout flavor—tastes just like a cup of gourmet flavored coffee. Perfectly Pear is divine, and Orange ‘n Cream tastes just like a Dreamsicle. You might be knocked off your feet when you taste the Butted Popcorn jelly bean. It’s strikingly similar to a movie theater bucket of buttery goodness. Strawberry Daiquiri was a bit over the top in flavor, and tasted artificial. But each flavor is so much it’s own, that you have to taste them all (with a big gulp of water in between) to really make a judgment call. I love Gimbal’s Jelly Beans, and will most definitely be a repeat customer. You should satisfy your gourmet tastes with a bag of your own.

Tags: Gimbal’s, jelly beans, soft candy, kosher candy, sweets

If eccentric jelly beans are your thing, you’ll die for these peculiar little treats from Cap Candy. The complete flavor list includes some normal tastes, like blueberry, grape jelly, and green apple. If you’re a bit more daring, you’ll flip for flavors like grass, black pepper, and buttered popcorn. But only the truly brave (and all 5-to-10 year old boys) will be willing to stomach the grossest jelly bean flavors: booger, bacon, soap, sardine, earthworm, earwax, rotten egg, dirt, and—the kicker—vomit. I found these flavors absolutely disgusting. Still, that’s part of the charm of the candy. And if they intent was to gross me out, Bertie Bott’s Beans certainly did that. I found a surprisingly higher ratio of revolting flavors to enjoyable ones. Grape jelly was nice and fruity. Bacon and earthworm were rubbery and waxy.

This candy is part of the Harry Potter craze that swept across the world like wildfire at the turn of the century. Potter books and accompanying products found themselves in the hands of kids and adults alike as they sought a touch of magic in their everyday lives. Because of their link to the literary world, these jelly beans are sold in specialty, gift, and bookstores in addition to candy-specific shops. Other Harry Potter candies inspired by the book series include: Cockroach Clusters, Fizzing Whizbees (a popping candy), Chocolate Frogs, Jelly Slugs, and Blood Pops. Mmm, mmm good!

Is there something morally wrong with a company that can make kids eat booger- and vomit-flavored jelly beans—the same kids who wouldn’t pick up a piece of broccoli for a hundred bucks? I’d say so. Nevertheless, the clever marketing scheme behind these beans is a lesson for all candy companies: exploit what’s hot. The jelly bean giant, Jelly Belly manufactures the Bertie Bott’s brand in 10- and 20-flavor boxes. With that quality reputation, these beans have become an established treat rather than a mere passing fad in the novelty candy industry. Now, go wash out your mouth with a soap-flavored jelly bean.

Tags: jelly beans, Harry Potter candy, Jelly Belly, chewy candy, sweets

These gourmet jelly beans are nothing short of amazing!  With over 40 flavors that explode in your mouth when you munch into them, you truly understand the craze of these magical beans. The greatest thing though, in my opinion, is that you can mix and match to create a smorgasbord of fantastical flavors. Here’s a tasty example for you to fantasize about: for a Mocha Latte you mix the following ingredients: (1) French Vanilla, (1) Chocolate and (2) Java beans and you have yourself a Mocha Latte on the go.  Just to keep you on your toes here’s the master creation of them all, the almighty Banana Split. You mix the following ingredients: (1) Banana, (1) Pineapple, (1) French Vanilla, (1) Chocolate and (1) Wild Cherry and SHA-ZAM! Banana Split! Jelly Bean style! And don’t think for a second you can tell the difference, because you can’t!

The Gimbal’s company has been around since 1898 so they know how to make candy better than most other companies out there. The Gimbal’s Jelly Bean is the main rival to the Jelly Belly jelly bean and make no mistake that there is something special going on.  Gimbal’s is leading the jelly bean revolution with new imagination to the benefit of your taste buds. With an astounding array of flavors and recipes, you are sure to get your Jelly Bean fill with these gourmet jelly beans. And when you find yourself lazing around, try to come up with your own creations. Spread the word. Maybe you will be the next jelly bean innovating guru. You want one of my very own creations? You know you do. Check this out! Mix these flavors: (1) Strawberry Cheesecake, (1) French Vanilla, (2) Chocolate and Bam! Hot dog! You’ve got the Cheesecake Blitz!