Top Jelly Bean Brands to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Cravings

Jelly beans, with their vibrant colors and wide array of flavors, continue to be a beloved candy treat across generations. From classic fruit-flavored options to more adventurous and exotic tastes, there is a jelly bean for every palate. As the candy aisles expand with choices, certain brands consistently stand out for their quality, flavor variety, and overall popularity. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world of jelly beans, exploring the best brands can enhance your sugary experience. We've compiled a list of the top contenders in the jelly bean market for you to discover below.

Illustration of jelly beans

Best brands of jelly beans in 2025

Jelly Belly

Jelly Belly is a leading producer of jelly beans, holding a significant 35% market share in the industry. Founded in 1869 as the Herman Goelitz Candy Company, Jelly Belly has evolved to offer over 50 varieties of jelly beans, including traditional flavors like Very Cherry and innovative ones like buttered popcorn and chili-mango. The company's products are popular globally, with a manufacturing plant in Thailand to cater to international markets. Jelly Belly jelly beans are also known for their presence in unique settings, such as being the first jelly beans in space, courtesy of President Reagan. The brand continues to innovate with products like Sport Beans and BeanBoozled, catering to a wide range of consumers. For more detailed information, visit their official Jelly Belly website.

Jelly Bean Factory

The Jelly Bean Factory, a renowned Irish gourmet brand, is set to produce a record-breaking 2.5 billion jelly beans in 2023, marking its 25th year in business. Acquired by the Cloetta confectionery group in 2014, the brand has expanded its footprint in over 60 international markets, capitalizing on the increasing demand for natural and adventurous flavors. With 36 gourmet flavors, the Jelly Bean Factory specializes in offering a premium confectionery experience using natural flavors and plant-based colors. This growth is part of a broader trend in the confectionery industry, where consumers are seeking convenient, flavorful, and health-conscious snack options. The brand's commitment to natural ingredients and innovative flavors has significantly strengthened its global presence.

Gimbal's Fine Candies

Gimbal's Fine Candies, established in 1898 by Alexander Gimbal, is renowned for its high-quality confections, particularly its gourmet jelly beans. The company, operated by four generations of the Gimbal family, was later acquired by Highlander Partners in April 2017. Gimbal's is celebrated for its meticulous production techniques, including the use of steam cookers to preserve delicate flavors. In 2019, Jelly Belly Candy Company acquired the Gimbal's jelly beans brand and other associated candy brands, highlighting the brand's enduring reputation and loyal customer base. Gimbal's products, such as jelly beans and licorice Scottie Dogs, continue to inspire a dedicated following.

Brach's

Brach's is a renowned brand in the confectionery industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality jelly beans. As one of the leading producers of jelly beans, Brach's has been a staple in American candy culture since the 1910s. Their jelly beans are available in a variety of flavors, including pineapple, lemon, lime, orange, strawberry, cherry, and grape, making them a favorite during Easter, with jelly beans reigning as America's #1 Easter candy for the second year in a row. Brach's jelly beans contribute significantly to the $1 billion global jelly bean market and are part of the 16 billion jelly beans consumed by Americans annually. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a trusted name for over a century. For more details, visit their Classic Jelly Beans page.

Sweetarts Jelly Beans

Sweetarts Jelly Beans, a brand under Ferrara Candy Company, is renowned for its high-quality and flavorful jelly beans, with the sour variant particularly praised for its tartness and classic SweeTarts flavor profile. The sour edition of SweeTarts Jelly Beans maintains a high score in chewability and texture, with a perfect 5 out of 5 beans in these categories. Despite some variability in size and shape, the beans are highly enjoyable, especially in the one-of-each test, scoring 9 out of 10 beans. Ferrara Candy Company, the parent company, has seen significant growth, with net sales of $1.8 billion in FY 2023, marking a 15% increase over the previous year. The company's focus on innovation and acquisitions has further solidified its position in the sugar confectionery market.

Starburst Jelly Beans

Starburst Jelly Beans, produced by Mars Wrigley, are a popular choice in the non-chocolate chewy candy segment, known for their fruity and chewy texture. In the year ending May 16, 2021, Starburst chews earned $213.8 million, although this was a 3% decrease from the previous year. Despite this, Starburst remains a significant player, with its FaveREDS variant seeing a 9.4% increase in sales during the same period. The brand's jelly beans combine the classic fruit flavors of Starburst candies with the satisfying chew of jelly beans, making them a favorite among consumers. Starburst Jelly Beans are available in a variety of flavors, including Cherry, Grape, Green Apple, Lemon, Orange, and Strawberry. You can explore their delicious options on Candy Warehouse.

Surf Sweets Organic Jelly Beans

Surf Sweets is renowned for its Organic Fruity Bears, which are USDA Organic Certified, made with organic fruit juice concentrate, and free from the top 8 common allergens, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors. These gummy bears are also vegan, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. The company's commitment to quality and allergy-friendly ingredients has earned it a strong market presence in the organic gummy market, which is projected to grow at a 6.1% CAGR from 2023 to 2033. Surf Sweets' products are widely appreciated for their taste and safety, reflecting the company's mission to provide mindfully delicious treats. As a member of 1% For The Planet, Surf Sweets also contributes to environmental causes.

Wonka Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans

Wonka Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans are a unique and flavorful offering in the jelly bean market, distinguished by their crunchy, textured shell that adds a distinctive texture and taste experience. These jelly beans are 74% sugar by weight and contain 6 teaspoons of added sugar per serving, making them a sweet treat. Introduced with a variety of flavors such as grape, orange, strawberry, lemon, and an unidentified green flavor, they offer a two-stage taste experience with immediate sweetness followed by a tart flavor. Despite moderate processing concerns and the presence of food additives like RED 40 LAKE, BLUE 2 LAKE, YELLOW 5, and YELLOW 6, they remain a popular choice. The product has received mixed reviews for size and shape consistency but is praised for its innovative texture. For more details, visit the Wonka Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans page.

Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans

Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans, produced by The Hershey Company since the brand's acquisition in 1996, are renowned for their bold, fruity flavors and high quality. Introduced in 1997, these jelly beans come in a variety of flavors including strawberry, orange, blue raspberry, watermelon, grape, and green apple. They are praised for their juicy and tongue-tingling flavor, scoring high in taste and flavor tests. The jelly beans are part of a broader Jolly Rancher product line that includes hard candies, gummies, and lollipops, all known for their distinctive sweet and sour taste profiles. With their nostalgic appeal and consistent flavor delivery, Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans remain a favorite among candy enthusiasts. For more details, you can check the official Hershey's store.

Russel Stover Jelly Beans

Russell Stover Jelly Beans, although not the top favorite, offer a unique experience with their large size and consistent shape, though they face criticism for their thick shell and bland, overly sweet flavors. Despite these issues, they maintain a classic jelly bean experience. However, they scored lower in reviews, with a total score of 10/35 beans, highlighting areas for improvement such as texture and flavor balance. For a more detailed breakdown of Russell Stover Pectin Jelly Beans, visit the dedicated review page.