I Tried the Viral Soda-Soaked Frozen Gummy Bears, and…
I Tried the Viral Soda-Soaked Frozen Gummy Bears, and… is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 100 calories per serving. Recipe by Nomtastic Foods on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 16 hrs | Total: 16 hrs 15 min
Cost: $7.37 total, $1.84 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Gummy Bears (any fruit‑flavored gummy bears, loosely packed)
- 2 cups Carbonated Soda (any clear or flavored soda; cola gives a caramel note, lemon‑lime adds citrus)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Measure out 2 cups of gummy bears and 2 cups of soda. Set out a mixing bowl, spoon, colander, and a freezer‑safe tray.
Time: PT2M
Combine Gummy Bears and Soda
Place the gummy bears in the mixing bowl and pour the soda over them until fully submerged. Stir gently to ensure all bears are covered.
Time: PT3M
Soak Overnight
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (overnight) so the gummy bears absorb the soda.
Time: PT12H
Temperature: 4°C
Drain the Gummy Bears
After soaking, pour the gummy bears into a colander to drain off excess soda. Give them a quick shake to remove surface liquid.
Time: PT2M
Freeze the Gummy Bears
Spread the drained gummy bears in a single layer on the freezer‑safe tray. Place the tray in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the bears are firm and icy.
Time: PT4H
Temperature: -18°C
Serve
Remove the tray from the freezer, let the bears sit for 1‑2 minutes to soften slightly, then transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 100
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Not Vegan
Allergens: Gelatin, Artificial colors
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Gummy Bears: Other gummy candies, Fruit‑flavored gelatin candies
- Instead of Carbonated Soda: Sparkling water, Fruit juice with carbonation
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Colander
- Freezer‑Safe Tray
- Measuring Cup (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soak the gummy bears in soda for at least 12 hours to allow flavor absorption.
- Freeze the soaked gummy bears for a minimum of 4 hours to achieve the desired icy texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a citrus twist, use lemon‑lime soda and garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving.
- If you want a visual pop, use colored soda that matches the gummy bear hue.
- Freeze the bears on a silicone mat for easy removal.
Troubleshooting
Gummy bears turn into a flavorless mush after freezing.
Reduce the soaking time to 6‑8 hours or use a more strongly flavored soda. Over‑soaking extracts too much sugar and softens the candy.
Bears stick together in the freezer.
Spread them in a single layer on parchment paper and ensure they are fully drained before freezing.
The soda causes excessive fizz and spills.
Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit for a few minutes before sealing, allowing bubbles to settle.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; texture will become softer.
Freezer: Can be kept frozen for up to 1 week; re‑freeze after thawing will make them overly mushy.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; they will become sticky and lose the frozen texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soaking step can be done up to 48 hours in advance; keep the bowl sealed in the fridge.
- Freeze the bears in advance and store in a zip‑top bag; they stay fresh for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of gummy bears in American candy culture?
Gummy bears were introduced to the United States in the 1980s and quickly became a staple of snack aisles, representing the rise of gelatin‑based, fruit‑flavored candies that appeal to both children and adults.
How did the viral soda‑soaked frozen gummy bear trend start on the internet?
The trend began on TikTok and YouTube in 2022 when creators posted videos of gummy bears soaked in soda and frozen, highlighting the surprising snow‑cone‑like texture, which sparked thousands of imitators.
What are traditional variations of gummy bear snacks in different regions of the United States?
In the Midwest, gummy bears are often paired with chocolate‑coated pretzels, while on the West Coast they are mixed with sour powders. The soda‑soak variation is a newer, internet‑driven twist rather than a regional tradition.
In what occasions or celebrations are gummy bear treats commonly served in American culture?
Gummy bears appear at birthday parties, movie nights, and casual gatherings as a quick, colorful candy. The frozen soda‑soaked version is sometimes served at summer pool parties for a refreshing bite.
How does the soda‑soaked frozen gummy bear snack fit into the broader American snack tradition?
It reflects the American love for novelty snacks that combine familiar candy with a playful preparation method, similar to popcorn‑flavored candy or chocolate‑covered pretzels.
What common misconceptions exist about the texture and flavor of soda‑soaked frozen gummy bears?
Many expect the frozen bears to retain the original chewy texture, but the soda infusion creates a softer, almost melt‑in‑your‑mouth feel that can be mistaken for mush if over‑soaked.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making soda‑soaked frozen gummy bears?
Over‑soaking the bears, not draining them well before freezing, and stacking them on the tray are the biggest errors; they lead to a soggy, flavor‑less result.
Why does this recipe recommend soaking gummy bears overnight instead of a shorter period?
An overnight soak gives the gummy bears enough time to fully absorb the soda’s flavor and carbonation, which short soaks (under 2 hours) do not achieve, resulting in a less pronounced taste.
How do I know when the frozen gummy bears are ready to eat?
The bears are ready when they feel firm to the touch but give a slight give when bitten, similar to a snow‑cone bite; if they are still soft, add another hour in the freezer.
What does the YouTube channel Nomtastic Foods specialize in?
The YouTube channel Nomtastic Foods focuses on fun, experimental food hacks, viral snack recreations, and quick‑turnaround recipes that appeal to home cooks looking for novelty and entertainment.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
