Gummi Worm Day

National Gummi Worm Day is a fun and quirky holiday celebrated every year on July 15. Invented in 1981 by Trolli, the gummy worm was designed to entertain kids while mildly surprising their parents. Trolli’s Sour Brite Crawlers became especially popular thanks to their dual flavors, neon colors, and sour sugar coating. Common flavor combos include orange and lime (orange and green), strawberry and raspberry (pink and blue), and lemon and cherry (yellow and red). Today, gummy worms are a favorite treat around the world.

Celebrate this silly holiday by picking up a bag of gummy worms at your local convenience store. Wish your friends a “Happy National Gummi Worm Day!” Hold a competition to see who can fit the most gummy worms in their mouth, or host a taste test between sweet and sour versions. Throw a gummy worm–themed party or try making kid-friendly gummy worm dirt pie. However you celebrate, enjoy these colorful, squishy, and delicious treats!

History

The gummy worm made its debut on July 15, 1981, courtesy of the Trolli candy company. While gummy bears were first created in Bonn, Germany, in 1920, it was the gummy worm that later stole the spotlight. Today, gummy worms are found in everything from cake decorations to ice cream mix-ins to novelty shots. Industry analysts predict the gummy candy market could hit $40 billion by 2024.

Interesting Facts About Gummy Worms

• Gummy bears and gummy worms are the most popular types of gummy candy worldwide.
• The word “gummi” means “rubber” in German.
• Gummy candies come in a wide variety of shapes, including spiders, pizza slices, bugs, and even feet.
• The world’s largest gummy worm measures 26 inches long, has a 5-inch girth, weighs about 3 pounds, and contains over 4,000 calories.
• The average Trolli Sour Brite Crawler, the best-selling gummy worm, is about two inches long.

National Gummi Worm Day Jokes

• What do you call a worm who just lost his dentures? A gummy worm!
• Why did the gummy worm cross the road? To get away from the fried chicken!
• What do you call a female gummy worm? A gummy worman!
• What’s worse than finding a gummy worm in your apple? Finding an empty bag of gummy worms next to it!
• What do gummy worms do before they exercise? Worm up!

Quotes About Worms

• “The early bird catches the worm.” — William Camden
• “The early bird gets the worm. The early worm… gets eaten.” — Norman Ralph Augustine
• “If man makes himself a worm he must not complain when he is trodden on.” — Immanuel Kant
• “Envy, like the worm, never runs but to the fairest fruit.” — Francis Beaumont
• “God gives every bird his worm, but He does not throw it into the nest.” — P. D. James

Gummy Worm Adventures

• Take a sweet-themed trip to Fürth, Bavaria, Germany, home to Trolli’s headquarters.
• Visit your favorite candy shop and stock up on gummy worms in all flavors and colors.
• If no candy store is nearby, grab a bag from the grocery store—classic or sour!
• For book lovers, read Goosebumps: Go Eat Worms! by R. L. Stine.

This holiday is also known by many names: Gummi Worm Day, International Gummi Worm Day, National Gummy Worm Day, Gummy Worms Day, and more!

National Gummi Worm Day falls in July, which is also: National Anti-Boredom Month, National Blueberry Month, National Cellphone Courtesy Month, National Grilling Month, National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month, and National Vacation Rental Month.

When is National Gummi Worm Day in 2025?

National Gummi Worm Day is observed on July 15 each year.

Observations