Jelly beans are small bean-shaped sugar candies with soft candy shells and thick gel interiors (see gelatin and gummy candy). The confection is primarily made of sugar and sold in a wide variety of colors.
The basic ingredients of jelly beans include sugar, tapioca, corn syrup, and pectin or starch. Relatively minor amounts of the emulsifying agent lecithin, anti-foaming agents, an edible wax such as carnauba wax or beeswax, salt, and confectioner's glaze are also included. The ingredients that give each bean its character are also relatively small in proportion and may vary depending on the flavor.