Thames & Kosmos Gross Gummy Lab: Worms & Spiders STEM Candy Kit

Hands-on edible science with a gross-yet-delightful gummy lab

Dive into a tasty science project with Thames & Kosmos Gross Gummy Candy Lab. This kit uses a plant-based, jelly-like ingredient called carrageenan, sourced from seaweed, to shape chewy gummies. Students and families can flavor their treats with mixed berry and green apple, and experiment with citric acid to create fun Sour gummies. The result is eye-catching, wiggly shapes—worms and spiders—that are as entertaining to mold as they are to eat. The setup blends curiosity, flavor, and basic chemistry in a kid-friendly kitchen activity.

What you make and how you learn goes beyond just candy. As you cook, you’ll observe how natural polymers behave and how texture changes with temperature, timing, and mixing. The included 16-page, full-color manual guides you through experiments and explains the science in plain terms, making the process approachable for curious learners.

What you get and what you can do

• Make gummy worms and spiders in bold shapes using a plant-based gel-like ingredient derived from seaweed.
• Flavor your gummies with mixed berry and green apple for vibrant color and aroma.
• Adjust sourness by adding citric acid to craft tangy varieties.
• Follow a 16-page, full-color manual that blends experiments with clear scientific explanations.
• All necessary food ingredients are included, making setup quick and straightforward.
• Note: some ingredients are processed in facilities that also handle milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soy.

Why it works as a learning tool

• Explores the science of natural polymers in a tangible, edible format.
• Encourages observation of texture, taste, color, and aroma as you work.
• Promotes safe, hands-on experimentation in a home or classroom kitchen.
• Offers a playful way to connect cooking with basic chemistry and material science.

Whether you’re a curious kid, a parent helper, or a science club organizer, this kit provides a creative, low-pressure pathway to explore how ingredients transform when heated, mixed, or flavored. It’s designed to be fun and educational, with plenty of room for experimentation and personal flavor twists. Use it as a weekend activity, a science fair precursor, or a casual learning session that feels more like play than instruction.