AMSTERDAM — A recent recall of Haribo’s Happy Cola F!ZZ gummies in the Netherlands due to accidental cannabis contamination has unexpectedly sparked a wave of unsolicited “volunteer testers” eager to inspect the sweets — with their mouths.
Despite Haribo making it clear that the recall is under control, thousands across Europe have declared themselves “citizen scientists,” offering to determine whether any THC remains in the candy. The viral TikTok hashtag #HariboTestCrew features users filming themselves eating suspected batches “for science,” often while lounging in bathtubs, listening to Pink Floyd, and rating their buzz.
“I didn’t ask to be a hero,” said TikTok user @StonerScholar69. “But if it’s between me and someone’s grandma eating psychedelic gummies, I’ll do what’s necessary.”
Others have created tasting journals with categories like paranoia index, flavor complexity, and whether or not the candy whispers secrets.
“Today’s pack told me to forgive my father,” said Hannah M., 29, from Rotterdam.
Haribo, overwhelmed by messages offering unpaid testing labor, has reiterated that it does not need public assistance — and has asked people to stop emailing close-up photos of their pupils.
Despite Haribo’s pleas, a thriving black market has emerged. Bags suspected to be from the original contaminated batch — especially those with best-before dates of January 2026 — are now reselling online for over €500, with some collectors referring to them as “Gen-Z Holy Relics.” Photos show unopened packs displayed in glass cases or laminated like sports trading cards.
Still, the makeshift testing continues.
“I may never know if these gummies contain weed,” said one man in a beanbag chair surrounded by wrappers. “But I feel like they do. That’s science.”
Haribo has confirmed that it is not planning to launch a new cannabis-infused line — “at this time.”