This is the Lotte Ajiwai Koume Gumi, a gummy flavoured with two types of plum extracts: black plum extract, contributing depth and pronounced sourness, and white plum extract, contributing a lighter, refreshing sweetness.
The gummies presented in three shapes—a heart, a plum, and a quatrefoil—measuring approximately 1.5–2 cm at their widest point. They had an opaque deep brown-red hue with a firm, uniform structure. Aroma opened with a sweet-tart ume profile, resembling concentrated plum syrup.
On tasting, the initial contact delivered a smooth, matte, slightly dry surface, followed by a resistant, elastic chew with a bouncy quality, consistent with a firmer gummy structure. The ume flavour released with a mellow, refreshing sweetness at first contact. Through the mid-palate, as the gummy softened with continued chewing, the flavour developed increased sourness and aromatic intensity. The black plum extract became more apparent at this stage, adding depth and a sharper acidity that layered over the initial sweetness. Towards the finish, the sourness receded, allowing the lighter sweetness associated with the white plum extract to return and round out the profile. The aftertaste carried a residual sweet plum note, with the presence of artificial sweeteners (acesulfame K) becoming more noticeable once the primary ume intensity diminished. Texture remained consistent, with a firm, elastic chew that prolonged flavour release and supported the staged progression from sweetness to acidity and back.
Overall, a ume-forward gummy with layered sweet–sour progression and a firm, elastic chew that extends flavour development.
This Lotte Ajiwai Koume Gumi contained 30 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2025.