Haribo lovers are only just realizing what popular 'key' sweet actually is

You may be shocked to hear that the 'key-shaped' Haribo sweet in Tangfastics is actually something completely different.

The sour, fizzy and gummy sweets we all know and love in the 'happy world of Haribo' come in a variety of different shapes and flavors, from the fizzy cola bottle to sour cherries and green crocodiles.

Yet the hoop-shaped sweet has been at the center of some controversy for some time, sparking a debate online.

Over on Reddit, fans humorously discussed what the sweet is actually meant to be, as dozens said they thought it was a key or a magnifying glass.

One user said: "After 5 years of marriage, we've just discovered that my wife and I refer to this particular Haribo sweet as something different to each other."

Haribo has a wide range of sweets in different shapes, sizes and flavors (Getty Stock Image)

Another added: "I always thought they were meant to be a fizzy version of the ‘ring’ Haribo’s."

Meanwhile, others gave some rude NSFW suggestions.

Over on its website, Haribo confirms the sweet is meant to represent a pacifier (referred to as a 'dummy' for Brits).

It states: "The original tangy mix, HARIBO Tangfastics provides a fun tangy taste sensation with a perfect hit of sweet and sour. Containing our popular fizzy cola bottles, sour cherries, dummies and crocodiles."

Dozens of social media users said they thought as much, describing it as a 'sugar dummy'.

"Dummy makes sense now that I look at it," another admitted.

One parent even said there's a knack to eating it, writing: "My son taught me that you should put the long bit through the hole (yes I know that sounds bad!) to make the dummy."

All is not what it may seem with one sweet (Getty Stock Image)

Apparently, Haribo even states the shape is a dummy on its packaging.

But it isn't the first time the brand has caused a stir among fans, as another ruckus was caused when people realized the green gummy bear in the traditional mix isn't actually lime or apple flavored, as its coloring suggests.

Instead, it's actually strawberry-flavored, which would traditionally come in a red color.

Taking to Twitter, one enraged fan wrote: "We, as a society, agreed a long time ago that strawberry-flavored sweets would always be a shade of red. Haribo is breaking the agreement, and I, for one, am *furious.*"

A second joked: "This is why I have trust issues."

And another user chimed in: "Just learnt that green Haribo gummy bears are strawberry flavored and not the red ones. Adulthood hits hard."

While the information and flavors are clearly identified on Haribo packets and its website, it's evident many have been caught out by the sneaky switch-up.

Either way, it's clear the brand certainly likes to keep its fans on their toes, and that's why we 'love it so'.