Fortified gummies first made their appearance in the US in the late 1990s as an alternative delivery method or system for children’s vitamins and minerals. Traditionally administered as medicinal syrups or chalky and unpleasant chewable tablets, consumer compliance was often reduced by undesirable, inconvenient and bad tasting products. As such, the industry and young consumers alike quickly embraced these novel confectionery like vitamins. As a result, manufacturers are now expanding the category into the adult world as well.

Two key factors seem to be driving interest: first, quite simply, gummies taste better than supplements. Secondly, chewable active ingredients eliminate the most common obstacle among older users: the difficulties associated with swallowing a large tablet.

Based on the texture- and taste-providing properties of gelatin, gummies are among the most popular and well-recognised types of confectionery across the globe. With its unique mouthfeel and melting profile, gelatin makes gummy candies a palatable way to transport active substances into the body.

To drive innovation and demonstrate the potential of this category, GELITA’s technical experts are constantly working on new fortified gummy concepts. From sugar reduced and tooth-friendly variants to solutions with minerals, omega-3s or fibres, the potential to create tailored products that match individual consumer needs is huge.

However, the production of fortified gummies is much more than just adding vitamins and minerals; it’s also about meeting the needs of elderly people, for example, by incorporating higher levels of protein. Today, protein-enhanced fruit gums that offer a full complement of essential amino acids are becoming increasingly relevant.

The challenge is to incorporate a sufficient amount of protein into the gummies — using established gummy manufacturing processes and equipment — without changing the overall taste and texture. In addition, collagen peptide-based gummy applications for improved skin, joint or bone health are more frequently finding their way onto pharmacy shelves. The HST version combines the best of two worlds as they are the first Bioactive Collagen Peptides^® with gelling power.

GELITA supports customers by providing gelatin know-how and nutritional collagen peptide competence. In addition, GELITA’s experts are available to offer regulatory advice as well as on-site technical support.

Looking to place your products in a new market or application? Need some out-of-the-box thinking? Contact us today!