Why Make Gummy Supplements with Pectin?

The pectin gummy revolution

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Pectin is taking center stage in the world of consumable goods, especially in the realm of gummy formulations. Recent market data in a 2022 Mintel study showed a significant shift towards pectin-based vitamins, minerals, and supplement gummies with a threefold increase between 2016 and 2021. This surge in popularity suggests that pectin is poised to replace gelatin in a wide range of gummy products across established and emerging markets.

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The demand for plant-based foods is a driving force behind this trend, with plant-based food sales in the U.S. alone reaching $7 billion in April 2021, marking a 27% year-over-year increase. As consumers increasingly seek plant-based, kosher, and vegan options, confectionery and supplement brands are turning to pectin for its excellent gelling properties, making it a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to gelatin. 

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Where does this groundbreaking gummy base come from? A naturally occurring substance, pectin resides in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, with citrus fruits and apples serving as its primary sources. While oranges, lemons, and limes are common contributors, pectin can also be extracted from berries and quince. The commercial production of pectin predominantly relies on sourcing it from citrus peel and apple pomace, which is the residual material left after apples undergo juicing processes.

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Pectin vs. gelatin

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GPG sets itself apart from the rest by specializing in the production of pectin-based gummies, a superior plant-based option with enhanced texture, flavor, and allergen-friendly qualities. Pectin provides increased stability (less after-manufacture melting) compared to traditional gelatin used by competitors. This formulation technique ensures each gummy maintains its quality from production to your customers’ home.

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Plant-based

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Pectin, a natural thickening agent, offers a versatile alternative to animal-derived gelatin. Made exclusively from fruits, it not only aligns with the preferences of vegetarians, vegans, kosher-eaters, and those on plant-based diets but also contributes to a more sustainable and ethical food production system.

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Versatile texture

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The unique texture of pectin gummies sets them apart from their gelatin-based counterparts. Their softer and more delicate consistency provides a delightful, melt-in-the-mouth experience that appeals to a broad range of consumers seeking a more enjoyable and satisfying way to meet daily nutritional needs. And it maintains its texture during shipping and storage better than gelatin.

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Allergy-friendly

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Pectin is hypoallergenic, devoid of common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs.This makes it an inclusive choice for individuals with dietary restrictions and provides peace of mind for anyone concerned about potential reactions, ensuring that anyone can savor its delicious and gentle gummy experience.

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Enhanced flavor release

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Pectin's superior flavor encapsulation properties are attributed to its ability to form a stable matrix that locks in the natural fruit flavors more effectively than gelatin, thus ensuring a heightened and authentic taste experience that leaves consumers craving more.

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Stability

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Pectin's resilience against high temperatures and humidity provides another benefit compared to gelatin, allowing the gummies to maintain their structural integrity, quality, and appealing appearance for an extended shelf life. This means consumers can enjoy their gummies at peak quality for longer.

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How to incorporate pectin in your formula

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Pectin is a versatile base ingredient for a gummy formulation and can be paired with various ingredients to create a delicious and diverse range of flavors and textures. Some ingredients that pair well with pectin in a gummy formula include:

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• Fruit juice or puree: Pectin works exceptionally well with fruit juices or purees, enhancing the natural fruit flavors in gummies. Common choices include citrus juices, apple puree, and berry blends.
• Citric acid: Citric acid is often used alongside pectin to enhance the tartness and acidity of fruit-flavored gummies, giving them a more authentic taste.
• Sugar or sweeteners: Sugar or alternative sweeteners like agave syrup, maple syrup, or stevia can be added to provide the desired level of sweetness in gummies.
• Natural flavors: Natural flavor extracts or concentrates can be used to intensify and diversify the taste profile of pectin-based gummies. These can include vanilla, cinnamon, mint, or any other desired flavor.
• Coloring agents: Natural food colorings, such as beetroot extract, turmeric, or spirulina, can be used to give pectin gummies their vibrant and appealing colors.
• Nutritional supplements: Pectin gummies can also be fortified with vitamins, minerals, or other nutritional supplements to create functional or health-focused gummy products.
• Texture modifiers: Ingredients like tapioca starch or cornstarch can be incorporated to adjust the texture and mouthfeel of pectin gummies, making them chewier or softer, depending on preferences.
• Botanicals and herbs: For unique and herbal-flavored gummies, botanical extracts like lavender, chamomile, or ginger can be added.

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How it’s made

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Pectin is commonly sourced from plant materials, primarily citrus fruits or apples, to produce gummy supplements. Here's a general overview of the process:

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• Selection of Raw Materials: Pectin can be extracted from the peels and pulp of citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons) or from apple pomace (the leftover residue from apple juice production). The choice of source depends on factors like cost, availability, and desired product characteristics.
• Extraction: The chosen fruit material is first cleaned and processed to remove any impurities. Then, it's subjected to a process that typically involves heating and acid treatment. This breaks down the cell walls and releases pectin from the fruit material.
• Purification: The extracted pectin solution is usually filtered to remove solid residues and other impurities. It may also undergo additional purification steps to improve its quality and consistency.
• Concentration: The pectin solution is concentrated to reduce its water content, resulting in a thicker pectin syrup.
• Drying: The concentrated pectin syrup is then dried to remove the remaining moisture and create a pectin powder. This can be done through various drying methods, such as spray drying or drum drying.
• Blending: The dried pectin powder may be blended with other ingredients, such as sugars, flavors, colors, vitamins, minerals, and active ingredients, to create the gummy supplement formulation.

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At the heart of the sourcing process, GPG partners with all its clients to collaborate on winning consumer formulations from concept and sourcing to production and beyond. This partnership facilitates the alignment of the freshest, finest components with your visionary goals. Our client-manufacturing relationship always includes forecasting to better understand which raw materials can be sourced for future production runs. Talk with us about your formulas and offerings. 

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**Global Products Group does not make structure-function claims about ingredients and recommends consulting a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. Further research is needed to confirm any potential effects and benefits, and the company takes no responsibility for claims made on products or websites not directly managed by us.

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