With help from the ever-growing wellness trend, global sales of functional gummies are expected to reach $13.5 billion by 2027, according to the research firm Markets and Markets. Originally introduced as a children’s product, gummies have proven to be popular with all demographics.

For adults with pill fatigue or who have trouble swallowing, gummies are an enjoyable and convenient format to encourage repeat consumption. For those that regularly take health supplements, gummies taste like a sweet treat compared to pills and powders. Younger generations see the “fun” in functional, viewing them as a trendy combination of snack and supplement. The Wall Street Journal even joked that functional gummies are “the only way Gen Z will take a vitamin.”

Formulating with
quality ingredients

Formulating with quality ingredients

Along with the trends, texture plays a vital role in determining consumer demand. With 90 years of global experience, we are the texture innovator with the knowhow to exceed consumer expectations. Allow us to introduce you to some of our top picks from our unique portfolio of responsibly sourced, nature-based ingredients:

GENU^® Pectin

GENU^® Pectin is upcycled from citrus peels, a byproduct of the juice industry. A consumer favorite for many years with a great sustainability story, pectin is considered to be the preferred, vegan-friendly choice with a taste and texture to replace gelatin. GENU^® Pectin also tolerates salts, minerals and vitamins common to functional gummy formulations.

It provides benefits that gelatin cannot deliver, such as heat stability to combat the harsh temperature fluctuations of e-commerce. GENU^® Pectin adds a soft gummy texture with excellent flavor release and uniform gelling properties to create the appearance consumers expect. CP Kelco offers a wide range of pectin solutions, including grades to support organic label claims and enable easier sugar-free gummy development.

GENU^® Carrageenan

GENU^® Carrageenan comes from farmed red seaweed. This nature-based ingredient has been used for centuries as a very effective gelling agent, thickener and stabilizer.

It has high heat stability, rapid setting for starchless molding, and provides a soft, chewy texture for creating vegan gummies and strips. Ask about grades to support organic and non-GMO claims.

GENU^® Carrageenan comes from farmed red seaweed. This nature-based ingredient has been used for centuries as a very effective gelling agent, thickener and stabilizer.

It has high heat stability, rapid setting for starchless molding, and provides a soft, chewy texture for creating vegan gummies and strips. Ask about grades to support organic and non-GMO claims.

KELCOGEL^® Gellan Gum

KELCOGEL^® Gellan Gum originates from naturally occurring bacteria on water lily plants and is now produced using a fermentation process to develop an ingredient with identical composition while minimizing environmental impact and ensuring uniform quality. Suitable for vegan and organic formulations, it helps product developers create easy-to-chew, gelatin-free gummies with excellent clarity/transparency and flavor release.

Gellan gum also offers good gelation and texture at a low use level. Heat stable in a range of pH conditions, the low hot viscosity helps it flow well into molds so you can create intricately shaped gummies.

4 Top Trends in
Functional Gummies
(+ Bonus Regional Insights!)

There are several drivers shaping the future of functional gummies. See the four market trends that will make this category even bigger, plus insights from every region that our innovation experts are closely watching.