Soft candies have become a mature dosage form of nutrient supplements internationally. The use of raw and auxiliary materials is standardized, the production process is mature, and the product can maintain a high degree of stability during the shelf life. The dosage form is popular among children, adults, and consumers who have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules.
As a mature food form, gummy candies provide consumers with more choices, rich experiences and health support.
This article will explain the definition of gummy manufacturing , the main ingredients of gummy, the process and technical requirements, etc., hoping that everyone will have a better understanding of the “past and present” of “nutritional gummy candy”, explore how to make a good development strategy layout based on market demand, and provide a complete introduction to the standardized development and innovative breakthroughs of the industry .
What is gummy manufacturing?
Gummy manufacturing involves converting raw materials, such as gelling agents, gum bases, acidulants, and pigments, into a supplemental dosage form with a gel structure and chewable properties through a specific gummy manufacturing process. The basic gummy manufacturing process includes raw material preparation, cooking, molding, drying, and packaging.
Key ingredients in gummy manufacturing
Gum-based materials: gelatin (animal source), pectin (plant source), carrageenan, starch-based colloids, gellan gum, etc., determine the texture and chewiness of the gummy candy.
Sweeteners: sucrose, glucose syrup, honey, or sugar substitutes (such as erythritol, steviol glycosides) to reduce calories.
Acidulants: citric acid, malic acid, to adjust taste and extend shelf life.
Active ingredients: vitamins (such as vitamin C and D), minerals (such as calcium and iron), probiotics, plant extracts (such as melatonin and collagen), etc.
Other ingredients: pigments (natural or synthetic), spices, etc., to provide the soft candy with attractive color and taste.
The gummy manufacturing process step by step
The basic production process for gummies includes raw material mixing , gelling, boiling sugar, pouring , drying, and packaging. Adding vitamins, minerals, and other nutrient ingredients to a gel system formed by syrup and thickeners (gelatin, pectin, carrageenan, etc.) ensures thorough dispersion and mixing, meeting uniformity requirements and ensuring high process feasibility. During production, no processing aids are required, and there is no risk of solvent residue.
Raw material mixing
The main ingredients for soft candies include sugars, starches, gelatin, fruit juices, acidulants, flavorings, and pigments. Raw material processing is the first step in production, ensuring both quality and stability. These ingredients undergo rigorous screening and testing to ensure they meet quality standards. Subsequently, the required ingredients are weighed with high precision according to the product’s intended purpose, followed by preliminary mixing.
Boil
The mixed ingredients are then transferred to the cooking equipment, where they are cooked under specific temperature and pressure conditions. This step is crucial, as parameters such as cooking time, temperature, and stirring speed directly influence the texture and taste of the gummy candy. Precisely controlling the cooking process ensures that the sugars are fully dissolved and the various ingredients are evenly blended, forming a syrup with the appropriate viscosity and fluidity.
Casting
After mixing and boiling, the syrup needs to enter the molding system to form soft candies into various shapes. Common molding methods include pouring and stamping.
Deposition: Deposition involves pouring syrup into a mold of a specific shape, which cools to form the shape of the candy. This process involves two steps: first, pouring the syrup into the mold; the mold’s shape determines the candy’s appearance. Modern production lines utilize multi-station depositing machines to improve production efficiency. Second, cooling and setting: The poured syrup is rapidly cooled in a cooling tunnel to form a stable gel structure. The cooling time and temperature must be precisely controlled to ensure the perfect texture and taste of the candy.
Stamping involves using a die to press syrup into various shapes of gummy. Whether it’s a cute bear or a creative cartoon character, the molding system can easily achieve these shapes, meeting consumers’ diverse needs for gummy appearance.
dry
After forming, soft candies contain a high amount of water, which needs to be reduced through the drying process to extend their shelf life. The drying system uses appropriate temperature and ventilation conditions to remove excess water from the soft candies, bringing them to the ideal moisture content to ensure the taste and shelf life of the soft candies. During the drying process, the moisture content of the soft candies is strictly monitored to ensure that each soft candy meets quality standards. The key control measures are as follows:
Drying equipment: A multi-layer belt dryer is used. The soft candies are conveyed on the drying belt and hot air blows from different directions to ensure uniform drying.
Drying parameters: Drying temperature, humidity and time need to be adjusted according to product formula and process requirements to avoid over-drying or under-drying.
Package
The dried candies enter the packaging system to protect them from contamination and damage. The packaging system can quickly and accurately package the candies according to different packaging specifications and formats. From individual candies to small and large packages, the packaging system can efficiently handle everything, generally consisting of the following two systems:
Automatic packaging machine: A high-speed automatic packaging machine is used to pack the candies into bags or boxes according to the desired quantity. The packaging material must meet food safety standards and have good sealing and moisture resistance.
Quality inspection: During the packaging process, visual inspection systems and weight inspection systems are used to eliminate unqualified products to ensure the quality of the products leaving the factory.
Customization options in gummy manufacturing
Soft candy production can have complete and flexible customized production solutions. For example, the flavor, color, shape, and dosage can be flexibly customized.
Customized gummy flavors
Jiabeikang offers a wide range of flavors, including single and mixed flavors. We can customize flavors, such as sweet and fruity, to meet customer needs. Natural flavors derived from fruit and vegetable extracts meet product testing requirements. Furthermore, Jiabeikang can mask the bitterness and astringency of certain ingredients in certain products.
Customized gummy colors
Jiabeikang uses natural pigments, fruits, and vegetables, with no artificial colors added. Our formula ensures crystal clear, vibrant colors. We can customize any color.
Customized gummy shapes
Jiabeikang manufacturers have a large number of ready-made molds that can be used to shape the gummy candies into your desired shapes, such as bears, circles, hearts, etc. If necessary, we can also open a mold to shape the gummy candies into your desired brand logo.
Gummy dosage and formula customization
Jiabeikang’s soft candy production allows for flexible formulations tailored to product functionality. Our soft candies incorporate authentic, effective ingredients and are formulated specifically for specific needs. Furthermore, precise dosage customization ensures product effectiveness and stability.
The process of custom gummy production
- Concept and demand proposal: The brand owner clarifies the product’s target market, product positioning, functions and quantity, etc.
- Choosing a partner: Look for reliable ODM/OEM factories with strong R&D capabilities and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification.
- Sample proofing: The factory develops preliminary samples based on demand and makes multiple adjustments and tests until the taste, texture, and appearance are completely satisfactory.
- Determine the minimum order quantity (MOQ): Negotiate with the factory to determine the quantity for your initial production order.
- Batch production and quality control: The factory purchases raw materials, conducts large-scale production, and implements strict quality inspections throughout the entire process
FAQ
Gummy supplements are commonly packaged in bottles or bags. Bottles offer protection from light and prevent the gummies from becoming compressed. They also make it easy to take multiple doses. Bags are lightweight, saving space in transportation and storage. They also come in a variety of formats, including stand-up pouches and zipper closures.
When choosing a gummy candy manufacturer, you usually need to consider the following aspects: R&D strength, production capacity, and service.
R&D strength
Manufacturers developing and producing gummy candies require a professional technical team and R&D laboratory to solve the formulation challenges of gummy candies. A good manufacturer will have successful case studies of similar products and optimized product stability.
Production capacity
Manufacturers must meet GMP, HACCP, FDA, and other production certification standards and regulations. Furthermore, the manufacturer must assess whether the production equipment and technology are automated and modern, and whether the daily production capacity can reach millions of gummy.
Serve
Manufacturers need to provide comprehensive product process services, from conception to logistics. They also need to pay attention to delivery times, shipping logistics, and quality issues.
What machines are used to make gummies?
Sugar dissolving and boiling equipment: glue dissolving pot, sugar dissolving pot, vacuum continuous sugar boiling machine
Mixing and seasoning equipment: heat-insulating mixing tank
Molding equipment: automatic pouring molding machine
Coating equipment: customized three-in-one roller, elevator, etc.
Packaging equipment: metal detector, labeling machine, inkjet printer, film wrapping machine, etc.
Conclusion
With the continuous advancement of technology, gummy manufacturing lines are also evolving. In the future, with the application of smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things, gummy manufacturing lines will become even more intelligent and efficient, further improving production efficiency and product quality. At the same time, raw material selection and production processes will also place greater emphasis on health and environmental protection, developing more low-sugar, low-fat, and all-natural gummy candy products to meet consumers’ growing health needs.
