The rise of gummies: The new face of functional nutrition
Over the past few years, gummies have taken the nutraceutical world by storm. What began as a fun, chewable alternative to pills for children has now become a mainstream delivery format for adult health and wellness supplements. Consumers today are not just looking for efficacy – they want convenience, taste, and a positive daily experience.
According to recent Google Trends data, global and South African interest in vitamin gummies, vegan gummies, and gummy supplements has surged – in some cases by over 200% in the past year. This growth reflects a clear shift toward functional, easy-to-consume wellness products, with brands large and small now exploring the potential of custom, white-label gummies.
TLDR: Gummies are now one of the fastest-growing delivery formats in the nutraceutical industry, thanks to their convenience, taste, and clean-label appeal. Pectin-based gummies, in particular, meet rising consumer demand for plant-based wellness products. Wrapsa manufactures both pectin- and gelatine-based gummies under contract arrangements, with options for client-supplied formulations, bulk or retail packaging, and full GMP compliance – making it easier than ever for brands to launch their own range of custom, wellness-focused gummies.
Why Gummies Are in Demand
The global appeal of gummies lies in their combination of science and simplicity. A well-formulated gummy can deliver the same benefits as a tablet or capsule — but in a format that’s enjoyable and approachable. Here are some of the main drivers behind the trend:
- Convenience and compliance: Gummies are portable, tasty, and easy to integrate into a daily routine, helping consumers stay consistent with their supplement regimes.
- Sensory experience: Flavour, colour, and texture all enhance the perceived value of the product, improving long-term use and brand loyalty.
- Clean-label preference: Consumers are looking for natural, plant-based ingredients and transparent formulations. Pectin-based gummies tick both boxes.
- Customisation opportunities: Brands can differentiate themselves through targeted formulations, functional ingredients, and packaging designed for their audience.
For health and wellness brands, gummies bridge the gap between nutrition and lifestyle – making them ideal for product lines focused on beauty, energy, immunity, or relaxation.
Pectin vs. Gelatine: The Base Matters
When it comes to manufacturing, the choice of base – pectin or gelatine – has a major impact on both the product’s texture and its market positioning.
- Pectin-based gummies are made from fruit-derived pectin, offering a vegan-friendly, plant-based solution. They’re ideal for brands prioritising clean labels and ethical sourcing. Pectin creates a softer texture and a fruity bite, making it particularly popular for nutraceutical and wellness products.
- Gelatine-based gummies, derived from animal collagen, offer the familiar chewy consistency of traditional sweets. They remain suitable for many vitamin and mineral formulations but are less compatible with vegan or “natural” product lines.
Wrapsa offers both formats, allowing clients to choose the best base for their target market and formulation needs.
What Can Be Formulated in Gummy Form?
Modern nutraceutical science has opened up a wide range of ingredients that can be effectively incorporated into gummies. Common examples include:
- Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, B-complex, Zinc, and Iron
- Collagen and beauty blends promoting skin, hair, and nail health
- Immune support formulas using echinacea, elderberry, or vitamin blends
- Sleep and relaxation blends with melatonin-free botanical extracts
- Energy or focus formulas using natural caffeine alternatives or adaptogens
- Botanical extracts like turmeric, ginseng, and ashwagandha
With advances in formulation science, gummies can now deliver both water- and fat-soluble ingredients effectively, opening opportunities for brands to innovate beyond conventional capsules or powders.
The Gummy Manufacturing Process
While the end product may look simple, gummy production requires precision and quality control at every step:
- Formulation: Developing the correct balance of active ingredients, base, and flavour profile.
- Cooking and blending: The pectin or gelatine base is carefully heated and combined with actives, flavours, and colours.
- Depositing: The mixture is poured into moulds to form the final shapes.
- Setting and drying: Controlled temperature and humidity ensure the right texture and stability.
- Coating and packaging: Finished gummies are coated (if required) and packed either in bulk or retail-ready containers.
At Wrapsa, every stage follows GMP standards to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance with nutraceutical regulations.
Wrapsa: Your Partner for Contract Gummy Manufacturing
As one of South Africa’s most established nutraceutical manufacturers, Wrapsa offers complete contract manufacturing solutions for wellness gummies. Whether you’re an established supplement brand or a startup looking to launch a new range, Wrapsa can help you move from idea to shelf-ready product.
Wrapsa’s capabilities include:
- Both pectin- and gelatine-based gummies suitable for a range of formulations
- Acceptance of client-supplied formulations
- Flexible packaging options, from bulk supply to fully branded, retail-ready packs
- GMP-certified facilities ensuring product quality, traceability, and compliance
- Support for clean-label, wellness-focused formulations, free from unnecessary additives
With rising demand for gummies and growing consumer interest in functional, enjoyable nutrition, now is the time for brands to expand their offering — and Wrapsa provides the expertise to make it happen.
Ready to Launch Your Own Gummy Brand?
From formulation to final packaging, Wrapsa offers a complete turnkey solution for companies seeking to create custom wellness gummies.
Contact Wrapsa to discuss your formulation, MOQ, and packaging options – and start building your brand in one of the fastest-growing segments in the nutraceutical industry.
Wrapsa – Gummy Manufacturing FAQ
1. Do you manufacture pectin-based (gelatine-free) gummies?
Yes. Wrapsa manufactures both pectin- and gelatine-based gummies for nutraceutical applications. Pectin is plant-derived and suitable for clean-label and vegan-oriented product lines.
2. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for gummies?
MOQ varies by formulation, active ingredients, and packaging format. Share your target formulation and pack size, and our team will confirm the current MOQ for your project.
3. What are the typical lead times for gummy manufacturing?
Lead times depend on formulation complexity, raw-material availability, stability work, and packaging. After we review your brief, we’ll provide an estimated schedule covering sampling, validation, and production.
4. Can we supply our own formulation?
Yes. Wrapsa accepts client-supplied formulations.
5. Do you offer bulk and retail-ready packaging?
Yes. Options include bulk-packed gummies for further handling, as well as retail-ready formats such as bottles or pouches with full branding and labelling support.
6. Which functional ingredients work well in gummies?
Common categories include vitamins and minerals, beauty/collagen blends, immune support, probiotics and prebiotics, sleep/relaxation blends (non-pharmaceutical), energy/focus blends, and selected botanical extracts suitable for nutraceuticals.
7. Are your facilities GMP-compliant?
Yes, Wrapsa’s manufacturing follows GMP standards with end-to-end quality control, traceability, and documentation aligned to nutraceutical compliance requirements.
8. Do you provide sampling and pilot batches?
Yes. We support sampling and pilot runs to finalise flavour, texture, active load, and packaging prior to full-scale production.
9. Do you make confectionery sweets?
No. Wrapsa focuses on nutraceutical gummies intended for wellness applications, not confectionery products.
10. Can you help with clean-label and vegan claims?
We can formulate toward clean-label goals and vegan-friendly options (e.g., pectin base) and advise on typical ingredient choices. Final claims remain the brand owner’s responsibility and must comply with applicable regulations.
