Pectin – Naturally sourced and with excellent consumer perception

Pectin is a renowned, naturally-sourced product that has been used in homemade jams and jellies for over 100 years. Pectin is a fiber found in fruits.

Dietary supplement manufacturers have been successfully using this plant-based ingredient as an alternative to gelatin for vegan supplements like gummies.

Two types of pectin are commonly used which differ in the degree of methyl esterification (DE):

• High methoxyl (HM) pectin’s feature a DE equal to or above 50. HM pectin’s form gels at low pH and in presence of sugar, sorbitol or glycerol.
• Low methoxyl (LM) pectin’s are characterized by a DE of less than 50. LM pectin’s form gels in the presence of divalent cations, such as calcium and magnesium.

For consistent properties in use such as gel strength and mouthfeel, standardizing agents and buffers are added to the pectin. For instance, when making gummies this is an important consideration since it can impact the setting properties during the process and the sensory experience for the consumer.
 

Pectin Gummies – A delicious, plant-based alternative to gelatin that does not melt

Naturally derived from citrus peels, pectin is easy to use, versatile and proven effective. Used at low concentrations of 1 – 2 %, pectin enables a broad range of delicious supplement gummies. Pectin gummies feature a superior flavor release and short bite. Compared to gelatin, pectin gummies show little chewiness or elasticity and allow a soft, tender mouthfeel which many consumers prefer. Together with the clean-cut and shiny appearance this allows pectin to deliver an excellent consumer experience with every gummy.

Pectin gummies are less prone to losing shape and structure at elevated temperature due to pectin’s higher melting point. This excellent high temperature stability eases transport requirements in warm climates and eliminates the likelihood of gummies sticking or melting together in the bottle.

Pectin exceeds the expectations of consumers and supplement manufacturers by:

• Enabling non-GMO, vegan, vegetarian, Halal, Kosher and ‘clean label’ claims on packaging
• Adapting to a wide range of gummy formulations that allow for different colors and flavors
• Compatibility with existing gelatin operations, requiring little to no capital investment to implement
• Enabling efficient processing and outstanding quality
• Tolerating wide parameters in processes and recipes
• Accelerating and simplifying the development cycle

Connect with our team of experts to learn how to successfully develop and produce tasty plant-based gummies, reduce their sugar content to develop a healthy gummy supplement. Contact us for sample formulations now.
 

GRINDSTED® Pectin Premium grades for high-quality supplements

GRINDSTED® Pectin Premium grades are customized for supplement applications like gummies providing consistent quality and benefits such as short setting time and uniform gel strength. These USP certified premium grades allow formulation of healthy gummies with a broad range of nutrients while addressing consumers’ preference for low / no sugar products.

GRINDSTED® Pectin Premium grades support a range of label claim options such as kosher, halal, clean-label, non-GMO and they may be used in supplements with organic labeling. Contact us to discuss which label options apply for your specific case. 

Our pectin demonstrates a circular economy, presenting manufacturers with a simple way to utilize earth’s natural products to deliver high-quality supplements. The peels from citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, are used to create sustainable ingredients that naturally support supplement formulations. These parts of the fruit would otherwise be wasted or used in industries that may be less sustainable. 

In addition to reducing environmental waste, pectin supports at least four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Good health and well-being, responsible consumption and production, climate action and life on land.

Product Recommendations*

*Examples only and not representative of a complete list of products. Regional regulations may restrict the use of certain products in dietary supplements. Please contact us for further information.