Why Veggie Gummies Are Better Than Gelatin Gummies
Vega gummies, made with plant-based alternatives such as pectin or agar agar instead of gelatin, have several advantages that make them more popular, especially in specific markets. Here’s why veggie gummies are often preferred:
1. Suitable for a wider audience
- Vegan and vegetarian: Vega gummies contain no animal products, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- Religious and Cultural Acceptance: Pectin and agar-agar are free from animal sources and fit into halal, kosher, or Hindu diets.
2. More sustainable
- Lower environmental impact: pectin comes from fruit, agar from seaweed. Both are plant-based and more sustainable than animal by-products.
- No contribution to livestock farming: avoiding animal ingredients helps to reduce the impact of intensive livestock farming.
3. Health and hygiene
- More natural image: veggie gummies are often associated with a healthier lifestyle.
- No risk of animal diseases: plant-based alternatives avoid risks such as BSE.
4. Better resistance to heat
- Higher melting point: Pectin melts less quickly than gelatin, ideal for warm climates and shipping.
5. Neutral odor and taste
- Pectin and agar-agar are odorless and tasteless, while gelatin can sometimes give an animal aftertaste.
6. More flexibility in formulation
- Consistency and texture: pectin provides firmness, agar-agar can be elastic or soft.
- Clean label: plant-based alternatives allow for a “free from animal products” claim.
Disadvantages of veggie gummies
- Higher cost: Pectin and agar are more expensive than gelatin.
- More complex processing: precise control of pH and temperature is required for best results.
