You may know that gummy supplements go on to evolve and gain admiration globally. Gelling agents are a pivotal constituent of a gummy formulation.
Pectin and gelatin are the two most sought-after gelling agents in gummy making. Each aims to thicken liquids and attain a gel-like texture.
That doesn’t imply they bring about the same result. Here, we’ll dig into the noteworthy distinctions between pectin and gelatin. That will aid you in deciding which ingredient to employ practically within your gummy formula.
Let’s commence.
Pectin
Pectin gummies use pectin as a base. They’re gradually becoming an increasingly popular selection in the gummy market and offer many advantages.
As a plant-based gelling agent, it’s ideal for vegan gummy formulas. It’s derived from apples and citrus fruits like oranges, but it’s also obtainable from other plants.
That makes such gummies commonly Kosher-certified and Halal owing to their plant-based nature.
Types
The following are the varied pectin types:
- High-methoxyl: High-methoxyl pectin (HM) pectin comprises greater concentrations of methoxyl groups. It blends well with sugar and other varied sweeteners and is the standard for gummies.
- Low-methoxyl: Low-methoxyl (LM) pectin comprises lower concentrations of methoxyl groups. It congeals even without the presence of sweeteners.
- Apple pectin: A few fruit pectin types are obtained solely from apples.
- Altered citrus: Other types are obtainable from citrus fruits. Yet, these natural compounds prevailing in citrus peels are typically modified to an extent.
Properties and Features
Pectin is typically known for its clean taste profile. That allows flavors to pop without any interference.
That’s specifically advantageous when compared with gelatin. That’s because gelatin can somehow have an inhibitive effect on flavors. It can have a consequence on the gummy’s overall appeal.
Pectin is a source of greater visual clarity. That implies there’s no need to add as much color to the gummies. Yet, a few natural colors may not be fitting for pectin gummies. That’s owing to the low pH needed for most pectin-based formulas.
Another great thing about pectin gummies is their thermo-resistant properties. Unlike gelatin gummies, they can uphold their shape even in high heat exposure. They don’t melt even when left in the sun.
It’s because acids are added to the pectin formulation to commence the curing process. The formulation then goes through a chemical alteration.
Yet there’s a disadvantage. That chemical alteration means the gummies can’t be melted down and started over. That’s once curing has commenced. Thus, when taking large batches of such gummies, have all your measurements on point.
Moreover, such gummies flaunt a clean bite in terms of texture. That’s unlike the characteristic elastic chew of other gummy types (like gelatin ones). Yet you may find the soft bite throughout to be a comparatively pleasing experience.
Additionally, pectin melts in your mouth, thus allowing for easier swallowing and digestion.
It’s also more sustainable and has a lower environmental footprint. That’s because it’s obtainable from fruit by-products.
Nutritional value
You may know that pectin is a dietary fiber form. Your body necessitates it day-to-day for proper digestion. Furthermore, pectin is a natural polysaccharide. It’s a class of compounds aiding with cellular maintenance.
Uses
The ingredient is employed as a thickening agent in the fabrication of food and candy. It’s further utilized to fabricate medicines like diarrhea-stopping drugs and stool softeners. That’s owing to its ability to coat the intestines.
Gelatin
Gelatin is used to fabricate classic-textured gummies that most people expect. You may know that it’s obtainable from animals.
It’s generally derived from the collagen in cartilage, bones, or ligaments. Moreover, its most prevalently used kind is pork-based. Owing to that, it’s unfitting for vegetarian or vegan products. Furthermore, it’s also not considered Kosher-certified or Halal.
It’s chiefly made by melting down unwanted animal parts. Such animals are typically those that have been slaughtered to get meat.
Types
Gelatin is a heterogeneous mixture of relatively higher molecular mass proteins. There exist two main types:
- Type A: It’s obtained from acid-hydrolyzed tissue and typically is sourced from pork skins.
- Type B: It’s alkaline-hydrolyzed and is generally sourced from beef.
Properties and Features
Ideally, the most well-known feature of gelatin gummies is their classic texture. The time taken by such gummies to have set can take anywhere between 2-24 hours. After that, you can expect a chewy and elastic consistency.
As a result, you can get the recognizable “bouncy bite”. That’s what most people count on when consuming such gummies.
On the other hand, gelatin doesn’t provide as much visual clarity compared to pectin. That can be an issue if you intend to make a clear product.
Moreover, gelatin can be remelted as it’s thermoreversible. That implies it’s ideal if you make a mistake and must rework the gummies.
Yet that denotes gelatin gummies will melt readily if left on a hot, scorching day. Thus, such gummies have lesser heat resistance compared with pectin gummies.
That can also be an issue when ascertaining specified dosing. The outcome is that gelatin-based formulas are somehow sub-optimal. That’s concerning incorporating strict quantities of active ingredients in every serving.
Gelatin gummies have a much shorter shelf life than pectin gummies. That’s because gelatin is more prone to humidity and heat alterations as an animal product.
It also has a higher environmental footprint since it’s obtainable from animal products. That’s also the reason why it’s typically more expensive than pectin.
Nutritional value
As stated before, gelatin is a mixture of proteins originating from animals. Intaking gelatin in differing forms, like capsules or gummies, can raise bodily collagen production. That’s why many people would consume it for the following:
- Aging skin
- Brittle nails
- Osteoarthritis
Gelatin can be a source of health advantages, like keeping the skin healthy and hydrated.
Uses
As is evident, gelatin is chiefly employed to make gummies. It’s also used to make various kinds of baked goods and confections, like marshmallows. It’s also utilized to fabricate capsules, ointments, cosmetics, etc.
Furthermore, it’s a prevalent ingredient in sauces, soups, and other dishes. It’s a pivotal ingredient in whipped cream, specific custards, and mousse, contributing to their stable and smooth texture.
Conclusion
As you see, both gelatin and pectin provide unique upsides in gummy making.
The animal-derived gelatin provides the familiar classic texture and chewy, elastic consistency. Pectin is a plant-based and vegan-friendly option offering heat resistance and cleaner flavors.
It’s pivotal to have a deep understanding of these two ingredients. Then, you can fabricate gummies as per the expectations of your target clients or consumers.