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Don't let goopy gummies kill your brand!
Have you ever thought to yourself: "Why Are My Gummies Sweating and Sticky?" Sticky, sweaty, and slimy are definitely not the adjectives you want associated with your gummies. But fear not! The tragic fate of the goopy gummy is 100% avoidable, here are a few things to watch out for.
🍬 Packaging Too Soon:
Rushing to package your gummies before they hit proper water activity levels is like putting nice dry socks on wet feet—uncomfortable, regrettable, and just plain wrong.
Give them time to dry! At Melt-to-Make™ we typically recommend a water activity level of
- 0.60-0.63 for Classic Pectin, Sugar-Free Pectin or Gelatin/Pectin Blend gummies
Blueberry - 10kg - Melt-to-Make™ Sugar-Free Pectin Gummy Base
$299.00
Craft a naturally sweet and juicy Blueberry Sugar-Free Pectin Gummy Base with a vibrant bluish-purple hue. Each batch produces gummies with consistent color, though slight variations may occur due to the natural pigment differences.… read more
Mixed Berry - 10kg Case - Melt-to-Make® Pectin Gummy Base
$249.00
A perfect blend of naturally sweet, juicy, and ripe strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry flavors. Finished gummies will have a deep, reddish-blue appearance. Due to variations in natural colors, a slight color difference may be observed between batches. … read more
- 0.65-0.67 for Gelatin gummies
Mango - 10kg Case - Melt-to-Make® Gelatin Gummy Base
$249.00
The sweet flavor of a ripe juicy mango. Finished gummies will have a light orange-yellow, semi-transparent color. Due to pigment variation of natural colors, slight color differences might be observed between batches. … read more
Do yourself a favor, buy a water activity meter and implement regular tests as part of your drying SOP.
🍬 Drying Too Fast:
Cranking up the dehumidifier to “warp speed” might seem like a shortcut, but it actually leads to "lockout." The outside dries up like a raisin, while the inside stays a juicy mess. That moisture will find its way out—but only after the gummies are in your final packaging. Keep your relative humidity around 35% and temperatures around 60-70F in your dry room for consistent results.
🍬 The Citric Acid Catastrophe:
Adding non-encapsulated citric to your sugar coating to get that extra boost of sour? Please don’t. Citric acid is hydroscopic, making it a moisture magnet. It’s like inviting a sponge to a pool party—it’s going to soak everything up and lead to a soggy situation. Try another acid like ascorbic acid or make a blend with encapsulated and standard acids for the best stability.
When you partner with Melt-to-Make™, this is one less thing you’ll have to worry about. With every Gummy Base order, you’ll also receive your choice of complementary, pre-formulated sanding sugar or wax coating—making the process even easier for you.
🍬 The Wrong Type of Gummy:
Make sure you choose your gummy type wisely. Pectin gummies are known to be quite tolerant to high temperatures. Gelatin gummies on the other hand will typically start to melt around normal body temperature. Your target market and the logistics behind delivery play a big role in determining the type of gummy you should offer. To learn more about the different all-natural Gummy Bases we offer at Melt-to-Make™ check out our blog post!
💡 Pro Tip:
Run in-house stability studies to ensure your gummies make it from production to packaging without breaking a sweat, literally.
Happy gummies = happy customers. Sweaty SKUs? Not so much.
If you're looking to answer the age old question: "Why Are My Gummies Sweating and Sticky?" Let’s talk. At Melt-to-Make™ we are devoted to helping you succeed in the world of gummies, from start to finish. your success is our success, so feel free to reach out to us at support@melt-to-make.com or give us a call directly at 1-800-241-0341.
FAQs
Why are my gummies sweating or sticky after packaging?
Sweaty or sticky gummies usually mean your water activity (aW) levels were too high when packaging. Excess moisture migrates to the surface, leaving a sticky or glossy film. At Melt-to-Make™, we recommend:
0.60–0.63 aW for Classic Pectin, Sugar-Free Pectin, or Gelatin/Pectin Blend gummies
0.65–0.67 aW for Gelatin gummies
Always measure water activity before packaging using a reliable water activity meter to ensure consistent, shelf-stable results.
What causes gummies to become slimy or goopy?
Slimy or “goopy” gummies often happen when drying conditions are unbalanced—especially when drying is too fast. This creates a hard outer shell (“lockout”) that traps moisture inside. That moisture later escapes in packaging, leading to a sticky mess. Maintain your drying room around 60–70°F and 35% relative humidity to prevent this issue.
Why does citric acid make my gummies wet or sticky?
Citric acid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture from the air. When used in sugar coatings, non-encapsulated citric acid can cause your gummies to absorb water and become sticky. To fix this, try:
Using encapsulated citric acid, or
Blending ascorbic acid with citric for balanced sourness and stability.
How can I prevent sticky gummies during storage or shipping?
Proper drying and packaging are key. Before sealing your gummies:
Verify target water activity is reached
Allow time for moisture equilibration
Use moisture-resistant packaging and consider wax or sanding sugar coatings for extra protection.
Melt-to-Make™ includes pre-formulated coatings with every gummy base order, saving you time and preventing moisture-related issues.
What’s the best gummy type for warm climates or shipping?
Choose your gummy base based on temperature and distribution:
Pectin gummies: Heat-resistant and ideal for shipping in warm climates.
Gelatin gummies: Offer a softer chew but can melt at body temperature or during transit.
Your target market and logistics should guide your choice—Melt-to-Make™ offers both all-natural options for optimal performance.
Can Melt-to-Make™ help me fix sticky or unstable gummies?
Yes! Melt-to-Make™ specializes in custom gummy formulation, troubleshooting, and production optimization. Whether you’re dealing with sticky gummies, melting issues, or texture inconsistencies, our experts can help you identify the cause and fix it fast.
Contact us at support@melt-to-make.com or 1-800-241-0341 to get personalized guidance.
