My gummies changed color and got hard - are they still safe to eat?
Hey everyone, I've been taking these multivitamin gummies for about a month now. I keep them in my kitchen cabinet, not in direct sunlight or anything. But I noticed yesterday that some of them have turned a darker color than they were when I bought them, and they feel really hard now. A few are even sticking together. Are these still safe to take? I don't want to waste them if they're fine, but also don't want to get sick. Has this happened to anyone else?
OP, I've seen this happen before with my gummies! I work night shifts so my sleep schedule is all over the place, and I keep my vitamins in my work locker. The temperature changes in there probably don't help. When they get hard like that, it's usually just sugar bloom or moisture loss - not dangerous, just not as tasty. I'd still eat them if they're not moldy or smell weird. But if you're worried, maybe contact the manufacturer? They might send you a replacement.
Ugh, this is why I stick to sugar-free gummies! The sugar in regular ones can crystallize when they're exposed to air or humidity changes - that's probably what's making them hard and changing color. It's called sugar bloom, and while it's not toxic, the texture is gross. I'd check the expiration date too. Personally, I'd toss them and switch to a sugar-free brand. Better for your teeth anyway! #SugarFreeForLife
Interesting! I actually use a little humidity sensor in my vitamin cabinet (got it with my smart home setup lol). I've found that keeping humidity around 40-50% helps prevent this. The color change might be oxidation - vitamins can degrade when exposed to air. Not necessarily unsafe, but might mean they're less effective. Have you tried putting them in an airtight container? My smart containers have helped a ton with keeping my gummies fresh!
Thanks for the replies everyone! They don't smell bad or have mold, so I think I'll try a couple and see. Steve - good point about contacting the company. Nina - I'll look into sugar-free options next time! Finn - I don't have smart containers but I'll try a regular airtight one. Appreciate the help!