My Omega-3 gummies are turning into hockey pucks - safe?
Hey guys, I bought a bottle of Omega-3 gummies about 2 months ago. I opened it about a month ago and stored it in a cool cabinet. Now some of them are hard as rocks, a few have white spots (sugar bloom?), and a couple are sticking together. The expiration date is still 6 months away. Are they still safe to eat? Or should I toss them?
Ugh, story of my life. I've had this happen with gummy vitamins I bought in bulk. I think if they're just hard or have sugar bloom they're probably safe, just less tasty. But if they're super hard or moldy, toss 'em. I usually do a sniff test - if they smell rancid (like old fish), don't eat them. Omega-3s go bad quickly.
I'm no expert but I've eaten gummies that looked like that - they tasted kinda weird but didn't kill me lol. I'd say check for any weird smell or mold. The white stuff is just sugar crystallizing, totally normal. But if they're like, rock hard, maybe they've lost potency? I'd probably still eat them tbh.
I've read that heat and moisture can cause that. If the texture changed drastically, the oil might be oxidizing. I personally wouldn't risk it - Omega-3 rancidity isn't great for your body. Also, if they stick together, maybe moisture got in? I'd get a fresh bottle. Better safe than sorry! (I keep mine in the fridge now)
Thanks everyone! I think I'll toss them just to be safe. I'm a bit worried about the rancid oil thing. Gonna get a new bottle and maybe store it in the fridge like FitnessFanatic said. Appreciate the advice!