Help! My homemade gummies turned into a sticky mess
So I tried making my own vitamin gummies using gelatin and a mix of vitamin powders (Vit C, D3, B12). Followed a recipe from a blog but they came out super sticky and wouldn't set. I used agar agar as a vegetarian alternative. Any tips? I want something like the store-bought softgels but homemade.
Ugh, I feel your pain. I tried once and ended up with a gooey disaster. I think the issue might be the ratio of gelatin to liquid. Most recipes use too much liquid. Also, if you're using agar, it needs to be boiled for a min. Have you tried using a candy thermometer? Keep temp around 180F. Also, vitamin powders can mess with setting.
Hey! Biochem nerd here. The stickiness is likely due to the vitamin powders - they can act as humectants (draw moisture). Also, agar sets differently than gelatin; it's more brittle. Try reducing the water content and maybe add a little citric acid. Also, are you using lecithin as an emulsifier? That helps binding.
For a gym rat who needs portable supplements: I've found that using a high-quality bovine gelatin (like Great Lakes) and adding a bit of coconut oil makes them less sticky. Also, let them dry overnight in a dehumidifier or fridge. What mold are you using? Silicone molds work best.
Paleo guy here - try using grass-fed gelatin and avoid any added sugars. Agar is tricky. Pro tip: bloom gelatin in cold water first, then gently heat. Also, vitamin powders often have fillers that cause stickiness. Maybe try using liquid extracts instead? Good luck!