Tom began each morning by taking multiple bitter nutritional supplements for health and fitness reasons – although this regimen wasn’t exactly enjoyable!
Nutraceutical manufacturers now provide many delicious supplement choices. But what makes gummy vitamins tasty?
Flavoring
Many dietary supplements contain an unpleasant or medicinal taste that deters people from taking them, but this issue can easily be overcome with flavoring options available today.
Flavorings used in nutritional supplements are equally as essential to their success, with different formulations calling for specific flavorings based on their intended purpose. Effervescent tablets will typically require more taste-neutralizing flavors than chewables or powders meant to dissolve in water.
Product development teams frequently partner with flavor houses to design flavors tailored to a product, then include those ingredients into its final form.
The FDA has issued stringent guidelines on the use of additives in nutritional supplements. To ensure consumer safety, these regulations must always be observed; for instance, to make sure any flavoring used meets GRAS certification – this means it has been reviewed and determined safe for human consumption by an expert panel.
Packaging
Tom’s morning supplements quickly changed when his friend Laura introduced him to healthier and tastier options. Now he takes delight in sharing this joy with others – showing them that health doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive with taste!
Packaging design for supplements is an integral component of marketing, ensuring they meet consumer demands. A good supplement package design should be easy to open and durable enough to withstand frequent usage while remaining shaped over time, and offer clear instructions about dosage and portion control.
Pouch packaging for supplement products, including resealable pouches, can be an ideal way to showcase and protect them. Stand-up pouches provide ample interior space that accommodates larger quantities, while lay-flat pouches are best for thin or flatter products. You also have your choice of film materials and finishes such as matte, soft-touch or glossy finishes that make these options standout among their competition.
Third-Party Testing
As there are so many health supplements on the market, it can be hard to know exactly what you are purchasing. It is vital that you choose one which has been independently third-party tested; this ensures that it contains what it claims on its label.
Third-party testing occurs when an independent company evaluates a product. This helps reduce contaminated products on the market and verify that what’s stated on its label matches what’s inside.
Verification includes verifying the product contains what it says on its label, testing for heavy metal contamination and consistency of ingredients, as well as third-party testing by respected organizations such as NSF International, ConsumerLab or USP Verified Mark. Also look out for ISO 9001 certification which offers independent evaluation of manufacturer quality management systems including compliance with cGMP requirements.
Safety
Although dietary supplements are largely regulated by the FDA, it’s still possible for some products to contain hidden drugs or chemicals that could have negative consequences. Unscrupulous manufacturers may market such supplements to promote weight loss, bodybuilding, sexual enhancement or other health claims. Such supplements could cause dangerous side effects as well as interact negatively with prescription medication.
Select a supplement with an NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, Underwriters Laboratory or Consumer Lab seal of approval; this guarantees that it contains what it promises. When looking for supplements labeled “proprietary blend,” avoid those stating the manufacturer doesn’t need to disclose how much of each ingredient there is; this could hide potential hazards associated with higher dosage compounds.
If you experience adverse reactions while taking supplements, speak to your healthcare professional and report it immediately to the FDA. By reporting, your report could assist in taking away a potentially hazardous product from circulation. (40)
