Gummy supplements come in all shapes and sizes, but making them that way takes some know-how. The process blends food science and engineering to deliver consistent, high-quality products. At KorNutra, we use advanced molding technologies to match your specs — from simple bears to custom shapes.
Primary Gummy Molding Processes
Two main processes dominate gummy supplement manufacturing: starch molding and silicone molding. Each has its own strengths.
Starch Molding
This traditional method is highly versatile. It uses trays filled with corn starch. The starch is imprinted with cavities in the desired shape using precision molds.
- The Process: A hot gummy solution (containing gelatin, pectin, or other gelling agents, along with flavors, colors, and active ingredients) is deposited into the starch cavities.
- Cooling & Setting: The trays move to a cooling chamber where the gummies set and solidify.
- Finishing: The trays are then dumped, and the starch is brushed away from the formed gummies. The starch is often recycled for future use.
- Best For: This method is excellent for high-volume production and allows for intricate, three-dimensional shapes with fine detail.
Silicone Molding
Silicone molding is the newer approach. It uses reusable food-grade silicone molds instead of starch.
- The Process: The gummy solution is deposited directly into the flexible silicone cavities.
- Cooling & Demolding: After cooling, the flexible molds pop the gummies out easily — no starch dusting needed.
- Best For: This method is great for smaller batches, prototypes, and products where minimal dust or residue is a priority. It also makes it easier to create complex, undercut shapes.
Factors Influencing Shape and Size
But the molding process alone isn't everything. Other factors matter too:
- Depositor Technology: Computer-controlled depositors fill the molds with the gummy mix, controlling portion size and keeping things consistent.
- Gelation System: The gelling agent — gelatin, pectin, or agar — changes the texture, clarity, and shape-holding ability.
- Recipe & Cooling Profile: The formula and cooling time have to be dialed in so the gummy sets without losing definition or getting surface flaws.
Picking the right molding process is a big decision — it affects design, efficiency, and quality. Work with a manufacturer who knows how to match the method to your vision for appearance, texture, and scale.