FiE 2025: Junbunzlauer unlocks mineral formulations for gummy supplements
At the recent Food Ingredients Europe (FiE) 2025 trade show in Paris, Jungbunzlauer showcased its newest mineral innovations designed for gummy supplements. The goal is to help brands create formulations that maximize mineral absorption without compromising taste or texture.
During the exhibition, Nutrition Insight spoke with Dr. Sabrina Weiher, Jungbunzlauer’s product manager, to explore how the company’s solutions tackle common mineral formulation challenges.
Weiher noted that gummies are gaining popularity thanks to their convenience and portable, snackable format. Familiar vitamins and minerals are driving interest in these formats, with botanicals and other ingredients expected to follow.
“In the gummies market, the trend started with vitamins, and minerals have since joined,” Weiher said. “I anticipate botanicals and other ingredients will follow, but for now, consumers are primarily seeking vitamins and minerals.”
She explained that vitamins are often easier to incorporate into gummies than minerals due to dosing demands. For instance, calcium has a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 800 mg, which means a gummy would need a relatively large amount of calcium, presenting formulation challenges.
Weiher also highlighted that authorized EU health claims for vitamins and minerals help drive consumer interest. “Many supplements combine vitamins and minerals with other ingredients to support authorized health claims. A well-known example is zinc linked to immunity claims. You don’t need much—only about 10 mg for the RDA—to claim it supports immunity.”
Looking ahead, she expects continued growth in gummy supplements and rising demand for vegan options. “We’re exploring additional solutions and minerals as these trends unfold.”
Formulating with minerals
Weiher emphasized a surge of interest in magnesium, describing it as “the new calcium.” A decade ago, calcium was everywhere; today, magnesium is the focal point.
Yet, formulating with magnesium poses challenges: achieving a high mineral load in gummies without impacting taste, stability, or texture. Weiher noted that Jungbunzlauer tested a range of magnesium salts and discovered that highly soluble salts often cause stability or taste issues due to high concentrations in the gummy.
“Using low-solubility salts tends to be better for taste, but these salts must be milled to a very fine, micronized size to avoid a sandy mouthfeel.”
Consequently, the company advises clients to select minerals that are low in solubility, have a neutral taste, and are highly micronized in particle size. This approach is particularly important for gummies and other chewable formats, where a high mineral concentration is directly experienced in the mouth.
Earlier this year, Jungbunzlauer explained how it helps brands craft smooth, flavorful, and bioavailable gummies by using micronized citrate salts of magnesium and calcium.
Bioavailable magnesium
Weiher pointed out that magnesium bisglycinate is currently a trendy mineral, with many consumers seeking its benefits. “Magnesium offers numerous health advantages, and bisglycinate is at the top of people’s minds. Our aim was to support this trend by adding it to our portfolio.”
A key advantage of this form is enhanced bioavailability. Weiher cited an in vitro study comparing magnesium bisglycinate to magnesium oxide, a common inorganic magnesium source, which showed significantly higher bioavailability for the bisglycinate, indicating better absorption.
Jungbunzlauer introduced its fully reacted magnesium bisglycinate at SupplySide Global and CPHI this year, where trade attendees could explore its capabilities.
Weiher added that the ingredient enables a high magnesium load, strong and stable tablets, and easier processing. “This mineral is mainly used in capsules and tablets—classic supplement formats—so good flow, processability, and high bulk and tapped density are important to achieving a high loading of magnesium in the product. Our product delivers just that.”
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