Guilt-Free Gummies: Health-Conscious Choices for 2024

As 2024 begins to settle in, you may have made some ambitious new year’s resolutions you’re now trying to stick to. While some of these may have to do with saving money, spending more time with your family, learning a new skill, or taking on a new hobby, we’re willing to bet that most people are simply trying to be better about their eating habits. If this is the case for you, we’re happy to report that there are a bunch of guilt-free gummy candy options available for you to enjoy!

New year’s resolutions like losing weight, or simply trying to eat healthier foods are among the most common goals people strive to achieve in the new year. Luckily for those of us who are trying to be more health conscious, the candy industry has taken note. We have seen a massive shift towards “better for you” sweet treats in recent years and we think it’s a trend that’s only going to continue to grow in the near future.

With the global gummies and jellies market growing from $2.47 billion in 2022, to 2.54 billion in 2023, a lot more options for different types of dietary needs are being considered by candy companies, both big and small. From plant-based gummies to organic chewy candy, and vegan fruit snacks, there are plenty of fruity flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth, even when you are actively trying to be more health conscious.

More and More Consumers are Checking the Ingredients List

In this era of heightened awareness about health and wellness, consumers are becoming more meticulous about inspecting the ingredients list on the products they consume, even when it comes to indulgent treats like candy. This shift towards mindful eating has led to a significant increase in the number of people who carefully examine what goes into their favorite snacks, and in turn, what goes into their body.

This newfound scrutiny towards food ingredients stems from a desire to make informed choices about our personal well-being. Many are now aware that traditional candies often contain artificial colors, flavors, and excessive amounts of refined sugars that could have adverse effects on our health.

As a result, a growing segment of consumers are seeking transparency from manufacturers, demanding clear and comprehensible ingredient lists. The rise of this conscientious consumer behavior has prompted candy makers to reformulate their products, opting for clean labels, and simpler ingredients to meet the evolving demands of their audience.

In this consumer shift, many new companies have popped up to serve the health conscious with the classic candy products they’ve always enjoyed, but without all the guilt that is typically associated with them.

Vegan Options: A Growing Niche for the Environmentally Conscious Consumer

While gummy candies may not be synonymous with health food, more and more people are turning to vegan alternatives and animal free options. The vegan lifestyle, once considered a niche choice, has gained massive mainstream popularity, especially with Millennials and Generation Z.

The willingness to cut out animal products in food has naturally extended to many people’s snack preferences as well. Individuals who might not necessarily adopt a fully plant-based diet are increasingly drawn to vegan friendly candy options due to perceived health benefits, along with some deeply held ethical and environmental considerations.

Choosing vegan gummy candies can offer several advantages. Plant-based ingredients often mean fewer additives, and these candies may be free from common allergens like gelatin and certain preservatives, making them a suitable option for a broader audience. Additionally, vegan candies often incorporate natural flavors and colors, aligning with the preferences of those seeking a closer connection to the source of their treats.

What are Vegan Gummies Made From?

In response to this growing demand for vegan candy options, candy manufacturers are increasingly substituting traditional animal-derived gelatin with plant-based alternatives such as pectin, agar-agar powder, or carrageenan. Gelatin, sourced from animal connective tissue, has long been a staple in gummy candy. However, as consumers seek vegan alternatives, the industry is adapting by incorporating these plant-based alternatives to animal-derived products.

Pectin, derived from citrus fruit peels, agar-agar powder, extracted from seaweed, and carrageenan, obtained from red seaweed, offer comparable gelling properties, allowing manufacturers to create delectable and cruelty-free gummies. This shift not only caters to the rising demand for vegan products but also positions these brands as conscious and adaptable players in the competitive candy market.

As more consumers prioritize their well-being and the impact of their choices on the environment, the popularity of vegan gummy candies is likely to soar. This shift reflects a broader trend of people seeking snacks that, while not necessarily classified as “healthy,” align with their evolving understanding of what is “better for you.”

A Wide Variety of Guilt-Free Gummy Candies Are Now Available from Redstone Foods

Redstone Foods has plenty of options to meet the growing demand for “better for you” gummies and candies. Here’s just a few products you might want to consider carrying at your candy shop.

Rowntree’s Fruit Pastilles

First created way back in 1881, Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles are a beloved and now vegan-friendly gummy candy. These fruity discs will delight your taste buds with their vibrant flavors and chewy texture. Crafted by the renowned UK-based confectionery brand Rowntree's, these fruit pastilles boast a tempting assortment of fruit-inspired tastes, offering a burst of fruity goodness in every bite. With flavors blackcurrant, lemon, lime, orange and strawberry, you’ll have a sweet and chewy treat that even more people can enjoy!

Snak Club

Snak Club Tajin Flavored Gummies are a unique and flavorful snack combining the popular Tajin Clásico seasoning with the chewy goodness of gummy candy. Tajin, known for its zesty and spicy flavor profile, typically includes chili peppers, lime, and salt. The addition of this seasoning paired with fruity gummies offers a fusion of sweet and tangy notes, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Available in watermelon, sour green apple, mango, and peach rings, along with classic gummy bears, these sweet and chewy gummies offer just the perfect amount of spice to boldly set them apart from traditional fruity flavored gummy candies. They are also vegan friendly, so they are the perfect adventure packed addition to your candy store’s lineup!

Honest Organic Gummies

Honest Organic Gummies are like a burst of sunshine in every bite! Imagine the joy of biting into a treat that not only tastes delicious but also boasts the wholesome goodness of organic ingredients. These gummies are the real deal, made with a commitment to transparency in their ingredients and quality you can really taste!

With the vibrant flavors made from real, organic fruit juices you can snack with confidence knowing that these gummies are crafted without any of that artificial nonsense. With Mixed Fruit and Tropical Medley flavors, Honest Organic Gummies will turn any snack time into a guilt-free celebration!

As America’s Favorite Candy Distributor, Redstone Foods has been delighting customers since 1966 with a commitment to excellence. With an expansive inventory of over 6,000 active items, including an impressive selection of 500 craft bottled sodas, we continually strive to bring you the best and most innovative products that are sure to be a hit with consumers.

Our diverse lineup includes bulk candy, novelty treats, old-fashioned goodies, and premium chocolates, making Redstone Foods the go-to destination for delightful sweets suitable for all occasions.

Sign up for an account with us online or give us a call today! We look forward to helping you with all your confectionary needs.

1-800-444-3520