Gummy Innovation: Development and Characterization of Plant-Based Gummies as Healthier Alternatives

Faced with the global rise in sugar consumption linked to pathologies such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, there is an urgent need to develop healthier alternatives to standard sweets. This study aimed to develop plant-based gummies and evaluate their physical–chemical and sensory properties. A total of six gummy formulations were prepared using agar–agar (a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent of plant origin, derived from red algae), mixed with different beverage flavors: 100% vegetable-based beverage (coconut), or 100% fruit/vegetable juices (apple, grape, orange, tomato, carrot). The average transmittance in the visible spectra (450 - 650 nm) (assessed with a scanning spectrophotometric colorimeter in the visible region) demonstrated that coconut presented the highest values, which is a characteristic of its white color. A binocular magnifier was used to attain gummy images. The pH values (measured with a portable pH meter) varied between 3.42 and 7.09, with coconut flavored beverage presenting the highest value in comparison to the other formulations. The total soluble solids (assessed with a portable refractometer) show variations between 5 and 21 °Brix, with coconut and grape flavored beverages presenting the lowest and highest values, respectively. A sensory analysis with a hedonic scale was used to assess parameters such as color, aroma, firmness, texture, taste and sweetness. Color-wise, coconut and orange formulations presented the highest acceptance, and for aroma, coconut- and apple-flavored gummies received higher evaluations. On flavor and sweetness, grape and apple formulations were the most appreciated (to which total soluble solids may have contributed). Similar values in texture and firmness can be due to a homogeneous process in gummy formulations with agar. In conclusion, the use of 100% fruit and vegetable beverages in gummies provides a basis for innovation in plant-based product development.