Gummies, powders and chews drive global nutraceutical markets - Confectionery Production

Jun 11, 2025

Organic Vegan Gummy vitamins for children coming out of the plastic jar

Posted: 20 February 2025

Related core topics: Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability

Related topics: chews, gums, innovation, manufacturing, new product development, nutraceuticals, powders, sustainability

The Kerry taste and nutrition group has released its latest supplement and taste charts revealing a core trend revealing a shift from traditional tablets towards gummies, powders and chewable products, reports Neill Barston.

As the business noted, its studies have been designed to guide manufacturers within the supplement and nutraceutical sector through a fast-evolving market.

Underlining the sector’s growth, within Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, the dietary supplements market size grew to USD75 billion in 2024, up from USD61 billion in 2020, due to rising consumer awareness of the importance of health, a growing ageing population, and higher disposable income.

Notably, as Kerry underlined, taste remains a critical factor in supplement innovation, with consumers expectations of recognisable and enjoyable flavours are an important factor in their considerations for purchasing ranges.

In response to consumers’ evolving demands, formats such as gummies, stick packs, chewables, meltables, popsicles, and lollipops emerging as popular choices within the industry.

Significantly, according to the company, these non-pill formats are growing rapidly globally and now account for 61.8% of market sales, with gummies leading at 23.4% of total sales, followed by powders at 15.7% and capsules at 14.5%, according to Nutrition Business Journal.

This growth is attributed to consumers’ demand for more enjoyable, convenient ways to take supplements, driven by factors like convenience, bioavailability, and sustainability. As these innovative formats evolve, brands are turning to trusted partners like Kerry to not only understand the emerging new formats, but also formulate for them with better-tasting solutions – while maintaining the efficacy of research-driven ingredients.

Olivier De Salmiech, Vice President, Nutritional Supplements, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, commented: “As consumers in the region become more knowledgeable about their health, they want personalised solutions to increase wellbeing and vitality, and flavour is a significant factor in their supplement choices. Whether it’s masking undesirable tastes, creating unique flavour combinations, or enhancing the overall sensory experience, flavour has become key in shaping the perceived value of supplements,” said

Flavour Trends Reshaping the Supplement Industry-Global and regional influences continue to reshape the landscape of supplement flavours. Key trends include- Tropical and vibrant fruit notes like lychee, mangosteen, and pi pa in Southeast Asia are rapidly expanding, matching consumer demand for hydration and immune support.

Furthermore, Around the world, botanical and herbal flavours inspired by traditional wellness practices continue to grow in popularity, with ginger, hawthorn, and lime being particularly notable in Asia.

Orange remains a mainstream flavour across the world – a staple in immunity-boosting formulations and functional beverages. Passionfruit is also a choice supplements flavour in Asia.

Cocoa, lavender, and rose are emerging in Australia and New Zealand, catering to consumers seeking both functionality and indulgence.

In South Korea and Japan, consumers are opting for Asian flavours such as acai, black sesame, and chestnut in their supplement choices.

Turmeric, thyme for perceived anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, along with fun flavours such as tutti frutti, coconut, caramel & cream are growing across the Middle East.