Gelatin-Free Gummy Manufacturer for Vegan and Halal Brands

EUPHM runs gelatin-free gummies on separate depositing and starch-moulding lines. That separation matters: gelatin sets by gelation as it cools, while pectin and starch set through a controlled drying cycle. Running both on one line risks cross-contact and inconsistent texture. Our gelatin-free lines handle 2.0 g to 5.5 g fill weights and support bottle sizes from 30 to 120 count. Changeovers are scheduled weekly, so a 1,000-unit pilot and a 500,000-unit retail run use the same equipment and the same process parameters.

For brands scaling from sample to shelf, the practical constraint is usually drying capacity, not depositing speed. Pectin gummies need 24-48 hours in the drying room depending on fill weight and water activity target. We book drying-room time at the sample approval stage, which is why the 20-35 working day production window holds even in peak season. If your launch date is fixed, share it before the pilot run so we can reserve capacity.

Pectin gummies give a soft, slightly chewy bite and a clean label. They need a controlled pH and a calcium source to set, and they are sensitive to over-mixing. Modified starch produces a firmer, more uniform texture at lower cost, which suits high-count bottles and children's formats. Agar gives a short, brittle bite that works for some confectionery-style supplements but cracks under low humidity. Carrageenan sits between pectin and starch in texture and is often blended for cost control.

The base also affects flavour release and masking. Bitter actives such as iron or certain botanicals are easier to mask in starch bases than in pectin, because the firmer matrix slows release in the mouth. We run a masking trial with your active at the sample stage, not after. Typical actives we handle in gelatin-free bases include vitamin C, vitamin D3, B-complex, zinc, elderberry, melatonin at low dose, and probiotic blends where the base is compatible.

Every gelatin-free batch is tested for water activity, texture, fill weight, microbial limits and heavy metals. Water activity is the key shelf-life parameter for pectin and starch gummies; we target below 0.65 Aw unless your specification says otherwise. Certificates of analysis are issued per batch, and retention samples are held for the shelf life stated on the label. The facility is GMP-certified, ISO 22000 and HACCP compliant, and registered for halal production.

For US and EU buyers, we supply the documentation pack your importer or notified body expects: certificate of analysis, allergen statement, GMO statement, vegan statement, halal certificate as applicable, and a stability summary. We do not claim FDA approval. The facility is FDA-registered, which supports US import clearance. Label review is available if you need a second check on ingredient declarations before artwork goes to print.

Every gelatin-free gummy batch is sampled at three points: raw material receipt, post-depositing before drying, and finished product after curing. Identity testing confirms the pectin or starch grade and the active ingredient against the supplier certificate. Potency is assayed by HPLC for vitamins, minerals and botanical markers, with results compared to the label claim at 100 to 110 percent overage where the formula requires it. Microbial testing covers total aerobic count, yeast and mould, E. coli and Salmonella, with limits set to the destination market.

Heavy metals testing covers lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS. Disintegration testing follows the USP method for gelatin-free gums, typically requiring complete breakdown within 30 to 60 minutes depending on the base. Water activity is measured on every batch and must sit between 0.55 and 0.65 for pectin and starch gummies to prevent mould growth without over-drying. Texture is checked by a calibrated texture analyser, with firmness and elasticity recorded against the approved sample.

A certificate of analysis is issued for each batch and includes the product name, lot number, manufacturing date, expiry date, test parameters, specifications, results and the analyst signature. Retention samples of every lot are held for the full shelf life plus six months. Stability testing runs at 25°C/60% RH and 40°C/75% RH for three and six months, with accelerated data used to set the initial expiry and real-time data used to confirm it.

Batch records are retained for five years and are available for audit by the brand owner or a nominated third party. Where the destination market requires it, documentation can be prepared for FDA prior notice, EU food contact compliance and halal verification. The gelatin-free line keeps separate cleaning records and allergen swab results to prevent cross-contact with gelatin or animal-derived ingredients.

Gelatin-free gummies are packed in HDPE bottles from 60 cc to 500 cc, in blisters of 10 to 30 count, in stick packs of 5 g to 10 g, and in single-serve sachets. Bottles can be supplied with induction seals, child-resistant closures or standard screw caps. Desiccant is added where water activity control is critical. Labelling follows the destination market: for the US, the FDA dietary supplement label requires a supplement facts panel, serving size, amount per serving, percent daily value where applicable, other ingredients list, and the mandatory allergen statement.

Lot and expiry coding is applied by inkjet or laser on the bottle, carton and shipper. The format is agreed at artwork approval and typically uses a Julian date plus a two-year expiry. Cartons are specified with dimensions, board grade and print colours, and pallet configurations are calculated to maximise container fill. A standard 40-foot high-cube container holds approximately 1,200 to 1,400 cartons of 24 bottles, depending on bottle size and pallet pattern.

For Amazon sellers, we can apply FNSKU labels, poly-bag units where required, and prepare cartons to Amazon's ISTA-6 or SIOC requirements if the brand has enrolled in those programmes. Retail compliance for US chains often requires a GS1 barcode on the unit and case, and a carton marking that includes the lot, expiry and country of origin. We do not print retailer-specific compliance marks without written confirmation from the brand owner.

Sampling starts with a formulation brief and a target texture reference. Pilot samples are produced on the gelatin-free line within 7 to 10 working days, including base selection, flavour and colour matching, and a preliminary label mock-up. Sample batches are typically 1 kg to 5 kg and are shipped by courier. If the sample requires adjustment, a second round adds 5 to 7 working days. Sample costs are credited against the first mass-production order.

Mass production runs 20 to 35 working days after sample approval, depending on the base, the number of actives and the packaging format. Pectin and starch gummies need 24 to 48 hours of curing before packing, which is built into the schedule. Orders above 50,000 units per SKU are scheduled across multiple depositing runs to keep drying tunnel loading consistent. A production slot is confirmed only after receipt of the purchase order and deposit.

Delivery terms are EXW, FOB Shenzhen or Hong Kong, and DDP for selected destinations. Air freight is used for samples and urgent launches, typically 5 to 8 days door to door. Sea freight from Yantian or Nansha to Los Angeles takes 18 to 25 days, and to Rotterdam 28 to 35 days. Documents provided with each shipment include the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of analysis, material safety data sheet where applicable, free-sale certificate, and phytosanitary certificate where the destination requires it for plant-derived ingredients.