Jellies And Gummies Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Global Jellies And Gummies Market Trends and Insights

Health & Wellness Trends

Adults now view gummies as credible dietary aids, reshaping the jelly and gummy market, traditionally seen as children's candy. This shift aligns with a broader trend: a growing consumer appetite for sugar-free, vegan, and clean-label gummies, echoing a commitment to healthier lifestyles and proactive self-care. While the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act's structure-function claims expand marketing horizons, the FDA's post-market oversight ensures safety. Brands investing in advanced gelatin technologies, which boost nutrient bioavailability, can command prices two to three times higher than standard confections. Cold-set gelation, safeguarding heat-sensitive vitamins, paves the way for new formulations targeting immunity and stress relief. With preventive health spending on the rise, especially among insurance-savvy populations, functional gummies are not just a fleeting trend; they’re securing a consistent share of consumer wallets and extending their consumption cycles. Supporting this trend, data from the government and associations highlight its significance. For instance, the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s October 2024 Consumer Survey revealed that 74% of U.S. adults turn to dietary supplements, with the gummy format's surge attributed to its ease of consumption and tailored nutrition appeal^{[1]Council for Responsible Nutrition, "Three-quarters of Americans Take Dietary Supplements; Most Users Agree They are Essential to Maintaining Health, CRN Consumer Survey Finds", www.crnusa.org}.

Flavor and Ingredient Innovation

Flavor-masking systems tame harsh botanical notes, letting manufacturers incorporate turmeric, adaptogens, and mineral blends without sensory penalties. Modified potato starches partially replace gelatin, cutting costs and smoothing texture consistency for mass-market items. FDA approvals of gellan gum and carrageenan enlarge the gelling toolkit, boosting differentiation capacity. Exotic fruit profiles and herbal infusions resonate with adventurous consumers seeking discovery moments within daily wellness routines. In 2024 and 2025, candy makers accelerated the launch of adventurous new flavors, with trends shifting toward bold combinations such as “swalty” (sweet and salty), tropical-chili infusions, and globally inspired blends like chamoy, herbal-fruit, and matcha-salted caramels. For instance, in 2025, Black Forest relaunched their gummy bears with fruit juice and a juicier texture based on consumer tests; brands like Melt-to-Make introduced preflavored and sugar-free gummy bases, enabling more flexible, health-conscious production.

Sugar-Free, Low-Sugar, and Organic Product Expansion

As the diabetic population expands, so does the demand for sugar-free gummies, catering to both health-conscious consumers and those managing diabetes. For instance, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported that in 2023, approximately 25.3 million individuals in the U.S. were diagnosed with diabetes^{[2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Diagnosed Diabetes -Total, Adults Aged 18+ Years, Age-Adjusted Percentage, National", gis.cdc.gov}. This rising trend underscores the gravity of diabetes as a significant health concern in the U.S., now recognized as the seventh leading cause of death, responsible for 3% of all fatalities. While FDA regulations allow the use of both artificial and natural high-intensity sweeteners, they mandate that labeling aligns with dietary supplement standards. To achieve the desired chewiness and shine without resorting to sucrose, manufacturers are turning to polyols and soluble fibers. However, this shift necessitates meticulous processing to prevent issues like stickiness or graining. Furthermore, while organic certification adds a layer of complexity, it also commands premium pricing in natural retail outlets. This blend of sugar reduction and organic validation creates a compelling appeal for health-conscious buyers.

Shift Toward Plant-Based and Vegan Products

Driven by heightened health, ethical, and environmental consciousness—especially among millennials and Gen Z—the global trend towards plant-based and vegan products is gaining momentum. These demographics are increasingly on the lookout for animal-free options and products with cleaner labels. In response, manufacturers have begun substituting traditional gelatin with plant-derived gelling agents like pectin and agar-agar. This shift not only caters to vegan consumers but also introduces fresh textures and unique flavor profiles. Both established brands and newcomers are ramping up product innovation. For example, in 2024, Katjes broadened its “Veggie” line throughout Europe, while Candy Kittens and The Organic Candy Factory unveiled new premium vegan flavors. Additionally, in 2025, numerous producers across North America rolled out vegan gummies enriched with vitamins and botanicals. Supporting these trends, 2025 reports from the Plant Based Foods Association underscored a surge in plant-based confectionery, and the Council for Responsible Nutrition noted a rising trend in vegan supplement gummies for both adults and children, propelling the market's expansion.

High Sugar Content and Health Concerns

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, traditional gummies, which contain 3-7 grams of sugar per serving, have come under scrutiny from public health bodies and concerned parents due to potential links to obesity and diabetes. Brands are feeling the pinch as tighter nutritional labeling and restrictions on disease claims curtail their marketing strategies. This has led many to reformulate their products, a move that can either inflate costs or compromise taste. Government initiatives, like the updated EU regulations on sugar labeling for gummies rolled out in late 2024 and stricter marketing rules in North America, have intensified the push for healthier product alternatives. While caregivers increasingly demand balanced treats for children, kids' preference for sweetness complicates matters. To meet these sweetness demands, manufacturers are turning to alternative polyols or fibers, a shift that not only drives up R&D costs but also requires educating consumers about digestive tolerance. Those manufacturers who don't keep pace risk being sidelined, especially as retailers broaden their low-sugar offerings.

Environmental and Packaging Pressures

Starting August 2026, the European Union's Regulation 2025/40 mandates minimum recycled content and universal recyclability in packaging, pushing for widespread redesigns. In 2025, governments globally tightened laws to cut plastic waste, enforcing recyclable or compostable packaging, and banning expanded polystyrene and PFAS additives in food packaging. Global suppliers now navigate multiple extended producer responsibility schemes, facing fees on non-compliant materials, which inflate their cost structures. In 2024 and 2025, major companies responded by launching new lines featuring compostable pouches, lighter plastics, and water-based inks. This trend is evident with the emergence of home-compostable peg bags and recyclable bioplastic innovations across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Yet, these advancements come with challenges: rising costs, sourcing complexities, and potential impacts on shelf life and sensory quality, all straining margins and hindering smaller manufacturers' adoption. The need for moisture barriers conflicts with mandates for thin films, pushing companies to invest in new laminates or bio-based polymers to ensure shelf life. While sustainability claims boost marketing appeal, they introduce technical challenges, especially when tamper evidence is crucial for supplement classification.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Functional Variants Challenge Traditional Dominance

Traditional formats retained 41.60% revenue in 2024, underpinned by impulse buys and gift occasions that favor flavor familiarity. Functional variants, however, headline growth at 6.93% CAGR for 2025-2030, underscoring their momentum within the jellies and gummies market. The jellies and gummies market size expansion relies increasingly on these wellness-tinted products, which bundle vitamins, minerals, collagen, or botanicals into taste-forward vehicles. Functional SKUs fetch premium price points that offset higher formulation and regulatory costs. Retailers consequently allocate extra shelf facings to high-margin wellness items.

Functional creators leverage cold-set technology to embed heat-sensitive actives without potency erosion. Cross-category blurring with nutraceuticals draws adult demographics who previously ignored candy aisles, altering planogram logic across pharmacy and grocery chains. Meanwhile, traditional lines co-exist as comfort choices, particularly around holidays and travel seasons. Their slower growth reflects sugar-reduction headwinds and competition from chewy snack alternatives. Despite differing trajectories, both segments enrich the overall jelly and gummy market by capturing distinct usage occasions.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Ingredient Source: Plant-Based Alternatives Gain Momentum

In 2024, gelatin-based systems captured a dominant 43.91% market share, leveraging cost-efficient supply chains and familiar chew characteristics. Meanwhile, plant-based pectin and other hydrocolloids registered the swiftest growth at a 7.34% CAGR, reflecting a shift towards ethical and clean-label preferences. Gelatin's long-standing presence, cost efficiency, and signature chewiness have solidified its leading position in the global jelly and gummy market, fostering deep consumer loyalty and a robust production infrastructure. Its adaptability allows for a myriad of flavors, shapes, and qualities, making it the go-to for traditional gummies that evoke indulgence and nostalgia, especially among children and multi-generational consumers.

Conversely, pectin and other plant-based (vegan) ingredients are witnessing the fastest growth, driven by a rising demand for animal-free, sustainable, and health-centric confections. This trend is particularly pronounced among millennials, Gen Z, and health-conscious adults. Industry reports and associations highlight this shift: European governments are tightening transparency mandates, and in 2025, the Plant Based Foods Association spotlighted a double-digit growth for vegan confectionery. Brands like Katjes, Candy Kittens, and Herbaland are capitalizing on this momentum, unveiling globally expanded plant-based lines in 2024 and 2025. Their new offerings, gummies made with pectin or agar, are enriched with superfruits, vitamins, and botanicals, aligning seamlessly with contemporary dietary trends.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By End User: Adult Segment Drives Market Evolution

In 2024, children's SKUs account for a significant 58.50% of total revenues, underscoring a long-standing strategy of marketing gummies as playful treats. Meanwhile, adult formats are on the rise, boasting a robust 6.10% CAGR forecasted through 2030. This growth is largely driven by claims related to immune support, cognitive enhancement, and stress relief, all of which are sanctioned under supplement regulations. Adults, often more health-conscious, are drawn to products with higher active ingredients and reduced sugar bases, challenging the traditional candy stereotype. Furthermore, subscription-based e-commerce has emerged as the go-to model for replenishing adult SKUs, significantly boosting their lifetime value.

In tandem with these shifts, packaging has evolved: gone are the days of vibrant cartoon imagery, replaced now by muted color palettes and scientific motifs that emphasize efficacy. Brands are also leveraging QR-code traceability, allowing consumers to verify ingredient sourcing, a move that resonates deeply with today's transparency-driven adults. On the pediatric front, brands face mounting pressure to reformulate, aiming to reduce sugars and synthetic colors. However, they strive to retain flavor vibrancy, ensuring repeat purchases. The jellies and gummies market adeptly balances indulgence with efficacy, making it appealing across all life stages.

By Distribution Channel: Digital Commerce Reshapes Retail Landscape

Supermarkets and hypermarkets led 2024 sales with a 37.39% share, capitalizing on high-traffic aisles and impulse triggers at checkout. Online retail, nonetheless, outstrips others at 8.20% CAGR, reflecting convenience and detailed product education. High store density in developed countries and the placement of gummies in high-traffic areas such as checkout counters further bolster supermarket and hypermarket sales. For instance, as of March 1, 2025, there were 1,454 Sainsbury's grocery stores in the United Kingdom^{[3]J Sainsbury Annual Report, " J Sainsbury Annual Report and Financial Statements 2025", www.about.sainsburys.co.uk}.

Subscription mechanics aid functional lines by automating refill cadence and offering bundle discounts that cement loyalty. Physical retailers counter with click-and-collect and augmented reality shelf navigation to replicate digital discovery. Pharmacies bolster credibility for supplement-tagged gummies, whereas convenience stores chase on-the-go snacking. Each format’s evolution broadens access, sustaining the overall jelly and gummy market growth trajectory.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

North America maintained a 41.20% sales share in 2024, supported by a mature supplement culture, premium purchasing power, and a clear FDA framework that speeds product launches. The United States dominates regional value through entrenched wellness routines and omnichannel retail maturity. Canada shows steady uptake of plant-based and low-sugar innovations, and Mexico adds near-shore manufacturing scale that tempers cost inflation.

Asia-Pacific posts the briskest 7.53% CAGR through 2030, aided by rising disposable incomes, urban lifestyles, and Westernized dietary habits. China spearheads consumption increase as e-commerce penetration widens, while Japan rewards sophisticated flavor engineering and functional deep dives, such as collagen or probiotic gummies. India’s vast population promises long-term volume once price points align with its value-driven mass market.

Europe sustains mid-single-digit expansion by prioritizing organic certifications and plant-based credentials amid stringent additive regulations. The European Union’s upcoming recyclability mandates push packaging innovation, prompting early adopter advantages for compliant suppliers. South America and the Middle East & Africa register smaller bases yet demonstrate upside as retail infrastructure modernizes and health narratives gain traction.