Shiny gummy bears are good gummy bears
Who does not love colorful assortments of gums and jellies? In bear or fruit form, sweet or tart, chewy and fresh, each piece imparting a delicious delight. You open the package, a subtle fruity flavor comes your way and… oh wait, the gummies stick as a gooey block in the package just opened.
No matter how much work and soul you put into the recipe and manufacturing of your gummies, the oiling is what makes your gums or jellies look as attractive as they should, and as enjoyable to eat as they typically are. Do they appear nice and shiny or are the gummies sticky and dull? Sticking and clumping of the products do not only impair the appearance of the product from the customer’s point of view, but also hinder efficient transporting and packaging processes.
Sticking issues can be prevented by the right expertise
CAPOL® anti-sticking agents prevent gums and jellies from sticking together and make for a beautiful shine. Our Application Technologists are only satisfied after the perfect finish is achieved. Rocky Föll holds a Masters Degree in Food Science and has been part of the CAPOL® Application Technology team for over 5 years. As a skilled Confectionery Technologist he knows how important the oiling is as a final step before packaging and he has seen the challenges that confectioners may face in the process. Even if gums and jellies are treated with anti-sticking agents in an oiling drum or conventional pan, manufacturers sometimes encounter sticking problems with their products – be it immediately after oiling, in the storage, packaging or transportation of product. “It is important to apply an anti-sticking agent correctly and to take the manufacturing process into consideration”, says Rocky. “Therefore, our team is available to give advice whenever needed - be it a confectioner who wants to change to CAPOL® anti-sticking agents, who looks to adjust the oiling process or who faces troubles with the current finishing results, we are happy to guide the process so many find toilsome.”
What to do if gums and jellies stick together
Where to start when your gelatin, pectin or starch-based gums or jellies stick together? “A simple starting point is to control the dosage level of the anti-sticking agent”, explains Rocky. While a variety of factors can be the reason for the issue, he says that the most obvious fact may not be forgotten: “If the dosage is too low, you will not obtain a good result. That’s why we give customers clear recommendations on dosage levels to treat their gums and jellies.”
A second factor to look at if confronted with sticking problems is the dwelling time in the oiling drum or conventional pan. If it is too short, the anti-sticking agent may not have time enough to do the job. Rocky recommends to also consider the process: “Dwelling times should be adjusted to the machinery used. In a continuous process, like in an oiling drum, I advise my customers slightly different dwelling times than in a discontinuous process, for example if using a conventional pan.” He knows from experience that economical aspects in production or even technical restraints can be factors leading to short dwelling. A too short oiling drum or the wrong angle of the oiling drum can negatively affect the process, and may need to be adjusted.
