Contract manufacturer TopGum has introduced a line of Active Lifestyle gummies, to disrupt a category dominated by shakes, gels, and powders. The full lineup of products was officially launched at SupplySide Global.

All of TopGum’s gummies feature a proprietary microencapsulation technology to protect sensitive ingredients, boost bioavailability, and mask off-notes, and the clean-label gummy base replaces sugar with prebiotic fibers.

Jennifer Toomey, head of new product development for North America, spoke with NW about the rationale for applying TopGum’s capabilities in the sports nutrition arena.

Gummies “offer the convenience and portability that active consumers need. They eliminate the hassle of mixing powders or carrying bottles, reduce overall sugar intake compared to many traditional drinks, and avoid the discomfort of excess fluid consumption during training,” Toomey said. Compared to beverages, gels, and more, gummies are a “practical, efficient solution that supports performance without interrupting the workout routine.

This is particularly true for electrolyte replenishment. “Gummies are far more compact and easier to store than bottled drinks, making them ideal for consumers with limited space or those who prefer to travel light. Overall, they deliver electrolyte replenishment in a format that is portable, simple, and hassle-free.”

Additionally, gummy formats can draw more consumers into the sports nutrition category, and likewise, established VMS brands can enter the sports nutrition category with an appealing format, Toomey noted. “High-dose, performance-oriented gummies allow these companies to expand their portfolios without compromising on efficacy or consumer experience.”

Gummies featuring sports nutrition ingredients often come with stability flavor challenges, Toomey noted, making it a category where the company’s formulation expertise can shine.

“With creatine, careful attention to processing is key. The ingredient must be incorporated at the proper stage of manufacturing to preserve stability, especially at higher doses, while ensuring flavor remains well-balanced. For electrolytes, the main challenge is managing the natural saltiness of the actives. Our flavor team specializes in harmonizing these minerals with the sweetness of the gummy to create an enjoyable profile. At the same time, the formulation team must ensure that the high active load does not compromise texture or shelf integrity.”

Creatine gummies are under increased scrutiny, after analytical tests have found widespread failings tied to the amino acid’s instability in water-based formulations, and questionable quality assurance practices. Toomey noted that best practices are critical, such as “partnering with raw material suppliers and leveraging their expertise. Creatine must be added at the correct stage of production, with an appropriate overage, to minimize exposure to heat and water activity, two key factors that accelerate degradation … manufacturers should work with accredited third-party laboratories that have validated methods for quantifying the specific creatine form used, for example, creatine monohydrate versus creatinine, to ensure accurate measurement in a gummy matrix.”

The Lineup

The company’s Electrolytes Hydration Boost gummy features an optimized blend of sodium (67.5 mg), potassium (20 mg), and magnesium (10 mg), available in sweet lemon lime, watermelon, and cherry orange flavors with a light salty edge.

The company’s Creatine gummy features a hefty 1,500 mg of creatine monohydrate per gummy, available in dark cherry, raspberry, and watermelon flavors.

The company’s caffeinated Energy gummies offer a light caffeine boost between 20 and 40 mg per gummy, offering a convenient means of supporting mental alertness, endurance, and physical output. These high active loads don’t impact taste or texture of the gummies thanks to the microencapsulated caffeine used, masking the bitterness typically associated with caffeine.

 TopGum’s Magnesium Combo gummies feature the mineral in its glycinate and citrate forms, both of which are highly available, at a dose of 100 mg per gummy to support muscle contraction and relaxation, prevent cramps, and support electrolyte balance. It is available in a raspberry flavor, and features citrate and glycinate in a 9:1 ratio.

The company’s Phosphatidylserine (PS), available in a raspberry flavor, feature the EFSA-recommended daily level of PS to help the body recover after strenuous exercise. The supplement may reduce cortisol levels triggered by physical stress, and speed up post-exercise recovery to enable a quicker return to activity, at a 50 mg dose per gummy.

The company’s strawberry-flavored vitamin B12 gummies, available with gummy bases containing FOS or sugar, are formulated to support endurance, energy, and muscle recovery in athletes at a dose of 500 mg per gummy.

The company’s beet root and tart cherry gummies, available in raspberry flavor, feature 250 mg of beetroot and 0.5 mg of tart cherry per gummy. Beet root supports improved vasodilation for better blood flow, oxygen delivery to working muscles, and overall stamina during workouts, while tart cherry is included to reduce exercise-induced inflammation, relieve soreness and stiffness, and promote faster recovery between training sessions.

To round out the athletic line, the company developed another recovery gummy featuring 125 mg of curcumin, 6 mg of ginger, and 50 mcg of black pepper, available in a peach flavor. Curcumin was included to support oxidative stress and healthy inflammatory response, mobility and flexibility, and long-term joint health, while ginger was added to support muscle health, digestion (which is often stressed during intense training), and to promote a healthy antioxidant and inflammatory response.