Gummy supplements are everywhere these days. From multivitamins to sleep aids, they promise health benefits in a chewy, candy-like form. But here's the catch: not all gummies are created equal. Some sneak in ingredients that are far from healthy—ingredients that could even cause more harm than good.
If you're popping gummies daily, it’s time to flip that bottle around and see what's inside. Let’s break down the ingredients you don’t want in your gummies and why Nummies takes a cleaner, better approach.
1. Artificial Colors: The Fake Glow We Don’t Need
Bright, fun colors might make gummies look more appealing, but artificial colors are a big no-no. These dyes are made from petroleum (yes, the same stuff used in fuel), and while they may give gummies their rainbow hues, they’ve been linked to some serious health concerns.
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Why it is not good for you: Research suggests artificial dyes may contribute to hyperactivity in children and could even increase the risk of certain cancers.¹ Some common offenders include Yellow No. 5, Red No. 40, and Blue No. 1—chemicals you’d rather not ingest.²
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Global Standards: Many countries, like those in the EU, have banned or heavily restricted artificial dyes. The U.S.? Not so much.³ Hopefully that will start to change soon.
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What to Look For: Choose gummies with colors derived from real foods like beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina. They're safe and just as vibrant without the risks. We use blueberries, carrot juice, beet juice and spirulina for example.
2. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): The Sweet Trap
Sugar is everywhere, but HFCS takes it to the next level. This cheap, processed sweetener is often added to gummies to make them taste extra sugary. The downside? HFCS is loaded with empty calories and linked to various health issues.
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Why It’s not good for you: HFCS has been shown to contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.⁴ It’s especially tricky because it can spike blood sugar levels quickly and mess with your metabolism.⁵
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How to Spot It: HFCS hides under different names like "corn syrup" or "glucose-fructose syrup." If it’s on the label, it’s time to put that bottle back on the shelf. Note that NOT all glucose syrups are corn syrup.
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A Better Option: Look for gummies sweetened naturally with things like honey or fruit extracts. They’re not perfect (sugar is still sugar), but they’re way better for your body. For example, you have Tapioca sugar, Monk Fruit, amongst other natural options.
3. Carmine: The Sneaky Red Dye
Ever seen that rich, reddish-pink color in gummies? It might be thanks to carmine, a dye made by crushing up cochineal insects. Yup, bugs in your gummies.
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Why it is not good for you: While carmine is usually safe for most people, some can have allergic reactions ranging from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis.⁶
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Ethical Considerations: If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply not a fan of eating bugs, carmine is a deal-breaker. It’s also not kosher or halal, so it excludes certain dietary groups.⁷
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Cleaner Choices: Plant-based alternatives like beetroot powder or red cabbage extract offer the same vibrant color without the bug factor.
4. Synthetic Vitamins: Not as Good as They Seem
Vitamins are supposed to be good for you, right? Well, not when they’re synthetic. Many gummy brands use artificial vitamins to cut costs, but these lab-made nutrients aren’t always absorbed well by your body.
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What’s the Problem? Synthetic vitamins often lack the co-factors that help your body process them. For example, synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) isn’t absorbed as effectively as natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol).⁸ Some synthetic vitamins are even linked to adverse effects, like vitamin A causing toxicity in high doses.⁹
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How to Identify Them: Look for labels that mention “dl-” (e.g., dl-alpha-tocopherol). Natural sources usually state "from whole foods" or "100% natural."
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Go Natural: Whole-food-based vitamins are not only easier for your body to absorb but also come with added nutrients that work synergistically.
Why Nummies Is Different
At Nummies, we believe supplements should support your health—not work against it. That’s why every gummy we make is crafted with care, using only the cleanest, natural ingredients.
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No Junk, Just the Good Stuff: Our gummies are free from artificial colors, HFCS, carmine, and synthetic vitamins. Instead, we use plant-based, non-GMO ingredients that you can trust.
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Transparency You Can Count On: We’re proud of what goes into our gummies, and we think you deserve to know. Every ingredient is carefully chosen to align with your wellness goals.
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A Gummy You’ll Feel Good About: Whether it’s the natural sweetness from fruit or the vibrant colors from veggies, our gummies are proof that you don’t need artificial additives to create something delicious.
When you choose Nummies, you’re not just taking a supplement—you’re making a choice to prioritize your health with a brand that shares your values.
How to Choose Better Gummies
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re staring at a shelf full of options. Here are a few quick tips to help you pick gummies that are actually good for you:
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Read the Ingredients: If you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not great for you. Watch out for red flags like artificial dyes, HFCS, and carmine.
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Research the Brand: Look for companies like Nummies that are transparent about their ingredients and sourcing practices.
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Go Natural: Seek out products that use natural colorings, sweeteners, and vitamins. They’re better for your body and often taste just as good!
A Healthier Future, One Gummy at a Time
Gummy supplements don’t have to be a health hazard. By understanding what’s inside and knowing what to avoid, you can find gummies that truly support your wellness journey.
At Nummies, we’re all about making that choice easier. With our commitment to clean, natural ingredients, we’re here to show you that better health starts with better supplements.
So, the next time you reach for a gummy, remember: it’s not just about how it tastes—it’s about how it makes you feel in the long run.
Footnotes
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Artificial Colors and Hyperactivity: National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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Carcinogenic Potential of Dyes: Environmental Health Perspectives.
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Artificial Dye Regulations: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
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HFCS and Obesity Risk: Harvard School of Public Health.
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Metabolic Impact of HFCS: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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Carmine Allergies: Allergy UK.
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Dietary Restrictions and Carmine: PETA.
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Synthetic vs. Natural Vitamin E Absorption: Linus Pauling Institute.
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Vitamin A Toxicity Risks: World Health Organization (WHO).