Are Electrolyte Gummies the Next Big Thing in Food?

Just when you thought the world of supplements and food innovations couldn't get any weirder, along comes the latest craze that's got everyone's taste buds tingling and eyebrows raising: electrolyte gummies. That's right, those little chewy supplements that promise to replenish your body's essential minerals have exploded onto the scene faster than a pack of hungry kids descending on a candy store. 

But before you dismiss this as just another fleeting food fad, let's take a closer look at the numbers. According to the data nerds over at Allied Market Research, the global electrolyte mix market (which includes the newcomers: gummies) is projected to hit $30.1 billion by 2032, with a respectable 5.2% CAGR. Not too shabby for a bunch of glorified fruit snacks.

_{Disclaimer: I discovered this trend using Exploding topics (I am an affiliate and a long-time fan of this tool), which has become my go-to resource for uncovering under-the-radar opportunities. While the tool doesn’t provide the research that comes with my newsletter, if you're into finding even more trends in all the fields, this tool is definitely worth a look.} 

Table of Contents

• Current state and financial opportunities

• Electrolyte Gummies: Key players

• Benefits and drawbacks

• How to navigate this trend and why should you care …

And if you need any more proof that electrolyte gummies are having a moment, just take a look at Google Trends screenshots: 

Searches for these chewy little wonders have skyrocketed recently, proving that consumers are suddenly very interested in getting their mineral fix via gummy.

So what's the deal with these electrolyte-packed treats? Well, as anyone who's ever suffered through a brutal hangover or sweated their way through a soul-crushing workout (or severe flu with fever) knows, sometimes your body needs a little extra help in the hydration department. Electrolyte gummies serve up key minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium in a convenient, tasty package that's a heck of a lot more appealing than chugging a bottle of neon-colored sports drink.

There are also foods rich in electrolytes, such as spinach, avocados, and bananas, which have always been dietary staples. But let’s be honest candies are way more appealing than broccoli. So, the rise of convenience foods like electrolyte gummies indicates a shift towards easy-to-consume supplements that fit our fast-paced lifestyles.

But are these gummies truly a game-changer in the world of food tech, or just another overhyped trend destined to fizzle out faster than a flat soda? Let’s have a look at some facts and figures and try to see how you can benefit from this new trend. 

Current state and financial opportunities

According to more data sources, North America leads the charge, accounting for 40% of global sales of electrolyte mixes in 2022 (and we can suggest, that the situation won’t change much for gummies).  A simple Amazon autocomplete search reveals a variety of niches where electrolyte gummies are making their mark: hydration, running, kids, dehydration, elderly, sugar-free options, hiking, and more.

Let's break down the financial potential. According to the Amazon sales data provided, some of the top electrolyte gummy brands are raking in more than 2,000 sales per month. 

Let’s take as an example that GU energy chews at a price point of $27.99 per pack. With an estimated net profit margin of 59.26% (if you sign up for Amazon fulfillment), that translates to over $16,000 in monthly profits for each product. (But what if you have the whole line marketed for different audiences and needs?)

But there’s more: a closer look at the ingredient list reveals these gummies may not be the magical health elixir they're marketed as. The first few ingredients are usually some combination of organic tapioca syrup, cane sugar, and maltodextrin - in other words, sugar, sugar, and more sugar. Throw in a dash of pectin, natural flavors, and a sprinkle of the actual electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium), and you've got yourself a recipe for a tasty treat that maybe sorta kinda replaces the minerals you sweat out. 

And here's where it gets interesting. Those raw ingredients? Dirt cheap. We're talking pennies per gummy. This means the potential profit margins for electrolyte gummies are as high as Mark Zuckerberg's social media reach.

If the Amazon autocomplete results are any indication, opportunities are plentiful. Electrolyte gummies for kids, seniors, hikers, runners, and even folks with POTS (that's Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, for the uninitiated) - there's a potentially untapped market for every niche and demographic.

Electrolyte Gummies: Key players

Another factor proving the viability of this new trend is the current players in the electrolyte field. Not only is the market size impressive (as covered previously), but big companies are investing in it, and investors are eager to fund newcomers. 

First up, we've got the big guys like PepsiCo, Abbott Laboratories, and Nestle SA who've been chugging along in the electrolyte game for years. But don't count out the scrappy underdogs just yet. According to my trusty sidekick, Crunchbase, there's a whole bunch of startups shaking up the industry with their innovative approaches to cramming electrolytes into every possible form - powders, tablets, gummies, you name it. Here are just a few examples.

Electrolyte Boost, for instance. This Wyoming-based company got $316.8K in debt financing just a few weeks ago, in the middle of May 2024. They promise to deliver electrolyte water, perfect for spiking your energy when you need that extra push.

Meanwhile, over in Utah, Elete Electrolytes is quietly raking in an estimated $1-10M in revenue hawking their liquid electrolyte concentrate.  

And let's not forget about Drink LMNT the Florida startup that's scored $3.3M to peddle their "tasty electrolyte drink mix" designed for the low-carb and keto crowd. Because apparently, even people on restrictive diets need their electrolyte fix to be fun, sweet, and delicious.

These (and other) companies, while not necessarily focused on gummies, have the potential to expand into the gummy segment, leveraging their current market presence and consumer demand for convenient hydration solutions. And if not, maybe it’s your new big opportunity? 

Benefits and drawbacks

On the plus side, electrolyte gummies offer a tasty and convenient way to replenish those vital minerals that keep our bodies humming along like a well-oiled machine. No more carrying around bulky bottles with soda water or neon-colored sports drinks or fumbling with fizzy tablets - just pop a couple of these bad boys and you're good to go. Plus, with the right formulation, gummies could pack a serious nutritional punch, delivering not just electrolytes but also vitamins, antioxidants, and other goodies to keep you feeling like a superhero.

But let's take a step back and consider the potential drawbacks. First and foremost, the supplements industry is as The Boston Globe so eloquently put it, "an utterly unregulated Wild West,” with some supplements being "laced with dangerous drugs" while others are slapping on labels that are about as accurate as a drunk dart player.

This lack of oversight means that anyone can whip up a batch of gummies, slap an "electrolyte" label on them, and start hawking them to unsuspecting consumers. And let's be real - most of these gummies are packed with artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners and are not as healthy as they are marketed. They could also be loading you up with all sorts of questionable chemicals that do more harm than good in the long run.

So, what's an electrolyte-seeking consumer to do? Well, as one savvy Redditor pointed out, "making your own is the way to go).

Making your own gummies could be a cost-effective alternative, avoiding the high prices of commercial products and giving you control over the ingredients. But for those who prefer ready-made solutions and dream of their new venture in the food space, there’s a potential goldmine in producing reliable, high-quality electrolyte gummies. The market is crying out for genuinely good products amid the sea of dubious offerings. Prioritize natural ingredients, steer clear of artificial additives, and have a track record of transparency and quality and you got yourself a business that is needed.  

How to navigate this trend and why should you care?

As we've seen, the electrolyte supplement market is bubbling over with potential, and gummies might be the next big wave in this hydration-hungry world. But what does the future hold for these chewy little wonders? And more importantly, why should you care? 

Just look at the buzz surrounding that moderately viral Reddit post a few weeks back, where a savvy home cook whipped up a batch of DIY electrolyte gummies that had the internet salivating. 

The appeal is obvious - gummies offer a fun, convenient, and dare I say, delicious way to get your electrolyte fix. No more choking down chalky powders or lugging around bulky bottles. Just pop a couple of gummies and you're good to go, whether you're hitting the gym or hitting the trails.

But the gummy revolution isn't just about convenience - it's also about innovation. Companies like PepsiCo were already openly seeking out new technologies to minimize the salty taste of electrolytes in beverages, opening up a whole new world of flavor possibilities. And with advances in encapsulation, ion exchange, and receptor blocking, the sky's the limit when it comes to creating gummies that pack a serious electrolyte punch without tasting like a mouthful of ocean water.

But before you jump on the gummy bandwagon, here are some practical tips to make the most of this trend:

Know when you actually need them: Don't fall for the hype that you need electrolytes 24/7. Save your money and use them strategically:

• During/after intense workouts lasting over an hour

• When you're sick with fever or stomach issues

• On hot days with excessive sweating

• After a night of drinking (we've all been there)

Read those labels like a detective: Not all gummies are created equal. Look for:

• Lower sugar content (under 5g per serving if possible)

• Real electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) in the first few ingredients

• Natural flavors and colors instead of artificial ones

• No unnecessary fillers or preservatives

Consider the DIY route: That viral Reddit recipe wasn't just for show. Making your own electrolyte gummies can be:

• More cost-effective (we're talking pennies per serving)

• Healthier (you control the ingredients)

• Fun weekend project (bonus: great activity with kids)

Smart usage tips:

• Store them properly (cool, dry place) to prevent melting

• Start with the recommended serving size - more isn't always better

• Don't rely on them as your only source of electrolytes (real food still rules)

• Keep some in your gym bag or hiking pack for when you really need them

One thing's clear - if you're going to try them, do it smartly. Focus on quality products, use them when they make sense for your lifestyle, and maybe even try making your own. Your body (and wallet) will thank you.