Functional gummies rely on two main types of ingredients: basic gelling components and functional nutritional additives. The gelling agents determine their unique chewy texture. Traditional options mainly use gelatin, which accounts for 79% of the market share owing to its favored texture. For vegan, vegetarian, or religious consumers, plant - based alternatives like pectin, agar - agar, and modified starch are widely adopted as cruelty - free and halal - compatible substitutes. As for sweeteners, besides traditional sugars, natural zero - calorie options such as stevia are increasingly used to meet the demands of people controlling sugar intake.