How to Keep Your Gummy Vitamins from Sticking Together

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Gummy vitamin sales have grown significantly, but a common complaint is that they clump together into a sticky mass. Learn how to keep your gummy vitamins from sticking together with proper storage techniques and effective, simple solutions.

Quick Summary

Gummy vitamins stick due to excess heat and moisture, which causes them to melt and clump. Proper storage in a cool, dark, and dry location is key. Simple tricks like adding a bit of cornstarch can also help prevent them from fusing into a single block.

Key Points

Control Temperature and Humidity: Store gummy vitamins in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from heat and steam.
Keep the Container Airtight: Always seal the lid tightly immediately after use to prevent moisture absorption.
Leave the Desiccant Packet In: The silica gel packet is designed to absorb excess moisture; do not throw it away.
Try the Cornstarch Trick: Lightly coat sticky gummies with a teaspoon of cornstarch to absorb moisture and prevent clumping.
Avoid Refrigeration: Unless specified by the manufacturer, do not refrigerate gummies, as condensation can cause more stickiness.
Perform a Manual Separation: For already-stuck gummies, a vigorous shake or using a spoon handle can help break them apart.
Inspect the Bottle: Before buying, ensure the bottle and seal are intact to prevent environmental damage during transport.

The Science Behind Sticky Gummy Vitamins

Understanding why gummy vitamins stick together is the first step toward preventing it. The primary culprits are heat and moisture. Gummies are made with gelling agents like gelatin or pectin, along with sugars or sugar alternatives. When exposed to warm temperatures, these ingredients soften and melt, making the vitamins tacky. Humidity is also a major factor, as the gummies are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air, which contributes to their stickiness and can even encourage microbial growth. Poorly sealed packaging allows this moisture to seep in over time, compounding the issue.

Immediate Fixes for Already-Stuck Vitamins

If you've opened your bottle to find a fused-together blob, don't panic. While you can't restore them to their original shape, they are likely still safe and potent. Here are a few ways to separate them:

The Shake Method: A vigorous, firm shake of the closed bottle can often break up the clumped gummies. If the vitamins are only mildly stuck, this might be all you need.
The Spoon Chop: For a more stubborn clump, gently insert the handle of a metal spoon into the bottle and use it to chop at the mass. This can help break it into smaller, more manageable pieces.
The Refrigeration Trick: While not a permanent solution, chilling the bottle in the refrigerator for an hour or two can harden the gummies and make them easier to separate with the shake method.

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

To avoid a sticky situation from happening again, prevention is the best approach. Here’s how to properly store your gummy vitamins for maximum freshness.

Store in a Cool, Dark, Dry Place: This is the most important rule. Keep your bottle away from heat sources like stoves, ovens, or sunny windows. A kitchen cabinet or pantry shelf that is not near a heating vent is ideal. Never store them in a humid environment like the bathroom medicine cabinet, as steam from showers can be absorbed by the gummies.
Keep the Lid Tightly Sealed: Every time you open the bottle, you expose the vitamins to the ambient air and humidity. Always replace the lid immediately and screw it on tightly to maintain an airtight seal.
Use the Included Desiccant Packet: That small, sealed packet in your vitamin bottle is not trash; it's a desiccant, typically silica gel, designed to absorb excess moisture. Leave it in the bottle for as long as possible to help regulate humidity and prevent sticking.
The Cornstarch or Sugar Trick: To prevent future sticking, you can give your gummies a light coating. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch or powdered sugar to the bottle, close the lid tightly, and shake to coat. This creates a thin, non-stick barrier. Cornstarch is a good option for those looking to avoid extra sugar.
Consider a Different Container: If your current bottle is not up to the task, consider transferring your gummies to a different airtight container. Glass jars are impermeable to air and moisture, making them an excellent choice. Just be sure it’s opaque to protect from light exposure.

Comparison of Non-Stick Coatings


Feature	Cornstarch	Powdered Sugar	Carnauba Wax	Manufacturer-Added Desiccant
Effectiveness	High. Absorbs moisture effectively to create a dry barrier.	High. Coats gummies and creates a non-stick layer.	Highest. Creates a polished, moisture-resistant barrier.	Highest. Absorbs moisture within the sealed container.
Added Flavor	None. Completely neutral.	Sweet. Adds a subtle sweetness.	None. Flavorless when used in small amounts.	None. Not consumed with the vitamins.
Application	DIY. Sprinkle and shake in your bottle.	DIY. Sprinkle and shake in your bottle.	Manufacturer only. Requires specialized tumbling equipment.	Manufacturer only. Comes pre-packaged with vitamins.
Best For	Sugar-free and low-sugar formulas where taste is a priority.	Those who don't mind a little extra sweetness with their vitamins.	Best for a high-gloss, professional factory finish.	Best overall option when provided by the manufacturer.

Is Refrigeration an Option?

Many people wonder if refrigerating gummy vitamins is a good idea. For most formulas, it is not recommended. While the cold temperature prevents melting, bringing a cold bottle into a warmer room causes condensation to form, introducing moisture that can lead to stickiness and even mold growth. Refrigeration is typically only necessary for probiotics or other specific, temperature-sensitive supplements, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

Conclusion: Simple Steps for Perfect Gummies

Preventing your gummy vitamins from sticking together comes down to a few simple, proactive steps. By controlling the storage environment and ensuring the bottle is properly sealed, you can easily avoid the dreaded clump. For added insurance, a quick shake with a dash of cornstarch can create a protective barrier that keeps each gummy separate and ready to enjoy. With these simple tips, your vitamins will remain potent and perfectly chewy from the first dose to the last.

Keep your vitamins fresh with proper storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sticky or clumped gummy vitamins are generally still safe to take. Clumping is a texture issue caused by moisture or heat, and does not typically affect the safety or potency of the vitamins. However, discard them if you notice mold or a change in color or smell.

The most effective method is a vigorous shake of the closed bottle. For a more stubborn clump, gently use the handle of a metal spoon to break the vitamins apart. Chilling the bottle briefly in the refrigerator can also help harden the mass, making it easier to separate.

No, you should not store gummy vitamins in the bathroom. The constant temperature and humidity fluctuations from showers and baths can cause the gummies to absorb moisture, leading to them becoming soft and sticky.

Your gummy vitamins likely melted due to exposure to high temperatures, either during shipping or improper storage. Warm temperatures cause the gelling agents to soften, leading to melting and clumping.

The best prevention is proper storage. Keep the sealed bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place. Ensure the lid is tightly closed after each use, and leave the desiccant packet inside the bottle.

Refrigeration is generally not recommended for gummy vitamins. While it will keep them cold, removing the bottle from the fridge will cause condensation to form inside, introducing moisture that can lead to stickiness and potential mold growth.

For preventing stickiness, both cornstarch and powdered sugar work by creating a protective, dry coating. Cornstarch is flavorless and ideal for sugar-free gummies, while powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness.