GummyTalk Forum

Hey everyone, I've been taking these apple cider vinegar gummies for about 2 months now, but I just opened a new bottle and they look... off. Some have white spots on them (like sugar bloom maybe?), others feel harder than usual, and a few are stuck together in clumps. They're not expired according to the date on the bottle. Has anyone else had this happen? Are they still safe to take? Kinda worried since I rely on them for digestion.

Oh wow, that takes me back! I remember when I first started blogging about supplements back in 2012 - we'd see this all the time with early gummy formulas. The white spots are almost definitely sugar bloom - happens when moisture evaporates and sugar crystals form on the surface. Totally harmless, just not pretty. The sticking together suggests they might have gotten warm during shipping or storage. As long as there's no mold (fuzzy growth) or weird smells, they're probably fine. Back in the day, we'd just pop 'em anyway! But if you're concerned, maybe contact the manufacturer?

I've had this happen with my pre-run gummies after leaving them in my gym bag on a hot day. The hardening and clumping is usually from temperature fluctuations - they melt slightly then re-harden. For running fuel, I'd toss them because texture affects my routine, but for ACV supplements? If they're just for health benefits and not taste/texture-critical, they're likely still effective. Check if the active ingredients are degraded though - maybe the company can tell you if heat affects potency. Stay hydrated out there!

Fascinating! This is actually a common stability issue with hygroscopic formulations. The ACV component attracts moisture, causing recrystallization (white spots) and plasticizer migration (hardening). Safety-wise, unless there's microbial growth, it's chemically stable. BUT - potency degradation is possible if stored above 25°C. Have you optimized your storage? Keep in cool, dark place with silica gel packets. I'd run a pH test on one to see if acidity is preserved. Personally, I'd cycle them out and get a fresh batch - not worth the biohacking variable.