Why gels are the future of nutrition and wellness and how Aminolabs is leading the way

Why consumers love gels (and why brands should, too)

Gels are not just effective; they are incredibly consumer-friendly. In fact, market data continues to show double-digit growth in functional gels across Europe and North America. But why are they resonating so deeply?

• On the go lifestyle: Whether you’re a busy parent or a performance athlete, gels offer nutrition that travels with you.
• No water needed: No shaker. No blender. Just open and go.
• Delicious innovation: From tropical fruit to caramel latte, flavors go beyond basic and into indulgent.
• Formulation freedom: Gels can host a wide range of ingredients, from peptides to probiotics.

For brands, that translates to products that convert. The stickiness of a product experience matters more than ever, and gels offer a tactile, flavorful, and memorable moment with every use.

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Gels: more than just energy on the go

For many, gels are synonymous with endurance sports. Think runners reaching for a mid-marathon energy hit, or cyclists squeezing out a burst of fuel in the middle of a long ride. But gels have grown far beyond that.

Today, they span a wide spectrum of wellness needs:

• Energy Gels: A quick-release source of carbohydrates and electrolytes, perfect for sports performance.
• Collagen Gels: Supporting skin, joint, and connective tissue health with a beauty-boosting punch.
• Protein Gels: Post-workout recovery in a mess-free, portable option.
• Hydration Gels: Rehydrating with sodium, potassium, and magnesium, ideal for hot climates or heavy workouts.
• Focus Gels: Infused with nootropics like L-theanine or caffeine for mental clarity on demand.
• Relaxation and Sleep Gels: Containing ingredients like melatonin or adaptogenic herbs to wind down naturally.

From performance to beauty to brain health, gels are becoming a format of choice for modern consumers who value speed, simplicity, and style.

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Why gels work: the science behind the format

Gels offer a delivery system that stands out in three key ways:

1. Fast absorption: Unlike tablets or powders, gels often begin absorption directly through the mouth or stomach lining, allowing for quicker onset of action.
2. Portability: Single-use packs fit easily into gym bags, bike kits, or even a purse, making them ideal for life on the go.
3. Experience: They feel more indulgent than swallowing pills or mixing powders. Gels are flavored, smooth, and easy to consume, like a treat with benefits.

This combination of efficacy and experience makes gels a unique player in the health and performance category. For brands, this opens up a powerful platform for both compliance and consumer satisfaction.

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Aminolabs and Zoka Pharma: The gel generation begins

The acquisition of Zoka Pharma marks a strategic move to bring premium gel expertise directly into the Aminolabs family.

Located in Valencia, Zoka Pharma brings over a decade of specialization in semi-solid oral formats, including gels and suspensions. Their in-house R&D and production capabilities have now become part of Aminolabs’ broader innovation engine, giving us, and our partners, a true competitive edge.

What does this mean for you?

• Access to proven gel technologies developed by experts.
• Custom formulation opportunities, from sports nutrition to wellness and beauty.
• Reliable end-to-end manufacturing, backed by Aminolabs’ global quality systems.
• Scalable solutions, from start-up runs to large-scale production.

It is more than an acquisition; it is a fusion of shared values and vision. Together, we are committed to helping brands create next generation products that consumers love and trust.

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Whether you are a supplement brand, beauty label, or sports innovator, the message is clear: the future is fast, fun, and functional. And it is in a gel.

Ready to build your own gel based product line? Let’s make it happen together. Contact our innovation team today and discover what your next best selling formula could be.