Gummy Vitamins: Sweet Deal or Costly Trap?

Consumers are unknowingly spending significantly more on gummy and spray vitamins compared to traditional tablets and capsules. A recent analysis by Which? revealed that these convenient formats can cost up to eight times more per daily dose, despite often providing fewer nutrients. For instance, a Starpowa Magnesium Super Strength gummy cost £1.33 for 206mg of magnesium, whereas a Nutriva Magnesium Complex tablet offered 400mg for only 17p. This stark price and dosage difference could result in annual savings of over £400 by switching to tablets. The watchdog also noted that Boots Multivitamin gummies contained fewer vitamins at higher costs and more additives than their tablet counterparts. Gummies require additives for taste and texture, taking up space that could be used for active ingredients. Which? advises consumers to carefully check supplement ingredients, doses, and costs to ensure they are getting value for money and the required nutrients. Retailers like Boots and Holland & Barrett acknowledge the price and dosage differences between formats, stating they offer a range of options to meet diverse customer preferences and budgets, emphasizing that supplements complement, rather than replace, a balanced diet.