Charleston's Collagen: Is Humidity Melting Youth Gummies?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 2, 2026

The air hangs thick and heavy, a familiar blanket in Charleston. It’s not just the humidity clinging to your skin; it’s also wreaking havoc on your health routine, specifically, those Charleston’s Collagen Youth Gummies you just bought. They’re now a sticky, melted mess. Don’t throw them out just yet! This guide is your Lowcountry survival kit for rescuing your collagen gummies and preventing future meltdowns.

First, let’s understand why this is happening. Charleston’s climate is a double whammy: high heat and even higher humidity. Gummies, by their very nature, are hygroscopic, meaning they readily absorb moisture from the air. This absorbed moisture, combined with the heat, turns them into a gooey puddle.

So, what can you do? The first line of defense is storage.

Refrigeration is your best friend. Store your gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature significantly reduces the rate of melting. I recommend a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Plastic can sometimes impart a flavor, especially over time.
Desiccant packs are essential. Those little silica gel packets aren’t just for shoes. Throw a few into your gummy container to absorb excess moisture. You can buy these in bulk online or save them from other products. Make sure they are food-grade if possible. Replace them regularly, especially during the muggiest months (June-August).
Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. This seems obvious, but even a seemingly innocuous spot on your kitchen counter near a window can be a heat trap. Keep your gummies in a cool, dark place, preferably inside a cabinet or pantry, in addition to refrigeration.

Now, let’s say the damage is already done. Your gummies are a melted blob. Can they be saved? Possibly.

Here’s a DIY re-solidification method, but be warned, it might slightly alter the texture:

Melt the gummies completely. Gently heat the melted gummies in a double boiler or a microwave (in short bursts, stirring frequently) until they are a smooth liquid.
Add a thickening agent (optional). If the gummies seem overly liquid, you can add a small amount of gelatin powder (about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of melted gummies). This will help them re-solidify with a firmer texture.
Pour into molds. Silicone molds are ideal for this. You can use candy molds, ice cube trays, or even just a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate. Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until the gummies are completely solid.

This process won’t restore the gummies to their original perfect shape, but it will salvage them and make them edible. Think of it as a collagen gummy “bark.”

But what if the gummy formulation itself is the problem? Some gummy recipes are simply more susceptible to melting than others. The ratio of sugar, gelatin, and other ingredients plays a crucial role.

Consider these factors:

High sugar content: Sugar attracts moisture. Gummies with a very high sugar content are more likely to melt in humid environments.
Low gelatin content: Gelatin provides the structure that holds the gummy together. Insufficient gelatin can lead to a softer, more meltable product.
Type of gelatin: Different types of gelatin have different melting points. Using a higher-bloom gelatin (which indicates a stronger gelling power) might help.

If you’re consistently battling melted gummies, it might be worth exploring alternative collagen supplement formats.

Collagen powder: This is a versatile option that can be added to smoothies, coffee, or other beverages. It’s not susceptible to melting.
Collagen capsules or tablets: These are convenient and shelf-stable, making them ideal for Charleston’s climate.
Liquid collagen supplements: These are also less prone to melting than gummies.

Before switching, check the ingredients list of your Charleston’s Collagen Youth Gummies. If sugar is listed as one of the first ingredients, that’s a red flag. Also, look for the type of gelatin used. If it’s not specified, it’s likely a lower-quality gelatin.

Another challenge is the “stickiness” factor. Even if your gummies don’t completely melt, they might become sticky and clump together. This is still due to moisture absorption.

To combat stickiness:

Coat the gummies with a thin layer of cornstarch or powdered sugar. This will create a barrier that prevents them from sticking together. Do this after they’ve been refrigerated and are firm.
Store them in smaller batches. Instead of keeping all the gummies in one large container, divide them into smaller, more manageable portions. This reduces the amount of surface area exposed to moisture.

A common mistake is assuming that simply closing the gummy container tightly is enough. While it helps, it’s not a foolproof solution. The humidity can still seep in over time.

Another pitfall is neglecting to check the expiration date. Expired gummies are more likely to melt or become sticky, as the gelatin and other ingredients degrade over time.

Finally, remember that even with the best storage practices, some melting might still occur during the hottest and most humid periods. It’s just a fact of life in Charleston. The key is to minimize the damage and salvage what you can.

So, Charlestonians, don’t let the humidity win! With these tips and tricks, you can keep your collagen gummies in tip-top shape and enjoy their benefits without the sticky mess. Embrace the Lowcountry lifestyle, but fight back against the gummy melt!