The Department of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW) will be offering its Advanced Gummies and Jellies Course through an online platform this fall due to public health concerns. The course, which will be active Nov. 2-20, includes pre-recorded lectures and labs as well as live online Q&A sessions. Registration is open through Nov. 2.

“In addition to candy makers, our fall course on gummies and jellies is a great opportunity for gummy vitamin makers to receive advanced training in formulation and processing,” said food science professor Rich Hartel, who runs the course.

The course provides a broad overview of gummy and jelly ingredients and processes by which they are made, then develops advanced concepts and principles, including manufacture of various enhanced or fortified products. The following topics will be covered: sweetener chemistry; hydrocolloids; processing; finishing; starchless molding; enhancements; flavors and colors; interactions and shelf life; and regulatory information.

It is intended to instruct technical, production, research, and managerial personnel in the field of gummies and jellies technology, or anyone looking to gain knowledge about successful manufacturing of various types of gummies and jellies.

The online version of the course covers the same information and skills as the in-person version, and will be led by the same outstanding group of technical experts from the industry and the UW–Madison Department of Food Science.

From Nov. 2-20, when the course is active, participants will work through course materials at their own pace, including video of pre-recorded lectures, readings, and other materials. There will also be videos of the course’s lab sessions, which walk participants through the processing, formulation, and common troubleshooting for each type of candy. On Nov. 18-20, course instructors will host a series of live online Q&A sessions, providing the opportunity to engage with instructors and ask questions.

Registration for the course costs $595. For more information and to registration, visit https://foodsci.wisc.edu/extension/advanced_gummies_jellies/.