SIRIO Europe Introduces LifeChews Jelly Tablet Format for Lipid-Based Nutrients

Contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) SIRIO Europe has launched LifeChews, a patented plant-based chewable jelly tablet designed to improve delivery of lipid-based nutrients while meeting growing consumer demand for convenient and enjoyable supplement formats, the company explains in a March 12, 2026, press release.¹

Addressing Formulation Challenges with Oil-Soluble Ingredients

The new format, recently introduced to the European market as part of a global rollout, aims to address long-standing formulation challenges associated with oil-soluble nutrients, including oxidation risk and undesirable taste profiles. LifeChews combines a chewable delivery system with the ability to incorporate high payloads of lipid-soluble ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, coenzyme Q10, and carotenoids like lutein and astaxanthin.

According to the company, evolving consumer expectations around supplements are influencing product development across the category. Research cited by SIRIO suggests that 43% of consumers are seeking greater supplement efficacy, while up to 45% consider pleasant taste a key factor when choosing supplement formats. The LifeChews platform is intended to meet these demands by combining sensory appeal with scientifically validated nutrient delivery.

Dispersion System and Research

At the core of the technology is a patented dispersion system that produces oil droplets approximately 5 μm in size—comparable to lipid particles found in human milk. This uniform dispersion is designed to optimize digestion and absorption of lipid-based ingredients.

In studies evaluating omega-3 delivery, LifeChews achieved a 161% higher blood plasma DHA concentration compared with a control, corresponding to a reported 198% improvement in bioavailability.² Additional simulated digestion studies demonstrated consistent distribution of DHA throughout gastric and intestinal phases, supporting the stability of the format, the company states.

To illustrate potential applications for brand partners, SIRIO has developed four ready-to-launch product concepts built on the LifeChews platform. These concepts target several high-growth health categories, including brain health, cardiovascular support, immunity, and longevity. The company notes that the format is designed to help brands deliver clinically supported nutrients in a consumer-friendly format that encourages daily adherence.

Sara Lesina, General Manager of SIRIO Europe, described the format as an opportunity for supplement brands to differentiate in competitive lipid-based categories such as omega-3s. “LifeChews are a gamechanger in how consumers experience supplements,” she explains. “They combine convenience, great taste, and a really meaningful nutrient boost in a plant-based chewable jelly format people actually enjoy. By bringing together clinical validation and a high payload capacity, LifeChews give our partner brands a powerful new way to stand out in key trending categories and deliver real added value to consumers.”

SIRIO plans to showcase LifeChews and related concept formulations at the Innovation for the Future Summit in Berlin on March 24.

Soft Chews for Eye Health Support

At this year’s Natural Products Expo West, SIRIO Pharma, in partnership with OmniActive Health Technologies, launched a new soft chew for eye health. As Doug Brown, Vice President – Americas with SIRIO Pharma, explained in an interview with Nutritional Outlook, the soft chew format offers multiple benefits for consumers and manufacturers.³

“Clear indication is we have entire generations that have become young adults now that grew up on gummy bears and gummy candies and Starburst style soft chews and things like that,” he explains. “When you produce a health benefit solution that's in one of those formats, it's much more appealing to the younger generations. It's also appealing to other generations because of its easier, much more enjoyable delivery, right? In terms of being able to expand the audience reached by eye health solutions and to hit the preventative or proactive class of consumers, soft chews provide a really, really good solution.”

He adds that this soft chew aligns with trends shifting from tablets to capsules to soft gels to gummies, and with advances in eye health research, resulting in a supplement consumers are looking for.

This article was created with assistance from AI. The content has been reviewed and edited by Erin McEvoy, Associate Editor. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact us.

References

1. SIRIO. Europe. SIRIO Europe launches LifeChews™ plant-based jelly tablets, redefining lipid-based supplementation. Press release provided via email March 13, 2026. Accessed March 16, 2026.
2. Huang X, Huo S, Sun X, Xu Q, Zhang W, Fang S, et al. A Novel Emulsion Gel Formulation Improves the Bioavailability of DHA in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2024, 12(11), 508-512. doi:10.12691/jfnr-12-11-6
3. McEvoy E. Eye Health Supplements: Improving Compliance with a Soft Chew Format. Published March 10, 2026. Accessed March 16, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/eye-health-supplements-improving-compliance-with-a-soft-chew-format