Food Scientist to audit & finalize gummy supplement recipe for manufacturers

We're an early-stage supplement brand (US market launch) developing a single-SKU functional gummy/pouch product, similar to Gruns. The product is a daily "3-in-1" gummy pouch combining protein, fibre, and electrolytes, designed to address common nutritional gaps. We have a working formulation concept and need an experienced food scientist to review, stress-test, and refine it so it is technically sound, stable, and ready to hand off to contract manufacturers (OEM) for pilot batches. We have a directional concept (below) reflecting the product experience and ingredients we'd like to feature, but we're relying on you to determine what will actually work and to propose the formulation. Directional Concept (starting point, not a fixed spec) Format: Single-serve gummy/gel pouch, solid-surface sachet with small clear window; sold in packs of 12 Protein: Interested in a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (WPI) - open to your recommendation if another form/source performs better Sweetener: Preference for allulose syrup as the primary or sole sweetener Gelling agent: Open to pectin-based or alternative systems based on what performs best with a protein inclusion Fiber: Interested in a dual-fiber approach (e.g., a soluble corn fiber plus a guar-based fiber) - open to your recommendation Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and magnesium should be represented Clinical differentiator: Interested in including P5P (vitamin B6 active form) for nausea support, if compatible Regulatory context: US market, dietary supplement (FDA DSHEA framework) What We Need From You 1. Ingredient selection - Recommend and justify specific ingredients (protein source/form, sweetener, gelling agent, fiber system, electrolyte sources, actives) suited to a gummy/gel matrix 2. Formula development - Build out a complete formulation with inclusion levels/ratios that are efficacious, stable, and manufacturable 3. Compatibility and stability testing/guidance - Address known challenges with protein inclusions in gummy/gel systems (gelling behavior, syneresis risk, texture, shelf stability) and propose mitigations 4. Process parameters - Provide target Brix/pH/water activity and processing notes needed for manufacturer feasibility 5. Manufacturer-ready output - Deliver a finished formulation/spec sheet suitable for us to send directly to OEM manufacturers for feasibility and quoting Optional (bonus scope): Flag any label claim, allergen, or DSHEA-related considerations relevant to formulation choices (not full regulatory/legal review - just formulation-adjacent flags) Ideal Candidate - Food science background with hands-on gummy, gel, or confectionery formulation experience from concept through spec (pectin-based or alternative gelling systems) - Experience formulating with protein inclusions in gummy/gel matrices (known technical challenge) - Familiarity with functional/nutraceutical supplement formulation (fiber, electrolytes, active ingredients) - Comfortable producing manufacturer-facing technical documentation Deliverables Written formulation rationale (ingredient choices, ratios, and why) Complete ingredient list with recommended inclusion levels/ratios Manufacturer-ready spec sheet or formulation document One round of revisions based on our feedback Project Details Project Type: Fixed-price preferred (or hourly with an estimated hours cap - open to discussing) Timeline: 2–4 weeks from kickoff