MomoBear
Reimagining herbal support as a gummy that can be chewed or brewed.
PHARMADAYS UGM 2025
1st Winner - Industrial Case Competition
August 2025
PROJECT OVERVIEW
At a glance
Challenge
Making herbal routines practical and enjoyable
Approach
A dual-format chewable-and-brewable product concept
Formulation
Moringa, cinnamon, ginger, and proposed microencapsulation
Packaging
Reusable tin with a refill pouch system
PROJECT CONTEXT
Why MomoBear was developed
Herbal routines are often perceived as inconvenient or difficult to integrate into daily life. Traditional teas require brewing time and preparation, while conventional supplements can feel utilitarian and routine-heavy. MomoBear explores a more flexible and approachable format by reimagining herbal support as a 2-in-1 product concept that can be chewed directly as a functional gummy or dissolved in warm water as a comforting herbal tea. Formulated with moringa, cinnamon, and ginger, the project connects botanical ingredient rationale, a proposed microencapsulation system, quality-by-design planning, and refill-oriented packaging into one cohesive consumer experience designed for daily consistency.
PRODUCT INNOVATION
One product, two ways to enjoy it
The dual-format concept allows MomoBear to be consumed directly as a chewable gummy or dissolved in warm water as a functional herbal tea.
Chew
Consumed directly as a gummy for a convenient daily format.
Brew
Prepared in warm water to create a functional herbal drink experience.
Integrated format
One product concept designed around two distinct consumption rituals.
FORMULATION ARCHITECTURE
Herbal formulation strategy
The proposed formulation combines botanical inputs with a literature-informed carrier system and dual-gelling matrix.
Moringa oleifera - A literature-informed botanical component considered for its nutritional and antioxidant profile.
Cinnamomum burmannii - Included as a functional botanical and characteristic flavor component.
Zingiber officinale - Included for its warming sensory profile and literature-informed functional potential.
Maltodextrin and gum arabic - Proposed carrier materials for the microencapsulation system.
Gelatin and pectin - Considered as part of the gummy structure and texture system.
Maltitol and monk fruit - Explored as part of a lower-sugar sweetening strategy.
The proposed ingredient functions, microencapsulation system, and development pathway are based on literature and concept-stage planning. The finished product has not undergone completed preclinical or clinical efficacy validation.
QUALITY STRATEGY
Quality-by-design approach
The project incorporates Quality-by-Design (QbD) principles to align formulation characteristics with manufacturing consistency and user requirements.
QTPP
Defines the intended product profile, dosage form, use experience, and packaging direction.
CQA
Identifies quality attributes related to consistency, stability, texture, and safety.
CPP
Maps the production variables that would require control during development.
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
From herbal inputs to packaged concept
The proposed manufacturing sequence maps the transition from raw botanical inputs through extraction and encapsulation to final packaged gummies.
Herbal inputs - Raw botanical selection and preliminary quality assessment
Extraction - Standardized active extraction and concentration
Proposed encapsulation - Spray-drying encapsulation with maltodextrin and gum arabic
Gummy forming - Thermal gelation, molding, and controlled setting
Packaging - Primary tin filling and secondary refill pouch sealing
DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
Proposed validation roadmap
01 - Formulation optimization - Refine ingredient ratios, texture, taste, dissolution behavior, and dual-format usability.
02 - Physical and sensory characterization - Evaluate appearance, texture, moisture behavior, taste, aroma, and brewability.
03 - Stability and microbiological evaluation - Plan accelerated and real-time stability studies together with appropriate microbiological checks.
04 - Proposed preclinical assessment - Define a literature-informed future assessment pathway for safety and functional exploration.
05 - Future clinical and regulatory pathway - Outline later-stage human evaluation and regulatory requirements only after earlier development stages are completed.
These stages represent proposed development activities, not completed preclinical, clinical, or regulatory studies.
PACKAGING STRATEGY
Reusable tin and refill pouch system
The proposed packaging structure pairs a durable primary tin with a lightweight refill pouch to reduce single-use container replacement.
Reusable main tin for daily tabletop storage and protection
Refill-oriented pouch for lower-weight product replenishment
Direct product transfer from refill pouch into the main tin
Convenient seal-and-store interaction for home and travel use
Reduces the need to replace the primary container with every purchase
FINAL CONCEPT
Project outcome
MomoBear brings together herbal formulation research, a dual-format consumer experience, quality-by-design planning, proposed microencapsulation, and refill-oriented packaging in one integrated functional product concept.
