This homemade gummy recipe is perfect for customizing your very own gummy snacks with any flavors you like! It is so simple, and can be made with herbal tea infusions or juice.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn a world saturated with sugary snacks and artificial treats, there’s a growing trend towards embracing wholesome and homemade alternatives. If you’re a fan of gummies but want to skip the refined sugar, this recipe for homemade gummies using real fruit juice and other natural ingredients is your ticket to guilt-free snacking.
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Not only are these gummies delicious, but they’re also a fantastic way to promote gut health and indulge your sweet tooth without compromising on nutrition.
The Best Part: Silicone Molds for Homemade Gummy Bears
The first step to creating your own healthy gummy bears is investing in silicone molds. However these are totally optional. You could easily make these healthy gummies just using a baking pan and cutting them into squares. Silicone molds not only give your gummies their iconic shapes but also make the process much more enjoyable. From classic gummy bear molds to playful dinosaur shapes, the possibilities are endless, adding a touch of fun to your kitchen adventures. Our kids love them!
Ingredients That Pack a Punch
1. Unleashing the Power of Real Fruit
The foundation of our healthy gummy bears is the use of real fruit juice and purees. Opt for a variety of flavors like orange, grape, cranberry, or pineapple juice to experiment with different taste sensations. Fresh fruit puree can also be a great addition, providing a burst of natural sweetness and essential nutrients. Herbal tea infusions with a little bit of honey is also a great base for gummies!
2. Ditching Refined Sugar: The Sweet Alternatives
Instead of corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, opt for healthier alternatives like maple syrup or a little honey. These sweeteners not only enhance the flavor but also contribute additional benefits, making your gummies a guilt-free treat.
3. Gelatin: The Secret Ingredient
To achieve that perfect chewy texture, turn to unflavored gelatin. We love Perfect Supplements brand. Whether it’s beef gelatin or agar agar powder for a vegan option, these ingredients are the backbone of your gummy bear mixture. Gelatin is also rich in amino acids and collagen, supporting gut health and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Tools & Ingredients for Making Homemade Gummies:
- Silicone Molds (optional, but super fun!)
- Eyedroppers
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Gelatin
- Your favorite juice or tea infusion
- Your choice of medicine
- Honey (optional)
- Lemon Juice (optional)
How to Make Homemade Gummies:
1) Bloom your Gelatin
- Mix 2 cups of liquid (juice or herbal tea) with 1/3 cup gelatin in a saucepan. Let it “bloom” for 5 minutes. This is when the gelatin fully absorbs the liquid to create the gummy texture.
Flavor Combinations:
- Get creative with flavor combinations by adding a splash of lemon or lime juice for a zesty kick. Experiment with different fruit juices or herbal teas to find your favorite mix.
- We like to sneak some medicinal ingredients in here, like wild cherry bark cough syrup for the kids, or some a strong ginger tea with honey for those early pregnancy woes.
2) Heat the Gelatin/Juice Mixture
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk the mixture until it is perfectly smooth and all the gelatin has visibly dissolved.
3) Molding Your Gummies:
- Use an eye dropper or squirt bottle to fill your silicone molds with the fruit and gelatin mixture. This step allows for precise and *somewhat* mess-free gummy crafting.
4) Setting Time:
- Allow the gummies to set in the molds on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
5) Storage:
- Once set, transfer your homemade gummies to an airtight container for long-lasting freshness and place them in the fridge. We like to use a Tupperware container or a mason jar. They will keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
The Great Thing About Healthy Homemade Gummies
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in the absence of artificial flavors, colors, and added sugar. Say goodbye to store-bought gummies with questionable ingredients and hello to your own vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious gummy vitamins.
Embrace Variety with Different Juices and Flavors:
Experiment with various fruit juices and flavor combinations to discover your ideal gummy bear recipe. Whether you’re making gummy worms, or unique dinosaur shapes, the options are endless.
Make them Medicinal:
These homemade gummies are the perfect sneaky medicine for the kids. When I hear a sniffle or a cough coming on, you better believe I get out my gummy making equipment and add some elderberry syrup, echinacea glycerine, or wild cherry bark syrup in there with the liquid.
I usually use about 1/4 cup of concentrated medicine as part of my 2 cups of liquid.
Herbal Tea Gummies:
When making gummies out of herbal tea infusions, make them strong! For example, use a strong ginger infusion, add lemon juice and honey.
A Few Notes for Your Kitchen Adventure
- Perfect Supplements Gelatin: Consider using high-quality gelatin like Perfect Supplements brand for added health benefits.
- Vegan Fruit Snacks: For a vegan twist, replace gelatin with agar agar powder.
- A Little Bit of Sugar: A little bit of sugar from natural sources like honey or fruit juice is a WAY better option than the refined stuff found in store-bought gummies.
- Make them Medicine: What funner way to get tons of concentrated vitamins, minerals, and medicinal herbs in you and your children than gummies? I usually use 1/4 cup of medicine as part of my 2 cups of liquid.
The Joy of Crafting Your Own Homemade Gummies
Creating your own gummy bears at home not only provides a healthier alternative to store-bought options but also allows you to control the ingredients. Make it a family activity or surprise your loved ones with tasty treats that promote both indulgence and well-being.
So, gather your silicone molds, choose your favorite fruit juices, and embark on a journey to make your own healthy, homemade gummies. Your taste buds and gut health will thank you for it! Enjoy crafting these delightful treats with simple ingredients, and don’t forget to share the joy with your friends and family.
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Homemade Gummies
Equipment
- Silicone Molds optional
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Eyedropper optional
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup gelatin
- 2 cups liquid
Instructions
- Pour the liquid into a saucepan. Add the gelatin on top and let bloom for 5 minutes
- Whisk together over medium high heat until fully dissolved
- Pour into a baking dish, or squirt into silicone molds using an eyedropper or squirt bottle
- Let set in the fridge for a few hours or overnight
- Cut into squares (if not using molds) and enjoy!