Healthy Homemade Gummies With Gelatin
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these delicious and healthy homemade gummies with gelatin that both kids and adults will love!
As I’ve been spending more and more time in our farmhouse kitchen these days, I’m constantly on the hunt for snacks and foods that I used to buy previously- but now can make at home! (Like these homemade marshmallows withOUT the corn syrup!!)
These healthy homemade gummies totally fit the bill- they’re made with just three or four simple ingredients, and the recipe can be made with different types of fruit juice to make all kinds of different flavors! Best part? This recipe doesn’t include any food coloring or artificial ingredients.
Unlike store bought gummies which usually have a super high sugar content and artificial ingredients such as dyes and preservatives- you can happily eat these yourself or feed them to your family without feeling the least bit guilty!
With all of the amazing benefits of gelatin these gummies are not just for kids but for adults too!
What are some of the health benefits of gelatin?
Including gelatin in your diet is thought to have a variety of potential health benefits such as:
Supporting a healthy digestive system – Glycine an amino acid found in gelatin may help to maintain a healthy mucosal lining in the digestive system. A healthy gut lining is very important for reducing overall inflammation in the body, healthy digestion, maintaining a healthy immune system and helping to prevent and improve adverse reactions to food such as food intolerances.
Gelatin is a great source of protein and adequate protein is needed for growth and repair of every cell in the body. 70% of our connective tissue is made from collagen so having adequate amounts is important for the structure of our entire body including skin, digestive system and joints.
May support healthy bones – Lycine an amino acid found in gelatin may help strengthen bones, and helps the body absorb calcium
Using a good quality gelatin is super important. I like to use a good quality un-flavoured gelatin from responsibly-farmed, pastured (grass-fed) beef, such as this one.
Why You Will LOVE This Healthy Homemade Gummies Recipe
Everyone needs a treat every now and again. Delicious foods make life fun, and you are going to LOVE today’s recipe! They are loaded with protein, rich in vitamin C, and only use a few simple ingredients! Kids and adults alike will go crazy for these tasty healthy homemade gummies.
Why These Homemade Gummies Are Healthy
I love a tasty treat. I love a tasty treat that’s also GOOD for you! But the BEST kind of treat by far is one that’s delicious, healthy for your body, AND easy to make! You’ve hit the jackpot with these healthy gummies I have for you because they check all three boxes. They are made with gelatin which contains protein to give you energy. They also are packed with vitamin C to boost your immunity and sweetened naturally, too!
They’re also easy to make ahead of time and store for when you are craving something sweet.
Healthy Homemade Gummies Ingredients
This recipe is so simple, and the ingredients list is not complicated at all- there are only 3 ingredients needed! Talk about an easy treat that isn’t too difficult. To make these healthy homemade gummies, you will need:
Orange Juice (not from concentrate)
Beef Gelatin
Sweetener of choice, to bring the gummies to your desired sweetness level
How To Make Homemade Healthy Gummies
BLOOM
Sprinkle your gelatin on top of your juice and allow to “bloom” fully
SIMMER
Pour the orange juice (and milk, if using) into a small pot. Bring it to medium heat and allow it to warm up until it comes to a simmer.
DISSOLVE
Once the orange juice is simmering, add the bloomed beef gelatin & juice, and whisk, continuously, until it dissolves completely. Next, add the sugar if you are using it, and whisk it in until dissolved.
POUR
Pour the solution into a silicone mold or a small glass container. This will work just fine if you don’t have any gummy molds!
CHILL
Pop your molds/container in the fridge until set, which should take an hour or 2.
ENJOY!
Remove the gummies from the dish and slice into bite sized pieces. Serve them up and enjoy!
Substitutions and Swaps
While I love this healthy homemade gummies recipe just the way it is, below are some swaps and substitutions that can be made in this recipe.
Fruit Juice – I like using a bunch of different types of juice to create colorful gummies, including apple, orange, grapefruit, pomegranate, and black cherry juice. Other juices that would work great are limeade, lemonade, or grape juice!
Just be sure to avoid pineapple, kiwi, mango, ginger root, papaya, figs, or guava juice. They contain an enzyme (protease) which can prevent gelatin from setting firmly.
Honey – If you don’t have honey on hand, you can use an additional Tbsp of granulated sugar or stevia sweetener in its place. You can also use maple syrup!
Stevia / granulated sugar – Adding additional sweetener or sugar is optional, but I find these gummies taste better with more than just the honey. You can add another Tbsp of honey in place of the stevia / granulated sugar if you don’t want to add sugar. You can also use other types of natural sugar like coconut sugar.
Vegan Option – To make vegetarian/vegan gummies, use 1 tsp of 100% agar agar powder. However, they won’t set quite the same as they do with gelatin.
Tips for Making these Healthy Gummies:
- Get creative with the type of fruit juice you use to make a fun variety of flavors!
- Place your silicone molds on a baking pan to make them easy to move around without spilling.
- Clear out an area in your fridge to allow you to set the trays flat as they chill.
- Immediately add the bloomed gelatin (gelatin powder mixed with water) to your juice mixture, or else it will set firmly and be harder to mix in.
- Adjust the amount of sweeteners in these gummies to match your preference! You can add up to 1 additional tbsp of granulated sugar or honey, or by omitting the honey and sugar or stevia all together.
Storing These Healthy Homemade Gummies
Leftover gummies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I recommend keeping them in the fridge to prevent molding!
FAQ:
How long do homemade gummies last?
Under ideal conditions, homemade gummies can generally last for about two weeks. This duration may vary depending on various factors such as the ingredients used, the level of moisture in the gummies, and the storage conditions.
Should homemade gummies be refrigerated?
Keeping your gummies in the refrigerator can extend their shelf life by one to two weeks. If you don’t plan on consuming your gummies within a week or two, consider storing part of your batch in the freezer. Gummies can last for months if properly wrapped and stored in the freezer
Is it healthy to eat gummies?
Fruit gummies are a fun snack to make for kids and have an interesting texture. They are a source of collagen, protein and glutamic acid, which may improve gut health. But be mindful of the sugar content!
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Healthy Homemade Gummies With Gelatin
With all of the amazing benefits of gelatin these healthy homemade gummies are not just for kids but for adults too!
Ingredients
- 1/3-1/2 cup of powdered gelatin
- 2 Cups of Juice
- 1/4 Cup Sugar/Sweetener of choice
- *Optional 1/3 Cup Raw Milk
Instructions
- Bloom gelatin in 1 cup of juice
- On stove top, heat remaining juice, sugar, (and if added) milk
- After bloomed and liquid is warm, add your gelatin and whisk.
- Stir regularly for 5-10 minutes
- Pour mixture into a glass container and allow to set in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
Notes
Get creative with the type of fruit juice you use to make a fun variety of flavors!
If using, place your silicone molds on a baking pan to make them easy to move around without spilling.
Clear out an area in your fridge to allow you to set the trays flat as they chill.
Immediately add the bloomed gelatin (gelatin powder mixed with water) to your juice mixture, or else it will set firmly and be harder to mix in.
Adjust the amount of sweeteners in these healthy homemade gummies to match your preference! You can add up to 1 additional Tbsp of granulated sugar or honey, or by omitting the honey and sugar or stevia all together.
Looking for more Home Sweet Spena recipe ideas? Check these posts out!
Homemade Marshmallows Without Corn Syrup (also uses gelatin!)