Ever thought about making your own gut-friendly, healthy gelatin gummies? Well, you’re in the right place! This blog post explores the world of homemade gelatin gummies, their numerous health benefits, and how to create them at home.
Not only will you learn how to make delicious gummies, but you’ll also discover how to customize them to your taste and dietary preferences. So let’s dive right in!
This blog post is all about "Gelatin Gummies".
Key Takeaways
- Gelatin gummies are a nutritious alternative to candy, offering gut-soothing & joint strengthening benefits.
- Making homemade gummies is fun for the whole family, pick your own organic ingredients and customize them with endless possibilities!
- Perfecting the process is easy - just follow a few simple steps and you’ll be enjoying delicious treats in no time!
The Wonders of Gelatin Gummies
Homemade gummies are a fantastic alternative to store-bought gummy candies, offering a healthier and more nutritious option for you and your family. Made with real fruit juice, a little honey, and grass-fed gelatin, these gummies boast gut-soothing, joint-strengthening, and skin-boosting benefits.
When you make gummies at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial dyes, flavors, and excessive sugar found in store-bought gummy candies. This is one of the main reasons why we decided to explore how to make gelatin gummies at home.
The key ingredient in these healthy gummies is gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen. Gelatin provides important amino acids, the building blocks of protein, and offers many of the same health benefits as collagen, including supporting gut health, joints, and even hair, skin, and nails.
By choosing grass-fed gelatin, you can take advantage of these awesome benefits and create your own delicious gummies in a variety of flavors and fun shapes.
The Science Behind Gelatin
Gelatin is a cooked form of collagen. It’s colorless, tasteless, and can be sourced from animal bones, hides, and connective tissues. Powdered gelatin is a common form of this versatile ingredient.
While both gelatin and collagen share many of the same benefits (i.e-both promote skin, joints, gut, and bone health), they CANNOT be used interchangeably. Especially when making these gummies. Not surprisingly, gelatin has "gumming" properties and collagen does not.
When making our gummies, we used Grass-fed gelatin, the top choice for making gummies, which helps repair the gut lining, supports healthy hair, skin, and nails, and is excellent for joint health.
With all these health benefits, it’s no wonder that gelatin is the star ingredient in creating gut-friendly gummies!
Why Choose Homemade Gummies
The reasons for making your own gelatin gummies are endless, but we love how homemade gummies give you the advantage of:
- Selecting your own ingredients
- Customizing them according to your preferences
- Creating treats with organic ingredients
- Free from artificial dyes and flavors
- No added sugar other than what’s naturally present in the fruit juice (and honey).
Plus, it’s a fun and creative activity to do with the family, and the end result is a delicious, nutritious snack that everyone will love.
I made several batches of these with my four-year-old daughter and she absolutely loved making them, and eating them too!
Creating Your Own Gelatin Gummies
Understanding the benefits of homemade gummies, you might be eager to learn the process of making them yourself. Making your own gelatin gummies involves a few simple steps.
- Selecting the right ingredients
- Choosing the necessary tools
- Perfecting the gummy-making process
- Customizing your gummies to your liking
As you embark on your gummy-making journey, you’ll discover that there are countless ways to customize and adapt your gummies. From trying different flavors and colors to experimenting with various shapes and sizes, the possibilities are endless!
So let’s explore the process of making your very own gelatin gummies in more detail.
1. Selecting the Right Ingredients
For top-notch homemade gummies, selecting high-quality ingredients is a must. Start with either fresh fruit (preferably organic), or a "pure" fruit juice (i.e.- juice with NO added sugar) of your choice, ensuring it’s free from additives and artificial flavors.
Gelatin
For the gelatin, we opted for grass-fed gelatin, which offers numerous health benefits and is more environmentally friendly than some other non-grass-fed options.
I loved this grass-fed gelatin by Vital Proteins. In general, I have had really good luck with the Vital Proteins brand. I use Vital Proteins for my collagen supplement, and really do like their Beef Gelatin as well. I definitely recommend this brand to use when making your gelatin gummy snacks.
Sweetener
If you prefer a sweet gummy, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, instead of granulated sugar or corn syrup. This way, you’ll create a healthier and tastier gummy treat.
Nature Nate's Organic Honey is one that I use quite often. I use honey as a sweetener in a lot of the baking I do and I really like the quality of this brand.
Note: I tend to NOT like things overly sweet but still opted to sweeten our gummies with a little bit of honey to take some of the tart 'edge' off. Plus, this helps my daughter think that these healthy gummies are more candy-like than if we did not add any sweetener to them.
2. Choosing Your Tools (Blender, Molds, etc.)
Aside from premium ingredients, a handful of key tools will also be required to craft your homemade gummies.
Blender
A blender is necessary for properly mixing and blending the ingredients to achieve the perfect consistency. While you don't necessarily need a high-speed blender for these recipes, the one that I ALWAYS, ALWAYS recommend is a Vitamix.
I LOVE my Vitamix blender so much and it truly turns an average recipe into one that is restaurant-quality. And while it can be a bit of an investment piece, I have probably had mine close to 15 years and it's still going strong. This is 100% worth the purchase in my opinion.
That being said, if you have a non-high-speed blender and want to make these treats, then please do NOT go out and buy a Vitamix. Your regular blender should work just fine to make these gelatin gummy snacks.
Silicone Molds
Silicone molds are a very fun addition to take your gummy-making abilities to the next level. There are a ton of different molds out there, but the ones that I opted to buy (and do recommend) are these silicone molds that I found on Amazon:
For these gelatin gummy recipes, the heart shape and donut shape molds worked best for me. Meaning they came out rather easily from their molds and did not break. However, you might have better luck in getting the others to work.
Note: If you don’t have molds, you can also use a glass dish or baking dish and cut the gummies into desired shapes once they’re set.
3. Perfecting the Gummy-Making Process
Generally speaking, the process of making gummies is quite similar from one recipe to the next. Each recipe might have slightly unique steps, but they more or less follow very similar steps.
For impeccable gelatin gummies, initiate the process by combining your fruit juice, sweetener, and gelatin. Then, heat the mixture in a small pot over low heat, whisking until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This generally takes about 5-10 minutes on low heat on your stovetop.
Next, to make gummies, follow these steps:
- Mix the ingredients together in a saucepan over low heat until fully combined (about 5-10 minutes).
- Pour the mixture into your chosen molds or dish.
- Let it cool in the refrigerator for at least one to two hours.
- Once set, pop the gummies out of the molds or cut them into desired shapes.
- Enjoy!
With a little practice, you’ll soon master the art of gummy-making and be able to create delicious, gut-friendly treats for the whole family.
4. Customizing Your Gummies
Now for the BEST part! Customizing your gelatin gummies!
A distinctive advantage of crafting your own gummies is the liberty to experiment with an array of flavors, shapes, and sizes. Experiment with different fruits and juices, or even mix them to create unique flavor combinations.
You can also customize the texture by adjusting the amount of gelatin, making your gummies firmer or softer according to your preference. And don’t forget to have fun with molds – there are countless options available, including:
- Classic gummy bear shapes
- Hearts
- Stars
- Animals
- Fruits
- Letters and numbers
- Holiday-themed shapes
The possibilities are endless!
With a little imagination, your homemade gummies can be as unique and delightful as you are!
Creative Gummy Recipes for Every Taste
Eager to begin crafting your own scrumptious gummies? Great! Here’s a collection of unique and tasty gummy candy recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences.
From immunity-boosting strawberry gummies to antioxidant-rich cranberry gummies and even tropical coconut milk gummies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So let’s explore these mouthwatering recipes and get inspired to create your own homemade gummy treats!
Immunity-Boosting Strawberry Gummies
Packed with immunity-boosting strawberries, these delicious gelatin gummies are both tasty and healthy. They are hands-down one of my favorite gelatin gummy recipes to make.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2- 2 cups fresh strawberries (preferably organic)
- 1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup grass-fed gelatin
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
Instructions
1. Roughly chop up the strawberries and place them into a high-speed blender. Blend on high until well blended.
2. Add the lemon juice to the blended strawberries. Mix well.
3. Pour the pureed strawberry-lemon mixture into a pan and place on low heat.
4. Pour the gelatin and honey into the strawberry-lemon puree mixture and continuously stir until well-blended. Approximately 5 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a silicone mold. Place into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture becomes firm.
6. Enjoy!
These gummies are perfect as a nutritious snack or even served at parties as a colorful and flavorful dessert option. They should last for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Antioxidant Cranberry Gummies
Tart cranberry juice is not only delicious but also known for its antioxidant properties.
We wanted to experiment with making a gummy recipe that did not require a blender and thought that using pure cranberry juice was a great solution.
Not only is pure cranberry juice full of antioxidants, but it is also believed to help prevent urinary tract infections, improve gut health, and so much more.
This is one of the many reasons we love this gelatin gummy snack! Plus, for anyone who loves tart-tasting treats, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pure cranberry juice (not from concentrate)
- 1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup grass-fed gelatin
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
Instructions
1. Pour the cranberry juice and lemon juice into a saucepan and place on low heat.
4. Slowly pour the gelatin and honey into the cranberry-lemon mixture and continuously stir until well-blended. Approximately 5 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a silicone mold. Place into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture becomes firm.
6. Enjoy! Snack on these cranberry gummies as a tasty treat throughout the day.
Tropical Coconut Milk Gummies
Bring a taste of the tropics to your gummy-making with this delightful coconut milk gummy recipe. You can experiment with different fruit flavors to mix and see which you like best.
We had a bunch of oranges on hand and decided to experiment with using oranges as our fruit of choice.
Please note that the gummies with a coconut milk base tend to come out easier in the molds versus those without coconut milk. So if you are struggling to get the molds to work properly, you might want to try this recipe first!
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup grass-fed gelatin
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
Instructions
1. Pour the orange juice and coconut milk into a saucepan and place on medium heat.
4. Slowly pour the gelatin and honey into the mixture and continuously stir until well-blended. Approximately 5 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a silicone mold. Place into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture becomes firm.
6. Enjoy!
These tropical gummies are a delicious and refreshing treat that’ll make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation! This particular one is my daughter's favorite. She can literally eat the whole batch (not recommended) in just one sitting!
Storing and Enjoying Your Homemade Gummies
After creating your tantalizing homemade gummies, proper storage and serving measures are crucial to keep them fresh and delectable. In this section, we’ll cover the best storage methods, expected shelf life, and creative serving suggestions for your homemade gummies.
So let’s learn how to keep your gummies in tip-top shape and enjoy them to the fullest!
Refrigeration and Shelf Life
The best way to store your homemade gummies is in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and chewy for one to two weeks, ensuring you always have a tasty and nutritious treat on hand.
I did not do this the first time I made the gummies and they definitely went bad quicker than when I put them in a properly sealed container.
I have also thrown these gummies into airtight Stasher Bags which also seemed to do the trick as far as preserving the integrity (and longevity) of these snacks!
Remember, proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and flavor of your homemade gummies!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your homemade gummies, the possibilities are endless! Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:
- Savor them as a healthy snack on their own.
- Add them as a fun topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful and nutritious treat.
- Serve them at parties or gatherings as a colorful and tasty dessert option.
- Use them to garnish your cocktails or mocktails for a playful touch.
Whichever way you choose to serve your gummies, they’re sure to be a hit!
Vegan and Allergy-Friendly Alternatives
Those with dietary limitations or preferences, take heart! There are vegan and allergy-friendly alternatives to traditional gelatin gummies.
However, one of the main reasons we chose gelatin was due to its known health benefits (i.e.-promotes skin, joint, gut, and bone health).
Substitutes such as agar-agar can absolutely be used, but please note that the health benefits of agar vary quite a bit from gelatin.
Using Agar-Agar
Agar-agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, derived from algae and typically available in powder form. To use agar-agar in your gummy recipes, simply:
- Blend it with fruit juice, sweetener, and other ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour it into molds.
- Let it set.
Please note that agar-agar sets faster than gelatin and is stronger, so you’ll need to use less of it and work quickly when preparing your gummies.
Adapting Recipes for Dietary Needs
To modify gummy recipes to meet diverse dietary needs and preferences, consider single adaptations like:
- Ingredient substitution
- Portion resizing
- Experimenting with gluten-free flour, plant-based milk, or other alternative ingredients to create gummies that meet your specific needs.
By making these adjustments, you can ensure that your homemade gummies are both delicious and suitable for your dietary restrictions.
Summary
In conclusion, homemade gelatin gummies are not only a fun and creative activity, but also a way to enjoy a healthier, gut-friendly treat. By making your own gummies, you can control the ingredients, customize the flavors and shapes, and even cater to specific dietary needs.
With some practice and a little imagination, you’ll soon be a gummy-making pro, delighting your friends and family with these delicious, gut-loving treats. Happy gummy-making!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gelatin gummies good for you?
Grass-fed gelatin gummies are a great and nutritious snack. Gelatin is believed to help repair gut lining, and support healthy hair, skin, nails, and joints.
What gelatin is used in gummies?
Gelatin is an animal-derived ingredient, usually from cows or pigs. You can choose the type of gelatin that you put into your gummies.
Are gummy bears considered gelatin?
Yes, gummy bears contain gelatin, as do many other popular candies. However, most of these store-bought gelatin candies also contain a high amount of processed ingredients and sugar.
What are the health benefits of homemade gelatin gummies?
Enjoying homemade gelatin gummies can give you a health boost with their benefits to gut health, joint function, and improved hair, skin, and nails.
