No matter what time of year it is, gummy bears are always a nice treat. Am I right? It doesn’t take much convincing to have a couple of good on-the-go snacks, especially when they taste like candy. What I love about this Homemade Gummy Bears recipe is that you can use any juice you like. The pomegranate and ginger mixture you’ll see below is simply for immune system purposes and we were sick at which time I made these.
However, keep in mind they don’t always taste amazing if the juice (like those two) have a less sweet flavor to them. So keep this in mind when you select your juice! To be completely honest, the kids did NOT like the flavor of these and when trying to make them again, I’d probably shoot for orange juice since that is a staple in our house!
Additionally, I’ve linked the bear molds I purchased from Amazon however, I suggest buy a couple different types, maybe even smaller ones, as these bears are quite big and you may only need to eat 2-3 of them.
These are affiliate links. You don’t need to purchase through here but this gives you an idea of the products I used.
Juice
As mentioned above, keep in mind what juice you choose to use. For this recipe, I did an immune boosting version but you can use any kind. Orange juice would be a good option too! Grape juice can also be used but it may change the amount of sugar that you’re looking to put in a homemade version.
Gelatin
What I love about this recipe is the fact that gelatin has protein in it! Now, I wouldn’t tout homemade gummy bears as “high protein” but they do have some, which is better than none! I do have one tip on adding in the gelatin powder.
Be sure to add in the powder while you’re mixing. If you just pour it in in one big tablespoon, it will almost immediately start to form into the sticky gelatin and you’ll get a massive clump that you’ll need to remove. I suggest pouring it in while you’re simultaneously mixing with a whisk to ensure it blends evenly.
Honey
You can add more or less depending on how sweet you like it! I add roughly 2 Tbsp however, more may be better for you! Pro tip: Select honey that is local to your area which may help with seasonal allergies!
Other Ingredients
Feel free to add other vitamin drops or liquid to your homemade gummy bears mixture such as elderberry syrup instead of honey or zinc drops if you’re making these to boost your immune system.
Homemade Gummy Bears
Equipment
- 1-4 Bear Mold Can use any molds. You will need droppers if they don't come with the molds.
- 1 Dropper Usually comes with molds if bought in a package
- 1 sauce pan small
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Juice I've used orange juice, pomegranate, and ginger (by The Ginger People) - Kids prefer sweeter!
- 1/4 Cup Gelatin Powder I use NuNaturals Gelatin Powder
- 3 or more Tbsp Honey I use local to help with allergies
Instructions
- Combine juice and gelatin in a small sauce pan (while whisking).
- Whisk until evenly mixed (looks like baby food or a puree).
- Place saucepan on low-heat (or medium) and stir continously until it is smooth.
- Pour into molds with a dropper.
- Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm them up.
Notes
- Make sure to whisk the juice while you add the powder or you will get clumps! If you get clumps, you'll want to remove them as they won't go in the dropper.
- You don't have to use a dropper but it may get messy without it. The mixture will be sticky!
- You'll want to move at a decent speed because the mixture does firm up pretty quick and the bears will start to harden before you even put them in the fridge.
- While I used a mixture of pomegranate and ginger juice, if you're going to give them to kids, you'll want to make sure they are sweet! I made them with less sweet options for immune boosting reasons!
Looking for other ways to boost your immune system or start healthy habits? Check out this blog post on ways to improve your healthy habits overnight.
