Homemade Gummies
(Because why buy gummies full of weird stuff when you can make your own magical ones?)
If your kids are obsessed with gummies (or honestly, if you are), these Homemade Gummies are about to become your new go-to snack. They’re fun, easy, and you can make them in all kinds of fun shapes—stars, moons, ladybugs, donuts—you name it. Plus, you actually know what’s in them. Winning!
For the batch in my photo, I used strawberry banana juice and orange mango juice—because why pick just one flavor when you can have both?
And no sketchy ingredients here: I used Organika brand grass-fed gelatin and kept the colors all natural (no food dye needed).
But if you ever want to make them even more vibrant, I also recommend Watkins natural food coloring—it’s plant-based and super easy to use.
Perfect for snack time, party treats, or just because you felt like being a kitchen wizard today.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5-10 minutes (plus about 1 hour chill time)
Serves
Makes around 30-40 small gummies depending on mold size
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100% fruit juice (I used strawberry banana and orange mango for mine—feel free to mix it up!)
- 2-3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup if you want it vegan)
- 3 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin powder (I used Organika brand)
- Optional: Vitamin C powder, elderberry syrup, or natural food coloring (like Watkins brand)
Instructions
1
Warm the Juice:
Pour the fruit juice into a small saucepan over low-medium heat.
You want it warm, not boiling—we’re making gummies, not lava.
2
Sweeten It Up:
Stir in the honey (or maple syrup) and mix until it’s fully dissolved. Taste it! If it’s not sweet enough, add a tiny bit more honey. You’re the boss.
3
Sprinkle the Gelatin:
Slowly sprinkle the gelatin powder over the warm juice while whisking constantly.
Don’t just dump it all at once or you’ll end up with weird, gelatinous clumps—and not the cute gummy kind.
4
Keep Whisking:
Whisk, whisk, whisk until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and a little glossy. This only takes a few minutes.
Heads up: you might notice some little bubbles on top from all the whisking. Totally normal! They won’t affect the taste or texture, and honestly, it just adds character.
5
Pour Into Molds:
Carefully pour the mixture into silicone molds.
Here’s my personal hack: instead of using a tiny dropper (because who has the patience for that?), I pour the liquid into a plastic sandwich bag, snip a tiny hole in one corner, and pipe the mixture into the molds like I’m frosting cupcakes. It’s way faster, a little bit messier if you’re like me, but totally worth it.
I used stars, moons, ladybugs, and donut shapes for this batch—because why not make snack time adorable?
(If you don’t have molds, you can pour it into a small baking dish and cut it into squares after it sets.).
6
Chill Out:
Pop the molds into the fridge for about 1 hour or until the gummies are firm and set.
Distract yourself (and your kids) during this hour so you don’t keep poking them.
7
Pop & Store:
Once firm, pop the gummies out of the molds and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They’ll stay good for about 5-7 days (if they even last that long).
Tips & Tricks:
Mold Release Tip:
If you want super easy-to-remove gummies, you can lightly coat your silicone molds with a tiny bit of neutral oil (like coconut or avocado oil). Just note it might leave your gummies a little slick or shiny. If that bugs you, here’s a fun fix: after popping them out, roll the gummies in a bit of fine sugar (or a mix of sugar and vitamin C powder for a tangy kick!). It helps with texture and adds a sweet little sparkle.
Heads-Up on Juice Types:
Some fresh juices like pineapple, kiwi, mango, papaya, guava, and figs contain enzymes that can break down gelatin, which means your gummies might never set properly (sad times). If you want to use one of these, you’ll need to use pasteurized juice or gently heat the juice first to deactivate those enzymes. Store-bought pineapple juice is usually fine — just avoid fresh or unpasteurized versions unless you cook it first.
Boost It: Stir in a little vitamin C powder or a spoonful of elderberry syrup if you want to turn your gummies into mini immune-boosters.
Color It Naturally: If you ever want brighter gummies, a few drops of natural food coloring (like Watkins brand) can make them pop without the artificial junk.
Different Molds = Different Fun: Mini dinos, hearts, letters—let your kids pick the molds and get excited about eating something healthy-ish. Check out these gummy molds!
Flavor Combo Inspiration:
Not sure which juices or extras to try? Here are some fun and healthier flavor combos to get you started:
🍓 Strawberry + Banana Juice – Classic, kid-friendly, and smooth.
🍊 Orange + Mango – Tropical sunshine in a gummy.
🍇 Grape + Elderberry Syrup – Tastes like a treat, helps the immune system too.
🍋 Lemon + Honey + Ginger – A little zingy, great for cold season.
🍏 Apple + Cinnamon – Tastes like fall in a chewy bite.
🍉 Watermelon + Lime – Refreshing and sweet with a twist.
🥭 Peach + Turmeric – Subtle, earthy, and golden.
🍒 Tart Cherry + Vanilla – Great for sleep and feels a bit fancy.
Want to get extra? You can also add purees like beet, carrot, or blueberry for natural color and an extra boost.
Serving Suggestions:
- Hand them out for after-school snacks, toss a few into lunchboxes, or serve a little bowl of them at your next playdate. You’ll feel ridiculously accomplished (and slightly smug) handing out homemade gummies.
- Bonus: These are WAY cheaper than buying the “fancy” organic ones at the store. Your wallet says thank you.
Printable Version:
Want to keep this recipe handy?
👉 [Click here to download the printable version!]
Let’s Chat!
Tried different flavors? Added vitamins? Created a new favorite gummy shape? Share your gummy greatness in the comments below! I love hearing your fun twists (and your kids’ honest reviews too).