Homemade Gummies

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Why Make Gummies at Home

Making gummies at home is a simple way to take something familiar and make it better.

Instead of artificial dyes, flavors, and corn syrup, you’re working with a few real ingredients you can actually recognize and control.

Better Ingredients

You decide what goes in.

That means:

no artificial colors
no added flavors
no corn syrup

Just fruit juice, gelatin, and a sweetener if you need it.

You can keep it simple or use things like fresh berries for a more nutrient-dense option.

A Simple Source of Protein

Using real beef gelatin adds a small amount of protein and naturally occurring amino acids.

It’s not a supplement, just a simple way to include those components as part of real food.

Easy to Customize

Once you understand the method, you can change the flavor any time.

Strawberry, blueberry, or citrus
Lower sweetness or more kid-friendly
Different shapes depending on your molds

Same process, different result.

Cost-Effective

Making them at home is often more affordable than buying better-quality versions at the store.

Especially when you’re already buying fruit or juice, it’s an easy swap.

Homemade Gummies

Gari McMellon

A simple homemade gummy made with real fruit juice and clean ingredients. Firm, chewy, and familiar like store-bought gummies, but made your way.

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Prep Time 15

chilling time 2

Course Dessert, Snack, treat

Cuisine American

Equipment

Ingredients

1/2 cup fruit juice (see notes for how to make your own)
1 tbsp 100% beef gelatin
1-2 tbsp sweetener (optional, see options below)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare juice
Have ½ cup smooth, pulp-free juice ready.
2. Bloom the gelatin
Pour juice into a saucepan (cool or room temperature).
Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the surface.
Let sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes
If dry spots remain, gently stir once or twice
Continue blooming 5–10 minutes total
Gelatin should look fully hydrated, thick, and spongy with no dry granules.
3. Gently heat
Place over low heat.
Stir gently until completely smooth and dissolved.
Do not boil.
4. Sweeten
Remove from heat.
Stir in sweetener (if using) and a pinch of salt.
Taste and adjust as needed.
5. Prepare molds
Place silicone gummy molds on a small baking sheet or tray before filling.
This makes them easier to move to the refrigerator without spilling.
6. Fill molds
Carefully pour or transfer the liquid into the molds.
You can use:
A small measuring cup with a spout
A squeeze bottle
A pipette/dropper (many mold sets include one)
Fill each cavity to the top.
7. Chill
Refrigerate 1–2 hours until fully set.

How to Make Fruit Juice (3 Ways)

1. Blender Method (most accessible)
Add fruit to a blender
For thick fruits (like strawberries), add a small splash of filtered water to help it blend
Blend until completely smooth
Strain through a fine mesh sieve
Measure your final ½ cup after straining
Tip:
Frozen fruit works well, especially strawberries. Thaw first for better juice release.
2. Juicer Method
Run fresh fruit through a juicer
Strain if needed for a smoother texture
Measure ½ cup
3. Store-Bought Juice
Look for 100% juice with no added ingredients
Avoid blends with added sugars, flavors, or preservatives

Fruit-Specific Tips

Strawberries:
Freeze and thaw first for best results
May need a little water to blend
Blueberries:
Blend and strain to remove skins
Citrus (oranges, Cuties):
Peel before blending
Strain for a smooth finish
Add a little zest for extra flavor if desired

Sweetener Options

Use 1–2 tablespoons, depending on taste:
Honey
Maple syrup
Cane sugar (dissolve while heating)
Taste before molding. Cold dulls sweetness slightly.

Texture Guide

1 tablespoon gelatin → firm, chewy, classic gummy
Slightly less → softer
Slightly more → firmer

Storage

Store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredient Note

Made with real beef gelatin, these gummies naturally contain collagen-derived protein.

Keyword fruit juice, gelatin, gummy, homemade

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!