These Homemade Healthy Gummies are the perfect boost for your gut health!
Homemade gummies weren’t exactly on my radar until my husband started a dedicated effort to improve his gut health. I suggested he try drinking some gelatin; after all, gelatin is said to help with everything from lowering inflammation to supporting good gut bacteria. Despite my efforts, he absolutely refused. He took one sip and immediately started gagging at the texture. Fail.
How could I fix that? Well, I figured if I could turn the gelatin into something fun and tasty, it would be a whole lot easier for him to get on board. That’s where these little homemade healthy gummies came in. All it took was three ingredients (in the shape of a cute little bear), and suddenly, my husband was happy to down gelatin like it’s his favorite snack.
And these little bears are one of my new favorite snacks, too. Not only are they delicious, but they’re rich in vitamin C, protein, and all the gut-boosting benefits of gelatin. They’re also super easy to make! So you can enjoy all the gummy bear goodness you loved as a kid, minus all the weird ingredients.
Are These Homemade Gummies Healthy?
These homemade gummy bears contain only three ingredients: gelatin, honey, and orange juice. Gelatin, as I’ve already covered, is often consumed for gut health. It’s made almost entirely of protein and boasts properties that also benefit brain, joint, and skin health. Orange juice, meanwhile, is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.
Honey is rich in antioxidants, too, though it sadly loses those properties when cooked. Still, it’s a great natural way to sweeten these gummies with something other than your standard processed white sugar.
Because they contain gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, these gummies are not vegan- or vegetarian-friendly. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, I suggest looking for a gummy bear recipe that uses agar agar powder (derived from red algae) instead of gelatin.
Gummies: The Global Sensation
Gummy candy might seem like a more new-age treat, but it’s actually been around since at least the 1860s. By the 1920s, a German confectioner named Hans Riegel popularized adding fruit flavor to gelatin gummy candy, later in the shape of little bears. In a little over a decade, Riegel’s company—Haribo—went on to employ over 400 people. To this day, Haribo is the world’s leading manufacturer of gummy bears, producing over 100 million of them every day. Now that’s pretty sweet!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
These gummies will keep the perfect consistency and hold together well if kept in the fridge. If they are kept at room temperature, they will melt. In the fridge, they can last upwards of 1 week.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got some homemade gummy bears, use them in a fun Gummy Bear Shot! You can also use up your leftover gelatin to make some healthy Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, or, if you’re feeling a bit more desserty, a luscious Vanilla Mousse or Panna Cotta.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice not from concentrate
- 1 1/2 tablespoons beef gelatin
- 1-2 tablespoons honey depending on how sweet you like the gummies
Instructions
- Place the orange juice in a small saucepan on high heat until it simmers.
- Add the gelatin while whisking until it's dissolved. Then, add the honey, if using.
- Pour mixture into gummy bear molds (use an eye dropper for less mess) or pour into a shallow container.
- Place in the fridge until set, about 1-2 hours.
- Remove from molds, or slice into cubes, and enjoy.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
So excited to try making these! Would maple syrup be an ok substitute for the honey?
Hi Katelin, yes the honey is only there to sweeten so maple syrup should work as well (and it may give a more original taste actually). Let me know how it goes!
You wrote this blog very well. Very knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing this
Hi, I’m making this recipe for the first time & I’m really excited for the kiddos to try these. I just wanted to know whats the best way to store them?
Hi Kris, Best is to store the gummies in an airtight container in your fridge. It is such an exciting recipe to make, one of my ALL TIME favorite!
How long do they last in the fridge?
Hi Briana, About 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. Enjoy!
Could I use different juices like pineapple or mango?
Hi Julie, I have tried cranberry and grape and they were great. I am sure pineapple or mango will be excellent too! For mango, make sure your juice isn’t too tick.
Pineapple has an enzyme in it that breaks down gelatin, so I would avoid pineapple in any recipes that you want to “set”.
hi! was just wondering how many gummies per serving?
Depends the size of the mold you are using but should be 10 to 15 gummies 🐻🐻🐻
Hi, can we use freshly sqeezed orange juice ?
Hi Dalia, yes that certainly work! Enjoy
Theses are yummy how long do they last in fridge?
Hi Dayna, you can keep them up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Enjoy
Does any juice we use have to be not from concentrate? Are there any other delicious flavors?
Hi Anisah, Yes, ideally juice not from concentrate is better. I like apple, cherry or grape juice.
Can I use Knox gelatin instead of beef gelatin? It’s really hard to find beef gelatin where I am at the moment, and expensive to ship here.
Yes, I haven’t tried but think it should work. They are both similar.
so excited to try this. do you mean “not from concentrate” is not from the box? can i use the fresh squeeze orange juice?
Hi Darielle, you can definitely use fresh-squeezed orange juice for this recipe. Enjoy!