Homemade Gummies
These healthy homemade gummies are made with just 4 ingredients and can be flavored with almost any fruit juice.
They set up in the fridge in about 30 minutes, and you can adjust the sweetness (or make them sugar-free) to match your needs.
The fruit juice in these gummies also naturally gives them a beautiful color. This recipe doesn’t include any food coloring or artificial ingredients.
Note: Avoid fresh juices like pineapple, kiwi, mango, papaya, guava, and figs (they can stop gelatin from setting).
This Recipe At a Glance
- Flavor: Fruit juice + optional honey sweetness
- Texture: Chewy gummies (firmer with more gelatin)
- Skill level: Easy (just heat + stir + fill molds)
- Time: ~20 min active + 30 min chill
- Makes: ~75 small gummies (varies by mold size)
- Best molds: Small silicone molds + dropper (seriously helps)
Substitutions and Swaps
While I love this healthy gummies recipe just the way it is, I know some of you might not have all these ingredients on hand!
Below are some swaps and substitutions that can be made in this recipe.
- Fruit Juice – I like using a bunch of different types of juice to create colorful gummies, including apple juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice, and black cherry juice. Other juices that would work great are limeade, lemonade, or grape juice.
- Honey – If you don’t have honey on hand, you can use an additional Tbsp of granulated sugar or stevia sweetener in its place. You can also use maple syrup.
- Stevia / granulated sugar – Extra sweetener is optional, but I like adding it for a more store-bought gummy flavor. You can add another Tbsp of honey in place of the stevia / granulated sugar if you don’t want to add sugar. You can also use other types of natural sugar, like coconut sugar.
- Unflavored Gelatin – I used packets made by Knox (each packet has about 2 1/2 tsp of gelatin), but you can also use gelatin from a larger container like this. Most large grocery stores carry unflavored gelatin, or you can order it online! To make vegetarian/vegan gummies, use 1 tsp of 100% agar agar powder like this. However, they won’t set quite the same as they do with gelatin.
Using The Right Mold To Make These Healthy Gummies
Most small silicone molds will work with this recipe, so you can get creative with the shape of these healthy gummies, too!
There are some awesome sea shells and dinosaur molds that are so fun to use. I am a fan of the classic gummy bear mold, but don’t feel limited to that! But do keep in mind that different-sized molds can change the total number of gummies a batch makes.
Most silicone molds come with an eye dropper that makes them easy to fill. If you don’t get one, I highly recommend ordering an eye dropper.
Filling These Molds Properly
Fill each cavity all the way to the brim so the gummies hold their shape.
Go slowly to avoid overflow and try not to squeeze in air bubbles. I like to set the molds on a baking sheet, so they’re easy to move to the fridge.
And as you fill the molds, take care not to squeeze air bubbles into the juice!
Troubleshooting
Why are my gummies sticky?
Sticky gummies usually just need more time to “cure.”
- Let them sit uncovered in the fridge for a few extra hours (or overnight) to dry slightly.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If you need them less tacky for packing, toss lightly with a tiny bit of cornstarch.
Why do my gummies taste like gelatin?
This usually happens when the flavor is too mild for the amount of gelatin.
- Use a more flavorful juice (or reduce the honey if it’s overpowering the fruit).
- Add a squeeze of lemon (or a tiny pinch of citric acid) to brighten the fruit flavor.
- Double-check the measurements. Accidentally using tablespoons instead of teaspoons will make them taste extra “gelatin-y.”
Why didn’t my gummies set (they’re watery)?
Most common causes:
- You used a juice that can prevent setting (pineapple/kiwi/mango/papaya/guava/figs).
- The gelatin didn’t fully dissolve before filling the molds.
- The mixture cooled too much before filling, so it started setting unevenly.
Why won’t my gummies come out of the molds?
- If your gummies are sticking, lightly spray molds with nonstick spray (or wipe with a tiny bit of neutral oil) before filling. This usually isn’t necessary with silicone molds.
- Once set, pop the mold into the fridge or freezer for a few minutes to firm them up, then push them out from the bottom.
Why are my agar-agar gummies “wet” or not chewy?
Agar sets differently than gelatin (more “tender/jelly” than chewy gummy).
- Expect a different texture with agar.
- If you want a classic gummy chew, gelatin is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these gummies?
Yes, you can freeze them. Thaw in a single layer so they don’t turn into a sticky clump.
Will these last in a lunchbox?
They’re best kept cold in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack.
Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, agave or maple syrup works. If you don’t want any honey flavor, use a mild sweetener or granulated sugar.
Can I make a half batch?
Yes. Just halve everything (and work quickly, smaller batches set faster).
Can I use an ice cube tray instead of gummy molds?
Yes. They’ll just be bigger and may need a bit longer to fully set.
Tips for Making the Best Healthy Gummies
- Get creative with the type of fruit juice you use to make a fun variety of flavors!
- Place your silicone molds on a baking pan to make them easy to move around without spilling.
- Clear out an area in your fridge to allow you to set the trays flat as they chill.
- After bringing your fruit juice mixture to a boil, let the juice mixture cool for about 3 minutes. This will help the gelatin set more firmly.
- Immediately add the bloomed gelatin (gelatin powder mixed with water) to your juice mixture, or else it will set firmly and be harder to mix in.
- Be sure to stir the fruit mixture and gelatin with a spoon or small spatula and not a whisk! A whisk will incorporate air bubbles into the mixture and make them harder to pipe into the silicone mold.
- Adjust the amount of sweeteners in these gummies to match your preference.
Storing These Homemade Gummies
Leftover gummies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I recommend keeping them in the fridge to prevent molding!
Let Me Know What You Think!
If you try this recipe for healthy gummies, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a rating and comment below.
And don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets and use the #chelsweets so that I can see your amazing creations on social media!
Healthy Gummies
Equipment
- Eye Dropper (most silicone molds come with these)
- Lots of fridge space to set your trays flat
Ingredients
Healthy Gummies Recipe
- 1/3 cup fruit juice – I like to use apple, orange, cranberry, and grape juice 80mL
- 2 Tbsp honey 40g
- 2 tsp (1 packet) stevia or granulated sugar – optional 4g
- 2 1/2 tsp (1 envelope) unflavored gelatin 7g
Instructions
Healthy Gummies Recipe
- Begin by placing the silicone molds on a baking tray. This makes it easier to transport them into the fridge. Also, make sure you have a flat area in your fridge to place the gummy bears once they're poured in the molds.
- Make each flavor separately. Bring 1/3 cup (80 mL) fruit juice, 2 Tbsp (40g) of honey, and 2 tsp of either stevia sweetener or granulated sugar to a simmer over medium-high heat in a small saucepan or pot while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat as soon as the mixture begins to bubble.
- Set aside to cool for a couple of minutes. It should still be warm enough to melt the gelatin, but not hot enough to weaken the setting power of the gelatin.
- In a small container or bowl, bloom the unflavored gelatin by mixing together 2 1/2 tsp (7g) of gelatin with 1 Tbsp (15g) of water until the gelatin is evenly hydrated and thick. The mixture should become quite thick as you stir it.
- As soon as the gelatin and water are fully mixed together, add it to the slightly cooled juice mixture.
- If the gelatin sets, it can be difficult to mix in, but don't worry! It should still be able to dissolve into the juice mixture, but it will take longer to fully incorporate. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before filling the molds, or else tiny bits of gelatin can clog up the eye dropper.
- Use an eye-dropper (they come with most small silicone molds) to carefully fill the silicone molds. Be sure to do this as soon as the gelatin is fully mixed into the juice mixture. If you let it sit and continue to cool, the mixture will start to set.
- Carefully place the molds in the fridge for 30 minutes, then pop them out of the molds and enjoy!
- Make as many batches as you want with different flavors of juice. You can also combine two different juices! I've made these using lemonade, apple, orange, grapefruit, pomegranate, black cherry, and cranberry juice, and have loved them all.
- Leftover gummies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Video
Notes
Substitutions and Swaps
Please see the section titled substitutions and swaps above for all the possible substitutions you can make.Using The Right Mold
Most small silicone molds will work with this recipe, so you can also get creative with the shape of these gummies! There are some awesome gummy worm and dinosaur molds that would be so fun to use. I am a fan of the classic gummy bear mold, but don’t feel limited to that!Nutrition
Other Posts You Might Like:
For a walk down memory lane, check out the photos below from the first time I tried to make my own healthy gummy bears back in 2013!!
How do I email just the recipe to myself??? I would love to try your recipe but I can’t seem to find a way to get it without all the ads.
@Jodi,just go to Print and instead of sending it to your printer, there should be an option to save as a PDF file. If you click this option, it will show you where it will store the document (you should note this location or create a folder on your hard drive and select that folder). It will also show you what name it will assign to the file (it will automatically be given a name and you can save it with that name, or you can change the name of the file to something that you can recognize). Once you have saved the PDF file, go to your email and start a new email and send it to yourself. Click the paperclip icon to attach a document and locate the document I just talked about. Once it has attached to the email, click SEND and it should appear in your in box in a few seconds.
Gary Blake
1/3 cup of fruit juice is not 250g. 1/3 cup=79 ml=79grams
@No Thanks, I think that is very much based on where you are living, and a cup is 250 ml/g. I assume the receipt is written in a country with normal cup standards!
Hi Victoria,
You’re totally right—it really does depend on where you’re located! In the U.S., a cup is typically considered 240 ml for liquids, but in places like Australia, it’s 250 ml. And with ingredients like flour or sugar, weight can vary even more depending on how it’s measured. That’s why I always recommend using a kitchen scale when possible—it takes the guesswork out of it!
Thanks for pointing that out! It’s always helpful to keep those regional differences in mind when baking.
Made them and loved them. I however did not use juice. I used concentrated flavored oil (no sugar or carbs), all stevia (0 carb), and unflavored beef gelatin. Tried creating a more keto friendly for the hubby and sugar free for the kids. They turned out awesome. Thanks for this recipe.
@Nina, Could you share your recipe? Did they look like normal, clear colored gummy bears?
@Nina, hi there! Great idea! What did you use exactly if you don’t mind? Thank you kindly
@Nina,
I know this is an older post but first time maker here and would love your recipe. I am making for grand children who love store bought gummies.??
Thanks
Kim
These are great! We like them already. Last batch we made tasted horrible = you could taste the gelatin. These were perfect. They are stick though. Any suggestion on how to get them easier to store/handle?
@Amy, IDK if this would help but when I make HARD CANDY I place some powdered sugar in the bags, place the candy in them and get it all over the candy. It helps with stickage. For this, you could try cornstarch OR you could try “curing” them for a little longer. She says 2-3 hours but most sites say if you do it for longer they won’t be as sticky.
Great tips! Thank you for sharing Kristi 🙂
@Kristi, I misread the tsp in the gelatin as TBSP and they’re not sticky, but they’re pretty chewy and can taste the gelatin a little, but we still love them…maybe a bit more gelatin would help? 😉
Oh man those would be pretty firm Melissa! I’m glad to hear you still enjoyed them though!! 🙂
Any idea if they would make it to lunch on a school day? About 3.5 hours in an insulated lunch bag with a small ice pack.
Any idea if these would make it about 3.5 hours in an insulated lunch bag with small ice packs?
These were a big hit at my house! I didn’t add any sugar or honey, and they were plenty sweet. We did apple juice with added cinnamon, and it was divine!
@Tamsyn
Can you please tell me what you did exactly ie cups vs grams and sort of juice and gelatine.
Could you use coconut pineapple juice if it’s cooked first? Doesn’t heat kill enzymes?
Hi Lisa,
I haven’t tested that out so sadly I’m not sure. If you do try it, I’d love to hear how it works! Please let me know!
Found the honey flavour overpower the fruit flavour. What can be used instead of honey? Agave?
Hi Darren,
Totally get that! Different types of honey do taste different / can have a stronger flavor, and agave would work great as a sweetener too!
I don’t have small molds. Just wondering if I can use square silicon ice cube trays and cut the gummies into squares after?
Hi Amanda,
That should totally work! They will take a bit longer to set but other than that they should turn out great!
I’d love to use mango juice for my gummy bears. How do I remove the enzyme protease from the mango juice?
Hi Margaret,
Sadly I don’t think you can remove that enzyme from mango juice at home! I’m so sorry :/ but other types of juice should work!!
Can you freeze the gummies so that they last longer than a week?
Hi Kate,
Great question! You totally can freeze them, just be sure to thaw them on a sheet pan or something that allows them to be nice and flat so that they don’t stick to each other as they thaw. Hope that helps, happy baking!
I used a gelatin alternative (agar powder). They tasted great and they set well, but they were SO WET. Not even slimy, just WET. They dissolve in your mouth rather than be chewy. How do you know how much gelatin (or gelatin substitute) to use, so that it becomes like a gummy bear?
Hi Cat,
I’ve found that these gummies do always have a wetter texture with agar too! It just isn’t quite the same as using gelatin. I tested these with 1 tsp of 100% agar agar powder in place of the gelatin. How much did you use?
thank you for the recipe!! I’m planning on making these for my type 1 diabetic son to have for low blood sugar instead of packaged gummies with horrible dyes. Can you tell me know many gummies = one serving? this is important to know.
How long will these last if I keep them in an airtight container in the freezer?
Hi Alex,
I’ve never frozen these before, but from looking online, it looks like they can last for up to 9 months in an airtight container in the freezer. Hope that helps!
Hi! This recipe sounds great. I’m excited to try it. Can you please confirm if I am using an entire pack of gelatin or only 1 tablespoon? Thanks!
Hi Margaret,
I use 1 packet of gelatin made by Knox, and each packet has about 2 1/2 tsp of gelatin. Hope that helps clarify the amount, happy baking!
I tried this recipe, they look super nice but the texture is watery, not gummy! Anything I did wrong?
Hi Joseph,
I’m so sorry to hear that! What type of gelatin are you using? And what type of fruit juice did you use to flavor them? Some types of fruit juice can mess with the gelatin and cause it not to set properly! Hopefully we’ll be able to figure out what happened together!
I tried this recipe, they look super nice but the texture is watery, not gummy! Anything I did wrong? i used the commercial jelly powder and corn syrup
Hi Adelfa,
I’m so sorry your gummies didn’t turn out as expected! This recipe doesn’t call for corn syrup, how much did you add? That could be the problem!
Can these be frozen? Also, have you tried doing half batch? I’m not sure we’ll go through 75 in a week.
amazing! how long is the shelf life for these gummies?
I found this recipe and am in love! I use 1T of beef gelatin per batch and they aren’t sticky! Have made orange, fruit punch with super greens, blackberry/strawberry/apple/banana smoothie, and strawberry (made with real blended up strawberries I strained the juice from)! A triple batch hardly lasts a day in our house! ? thank you for sharing this recipe!
Omg those all sound delicious!!! So happy to hear that, thanks for sharing Melissa 🙂
Would fruit tea work?
Hi Grace,
Yes, fruit tea can totally work! Just make sure it’s strongly brewed so the flavor comes through in the gummy bears. Herbal or fruit teas without caffeine are great options, and you can even sweeten it a little to taste if needed. Let me know which one you try—I’d love to hear how they turn out!
Can you sub the honey with something?
Hi Michelle,
Yes, you can definitely substitute the honey! Maple syrup or agave syrup both work great and will keep the texture nice and chewy—just note the flavor might shift a bit depending on which one you use. You could also try using fruit juice concentrate or even a sugar-free syrup if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option. Let me know which one you go with—I’d love to hear how they turn out!
I made these tonight and thought even before I added the honey that the honey flavor would be too much so I only added a teaspoon, turns out I was right and unless you LOVE honey, all of the gummies will have that honey flavor to them. The consistency of my gummies was spot on though- loved that! Next time I’ll be substituting the honey for sugar or stevia and I bet that would be perfect. Also- I used mango pineapple juice from target and it came out perfectly- I know this recipe says not to use those juices – but the target brand 100% juice one in the glass jar had no issues!
Hi Adrianna,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience—I love how you trusted your instincts with the honey! It definitely has a strong flavor, so cutting back (or swapping it for sugar or stevia) is a great call if you’re not a big honey fan. I’m so glad the texture turned out perfectly—that’s always the trickiest part with gummies!
Also, I really appreciate the juice tip! That’s super helpful to know about the Target mango pineapple juice—sounds like a win! I’ll have to give that version a try sometime. So happy they turned out well for you!
My gummy bear aren’t coming out he molds . How do I get them out the next time I make this ?
Hi Jalil,
So sorry to hear that, they can definitely be tricky sometimes! Usually they do release on their own from silicone molds, but to help them release cleanly next time, you can lightly spray the molds with a thin coat of nonstick cooking spray before pouring in the mixture or give them just the lightest wipe of neutral oil. Also, once the gummies are set, pop the molds into the fridge or freezer for a few minutes—this firms them up and makes them much easier to pop out. Hope that helps for next, happy baking!!
I really loved this recipe! I made 80 gummy skulls with 0 sugar added pineapple juice, opted into adding a little extra granulated sugar, and used orange blossom honey.
So happy to hear they turned out great Jessica!!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I used this recipe to make alcohol soaked gummies and they held up tremendously. They were super easy to make and had a good texture. The honey flavor did kind of outshine the pineapple flavor from the juice I used, but I don’t mind it.
So happy to hear that Jessica!! I’ll have to try that one of these days, they sound so fun! Thanks for sharing 🙂
followed directions to a T. gummies wouldnt come out of the molds
So sorry to hear that! What shape of molds were you using? Mine usually pop right out!