Okay, I have a real treat for your kiddos today. These homemade gummy candies are super fun to make, even more fun to eat, and the process couldn’t be easier.
What I love about this recipe is that you’re giving your kids nourishing ingredients that are actually good for their bodies—versus the preservatives and empty calories that come with regular candy. Just a few simple things like fruit, vegetables, maple syrup, and gelatin, and you’ve got a snack they’ll beg for again and again.
WHAT IS GELATIN?
When you think of gelatin, you probably think of brightly colored jello cups, right? But there’s a lot more to it.
Traditionally, gelatin was made from collagen found in the skin and bones of animals. While that might sound a little strange, collagen has actually been part of human diets for centuries. If you’ve ever made a pot of homemade broth, you’ve already enjoyed the benefits—it’s the same collagen our great-great-grandmothers relied on when cooking for their families.
Gelatin is made up mostly of two amino acids—glycine and proline—that play an important role in skin, hair, and nail health. They also support immune function and can help with natural weight regulation.
Personally, I like to use beef gelatin powder. It’s made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle and is packed with good collagen for your skin, hair, and bones
Note: You should always check with your doctor to make sure something is the right fit for you personally, especially if you have a medical condition. I am not a doctor nor do I provide medical advice here on my website.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian and would rather skip animal-based products, you can use agar agar powder instead. It’s derived from seaweed and creates a firmer texture that works well in recipes like this.
Recipe Tips
- Steam veggies first for easier blending.
- Silicone candy molds make fun shapes for kids.
- Don’t boil the mixture—heat just enough to dissolve gelatin.
- Slice into small cubes for bite-sized snacks.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Fruit: Swap mango for pineapple, peach, or orange.
- Veggies: Use spinach or zucchini for mild flavor and extra color.
- Sweetener: Honey can replace maple syrup.
- Vegan option: Substitute agar agar powder for gelatin (texture will be firmer).
How to Store
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Not recommended—texture becomes watery after thawing.
Gelatin Gummies Made with Real Fruits and Vegetables
Ingredients
Orange Gummies:
- 2 cups mango chunks - fresh or frozen
- 1 medium carrot - roughly chopped
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 5 Tbsp beef gelatin powder
Red Gummies:
- 2 cups cherries - or berries
- 1 small beet - roughly chopped
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 5 Tbsp beef gelatin powder
Instructions
- Spray containers or molds with non-stick spray.
- Blend fruit, vegetables, and water until smooth.
- Add maple syrup and blend again.
- Pour into a saucepan and sprinkle gelatin on top. Let bloom 5 minutes.
- Heat over medium, whisking until smooth (do not boil).
- Pour into containers. Refrigerate overnight.
- Cut into cubes and store in the fridge.
Recipe Notes:
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.
