Looking for a healthier way to make homemade gummy bears at home? Learn how to make them with juice or Jell-O, skip the artificial dyes, and let your kids enjoy the fun!

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If you’ve got kids, I’m willing to bet you’ve bought gummy bears, worms, or those individually wrapped fruit snack packs more than once. They’re colorful and chewy, and they come in all those “fun” shapes that call your child’s name in the snack aisle or when you are at checkout at the store (it's like a trap). But as a mom who tries to keep things clean and dye-free in our home, those little packs of processed sugar and artificial colors just don’t cut.

And yet, my kids still ask for them. Scratch that, beg for them. Even my 19-year-old recently asked if I could make sour gummy worms. I mean… how could I say no?

The good news? You can make gummy bears (and worms, stars, hearts, dinos—you name it) right at home, with real juice, nourishing gelatin, and zero Red 40 or high-fructose anything. Not only are they healthier, but they’re also so fun to make. My younger kids love helping pour the mixture into the molds, and they always get excited choosing their favorite shapes.

So today, I’m walking you through everything you need to know about making healthy homemade gummy bears. From the best molds to how to get those vibrant colors (naturally!), what gelatin to use, and even the surprising health benefits, you’ll see why we haven’t returned to store-bought gummies in years.

Why Make Gummy Bears at Home?

Let’s be real: gummies are one of those “kid foods” that feel like a childhood rite of passage. But if you flip the package over, you’ll see:

• Artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5
• Artificial flavors
• Corn syrup or high-fructose corn syrup
• Sugar is listed 2–3 times in different forms
• Gelatin that’s often of poor quality and not from grass-fed sources

At our house, we’ve been working to eliminate those artificial dyes, especially after noticing how they affect our kids’ behavior (anyone else have a wild afternoon after “fruit” snacks?). Making gummy bears at home means:

• Total control over the ingredients
• Naturally derived colors from fruits and veggies
• Optional added nutrients like elderberry syrup, vitamin C powder, or probiotics
• Kid-approved flavors with mom-approved ingredients

The Secret Ingredient: Gelatin

Gelatin is what gives homemade gummy bears their classic chewiness. When you're making them at home, the kind of gelatin you use does make a difference.

Store-Bought Gelatin vs. High-Quality Gelatin Powder

You’ve probably seen the orange box of Knox gelatin at the grocery store, and it works just fine. But if you’re making these homemade regularly or want to pack some health benefits, I recommend a high-quality beef gelatin powder, ideally from grass-fed cows.

Some great options include:

• Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin
• Perfect Supplements Gelatin
• Great Lakes Gelatin (green can)

These are all unflavored, dissolve well, and give you more nutritional bang for your buck.

Gelatin vs. Collagen: What’s the Difference?

I get this question a lot. Both come from the same source (collagen) but behave differently.

Gelatin thickens and gels when cooled. That’s what you want for gummies.

Collagen peptides dissolve in both hot and cold liquids but don’t gel. So, they’re great for smoothies and coffee, but they won’t make gummy bears.

Stick with gelatin for this one. Trust me—it makes all the difference in texture.

Health Benefits of Homemade Gummies

Yes, candy can be healthy. (Okay, healthy-ish.)

Here’s what these homemade gummy bears bring to the table:

1. Gut Health: Gelatin helps seal the gut lining and supports digestion. For kids (and adults!) with tummy troubles, homemade gummies are a fun and gentle way to help.

2. Joint & Skin Support: Gelatin is rich in amino acids that support joint function and skin elasticity. Think of it as an edible beauty booster.

3. Protein Punch: Thanks to the gelatin, each small batch of gummies can pack a few grams of protein per serving—a far cry from sugary store-bought snacks.

4. Natural Sweeteners: We use real fruit juice or small amounts of honey or maple syrup. This gives you the sweet taste without the sugar spike (or crash).

5. Boosted with Extras: Want to make “super gummies”?

Add in:

• Elderberry syrup for immunity
• Vitamin C powder
• Natural food-based dye powders
• Probiotic powder (stir in after the mixture cools slightly)

It’s candy with benefits—seriously.

What Molds Are Best?

This is the fun part.

There are endless silicone mold options online. Amazon, Walmart, and even some craft stores carry:

• Gummy bear molds (classic)
• Big Gummy Worms
• Gummy worm molds (slimy and stretchy!)
• Dinosaurs
• Fruit Shapes
• Sea creatures

Look for food-grade silicone molds with a dropper included. The dropper makes it easy for kids to help without spilling the mixture everywhere (ask me how I know).

Pro tip: If you’re doubling or tripling your batch (which we often do), grab several molds or trays. Once the mixture is heated, you’ll want to work quickly before it starts to set.

How to Make a Rainbow of Gummy Bears

Skip the food dye aisle and try these fun, natural coloring ideas for a rainbow of bears:

• Red: Tart cherry juice or beet powder
• Orange: Carrot juice or a mix of orange juice and turmeric
• Yellow: Pineapple juice or a touch of turmeric + lemon
• Green: Spinach juice or chlorophyll (a little goes a long way!)
• Blue/Purple: Grape juice, elderberry syrup, or blueberry juice

If you're using juice, pick the color you want and strain it first for a smooth finish. You’ll be amazed how vibrant they turn out!

Sour Gummy Tip (for Teenagers and Grown-Ups)

So, remember that 19-year-old who begged for sour gummy worms?

We figured out the trick: citric acid. You can find it in the canning aisle or online.

Here’s how to make gummies sour:

• Once the gummies are set and popped out of the mold, toss them in a mix of citric acid and sugar (about two parts sugar to one part citric acid).
• Let them air dry on a parchment-lined tray so the coating sets.

Boom. Homemade sour gummies that rival anything from the gas station.

How Many Does a Batch Make?

If you’re using a classic gummy bear mold (like the ones with tiny bears), a single batch of our recipe yields around 200 small gummy bears.

That’s about 3–4 filled trays, depending on your mold size and how thick you pour the mixture. If you use bigger molds (worms or shapes), you’ll get fewer per batch, closer to 60–100.

Do you need to stock up? Double or triple the recipe. Just make sure your molds and fridge space are ready!

Tips for Perfect Gummy Bears Every Time

• Don’t boil the mixture. Heating too high can break down the gelatin and affect the texture.
• Work fast. Once the gelatin mixture is melted and smooth, pour it into molds immediately before it begins to set.
• Add ½ packet of gelatin for firmer gummies, especially if your kids like a more “store-bought” bite.
• Store in the fridge. Homemade gummies don’t contain preservatives, so store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last about a week (but honestly, they don’t stick around that long here).
• Let the kids help. My kids love using the droppers to fill the molds. It’s a great kitchen project with just enough “mess” to be fun without chaos.

Homemade gummy bears might seem like a Pinterest-level project at first glance, but they’re truly easy, customizable, and a joy to make with your kids.

Whether you’re steering clear of artificial dyes, adding more gut-friendly foods to your family’s snacks, or just looking for something new and fun to try in the kitchen, these chewy little treats hit all the marks.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques: just a few basics, a mold or two, and some little hands to help.

So the next time your kids reach for those fruit snacks in shiny wrappers, surprise them with a batch of gummy bears made with love (and maybe a little sneaky nutrition).