Homemade gummy candy is a great treat for anyone who loves fruity, chewy sweets without gelatin. This simple recipe uses agar-agar, a plant-based alternative made from seaweed, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians. With just three ingredients—fruit juice, agar-agar, and sugar—you can make colorful and tasty gummy candies in different flavors.
Unlike store-bought gummies that often have artificial ingredients, these homemade versions use fresh or natural fruit juices, so you can choose how sweet they are and what goes in them. They’re fun to make with kids, serve as a DIY project, or even give as gifts!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Vegan & Gelatin-Free – Uses agar-agar instead of gelatin.
✔ Customizable – Use any fruit juice for your favorite flavors.
✔ Fun & Kid-Friendly – Great for family cooking activities.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just a few steps!
Why Choose Homemade Gummy Candy?
Store-bought gummy candies frequently include artificial colors, preservatives, and gelatin, which comes from animal collagen. This homemade recipe allows you to select the ingredients for your candy, resulting in a healthier and customizable alternative. You can incorporate natural fruit juices, modify the level of sweetness, and experiment with various colors and flavors to create enjoyable treats.
The best part? Making these gummies is incredibly simple! They require only a handful of ingredients, no special equipment, and only a few minutes to prepare. Furthermore, they set quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to savor your homemade delights.
A Perfect DIY Project for Kids & Families
This recipe is not only easy but also a great activity for kids. Children love making and eating gummy candies, and they’ll have fun experimenting with different fruit juices and colors. You can involve them in choosing the flavors, stirring the mixture, and filling the gummy molds. It’s a creative and engaging project that teaches them about food preparation while allowing them to enjoy a tasty reward!
Customizing Your Gummy Candy
One of the best things about homemade gummy candy is that you can customize it in so many ways:
- Choose Your Favorite Juice: Orange juice for a citrusy kick, grape juice for a deep, rich flavor, or lemonade for a tangy twist.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Some juices are naturally sweet, while others might need a little extra sugar. Feel free to experiment to get the perfect balance.
- Make Multi-Colored Gummies: Use different juices to create a rainbow of gummy candies.
- Add Natural Colors: If you want brighter, more vibrant gummies, you can use natural food coloring from sources like beet juice (red), turmeric (yellow), or matcha (green).
Healthier & Vegan-Friendly
Since these gummies are made with agar-agar instead of gelatin, they are 100% plant-based and suitable for a vegan and vegetarian diet. Agar-agar is a natural thickening agent extracted from red algae, commonly used in Asian desserts. It provides a firm yet chewy texture, similar to gelatin, but without any animal products.
Additionally, since fresh fruit juice is used, these gummy candies can be a healthier snack than traditional store-bought gummies that contain artificial flavors and preservatives. You can even use 100% fruit juice with no added sugar for a more nutritious option.
How to Store Homemade Gummy Candy
Homemade gummy candies do not contain preservatives, so they should be stored properly to maintain their texture and freshness:
- Refrigerate: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Avoid Humidity: Agar-based gummies can become sticky if exposed to too much moisture.
- Don’t Freeze: Freezing can alter the texture, making them hard and brittle.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Your Gummy Candy
- Snack on them anytime for a sweet, fruity treat.
- Use them as toppings for desserts like ice cream, yogurt, or cakes.
- Gift them in cute jars or boxes for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Gummy Candy
How to Make the Best Homemade Gummy Candy in 10 Minutes
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Gummy bear molds or silicone molds
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dropper optional for filling molds
Ingredients
- ½ cup Fruit juice (Lemonade/Water) choose any juice like orange, grape, or lemonade; use fresh or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp Agar-Agar Powder A vegan gelatin substitute; adjust based on brand
- 2 tbsp Sugar Adjust based on your preferred sweetness and the juice used
- Food color Optional (Use food-safe colors to customize your gummy bear colors)
Instructions
Prepare the Juice:
- Juice/Liquid (½ cup): Use fresh fruit juice or store-bought. If using water, add a splash of lemon juice and food coloring for a tart gummy bear.½ cup Fruit juice
- For this recipe, I used store-bought orange juice for yellow gummies, grape juice for red gummies, 7-Up for white gummies, and lemon water with green food color for green gummies.
Mix Agar-Agar, Juice, and Sugar:
- In a saucepan, combine Agar-Agar powder (1 tbsp) and your chosen juice (½ cup). Whisk well to dissolve the agar-agar powder. Then, add sugar (2 to 5 tbsp) based on your preferred sweetness. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.1 tbsp Agar-Agar Powder, 2 tbsp Sugar
- Repeat this step for each type of juice or liquid you’re using for different colored gummies.Food color
Cook the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until the agar-agar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Once cooked, set aside each color mixture and repeat the cooking process for the next juice or liquid until all colors (yellow, red, white, and green) are prepared.
Fill Molds:
- Once each mixture is ready, remove it from the heat. Use a dropper or spoon to fill the same gummy bear mold with different colors. For example, fill one part of the mold with the yellow mixture (orange juice), another part with the red mixture (grape juice), and so on for the white (7-Up) and green (lemon water with food color) mixtures.
- Work quickly as Agar-Agar sets fast. Repeat this process with all the prepared colors, filling the molds accordingly.
Set the Gummies:
- Allow the filled molds to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, or until fully set.
Demold and Store:
- Once firm, gently pop the gummies out of the molds. Your multicolored homemade gummy bears are ready to enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Video
Notes
- Agar-Agar Tip: Agar-agar can set very quickly, so work fast when filling the molds to prevent the mixture from hardening in the pan.
- Sweetness: Taste the juice before adding sugar. Some juices like grape may need less sugar, while citrus juices like lemon may need more.
- Juice Variations: For a vibrant mix of gummy colors, try using orange juice for yellow gummies, grape juice for red gummies, and lemon water with a touch of food coloring for green gummies. You can also experiment with carbonated drinks like 7-Up for a fizzy gummy texture.
- Storage: These gummy candies are best stored in the fridge. Since they’re made without preservatives, consume them within 5-7 days for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Gummy Candy
Sweetness Adjustments: Some juices are naturally sweet, while others need more sugar—adjust accordingly.
Use High-Quality Agar-Agar: Different brands may have varying strengths, so adjust accordingly if needed.
Whisk Constantly: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth mixture.
Work Quickly: Agar-agar sets fast, so pour the mixture into molds immediately after cooking.
Customize Colors & Flavors: Mix juices like orange, grape, or lemon with natural food coloring for fun variations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use gelatin instead of agar-agar?
Yes, but this recipe is designed to be vegan. If using gelatin, adjust the quantity accordingly.
What juices work best for this recipe?
Orange, grape, lemonade, and apple juice work well. Avoid juices with pulp, as they may affect the texture.
How do I make sour gummy candies?
Add a little citric acid or extra lemon juice to the mixture before cooking.
Can I store gummy candy at room temperature?
It’s best to refrigerate them to maintain their chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
Homemade gummy candy is a fun, easy, and healthier alternative to store-bought gummies. Whether you’re looking for a vegan-friendly treat, a fun cooking activity, or customized flavors, this recipe is perfect. Try different fruit juices, colors, and even sour variations to make it uniquely yours!
Ready to try making your own homemade gummy candy? Let us know your favorite flavors in the comments below! 🍬💛