Homemade Gummy Candy (Vegan) – Gummy Bears Recipe Without Gelatin
Discover how to make fun, fruity, and chewy homemade gummy candies or gummy bears without gelatin! This easy, vegan-friendly recipe uses Agar-Agar powder as a natural plant-based alternative to gelatin, making it perfect for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. You can use any fruit juice of your choice to create your favorite flavors and colors. Whether you prefer fresh juice or store-bought, these gummies are quick to make and perfect for snacking or gifting. Customize the sweetness level by adjusting the sugar, and experiment with different fruit juices or even lemonade to create various colors of gummy candy.
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
Calories: 15kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!