Homemade Gummy Bears – Fun, Chewy, and Fully Customizable

Gummy bears are one of the most beloved candies, enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Their chewy texture, bright colors, and sweet, fruity flavors make them irresistible. While it’s easy to pick up a bag of gummy bears at the store, making them at home is a surprisingly simple and fun process. With just a few ingredients like fruit juice, gelatin, and a sweetener, you can create your own gummy bears in any flavor you desire. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to make healthier versions without artificial colors, flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup.

Why Make Gummy Bears at Home?

Store-bought gummy bears are often filled with artificial ingredients, including synthetic dyes, flavors, and sweeteners. By making gummy bears at home, you can use real fruit juice, natural sweeteners like honey or agave, and even add vitamins or supplements to make them healthier. Homemade gummy bears are perfect for snacking, gifting, or as a fun cooking project to do with kids. Plus, you can customize the flavors, colors, and shapes to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Making gummy bears is not just about creating a treat; it’s also an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen and learn a little about food science. The process of turning a liquid into a chewy, solid candy through the use of gelatin is a great introduction to culinary chemistry, especially for young cooks.

The History of Gummy Bears

The history of gummy bears begins in Germany in the early 1920s when Hans Riegel, the founder of Haribo, invented the first gummy bear. Inspired by traditional fruit gums popular in Europe, Riegel created “Dancing Bears,” which were larger and firmer than today’s gummies. These original gummy bears were sold in small, individual packages, quickly becoming a hit across Germany. Over the decades, gummy bears evolved into smaller, softer candies, and by the 1980s, they had made their way to the United States, becoming a favorite treat worldwide.

Ingredients and Equipment:

To make gummy bears, you only need a few basic ingredients and some simple tools:

• Ingredients: Fruit juice, unflavored gelatin, a sweetener like honey or sugar, and optional food coloring or vitamin additives.
• Equipment: Silicone gummy bear molds, a saucepan, a whisk, and a dropper or small spoon.

Silicone molds are widely available in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to create not just gummy bears but other fun shapes like hearts, stars, or animals. These molds are flexible and easy to clean, making them a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you enjoy making homemade candies.

Recipe: Homemade Fruit Juice Gummy Bears

• Yield: About 100 gummy bears
• Serving Size: 10 gummy bears
• Approximate Nutritional Values per Serving:
  • Calories: 30 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugars: 6 g
  • Protein: 0 g

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fruit juice (100% juice, such as apple, grape, or orange)
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• Optional: a few drops of natural food coloring or vitamin C powder

Instructions:

1. Heat the Juice: Pour the fruit juice into a small saucepan and heat over low-medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Heating the juice gently ensures the gelatin will dissolve properly without losing the juice’s flavor.
2. Add Gelatin and Sweetener: Gradually whisk in the gelatin, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until completely dissolved. Add the honey or sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. The mixture should be smooth, with no lumps. If you’re using additional ingredients like food coloring or vitamin powders, add them at this stage.
3. Pour into Molds: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a dropper or small spoon, carefully fill the gummy bear molds with the mixture. Work quickly, as the gelatin will begin to set at room temperature.
4. Chill and Set: Place the molds in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours, or until the gummy bears are completely set. Once firm, gently pop the gummies out of the molds and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Gummies:

• Juice Selection: Choose clear juices like apple or white grape for vibrant, translucent gummies. For deeper flavors, use berry or citrus juices.
• Texture Control: For a firmer texture, add an extra tablespoon of gelatin. For softer gummies, reduce the gelatin slightly.
• Vegan Option: Substitute gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based gelling agent. Note that agar sets differently, resulting in a firmer gummy with a slightly different texture.

Creative Additions and Variations

• Vitamin-Infused Gummies: Add a small amount of vitamin C powder, elderberry syrup, or other supplement powders to boost the nutritional value of your gummies.
• Flavor Combos: Mix juices to create unique flavors, like apple-lemon, berry-mint, or orange-ginger.
• Decorative Gummies: Use edible glitter or gold leaf to make your gummy bears extra special for parties or gifts.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that the world’s largest gummy bear weighs over 5 pounds? That’s equivalent to approximately 1,400 regular gummy bears and contains over 6,000 calories! It’s a fun novelty, but probably best to stick with the smaller, homemade versions.

Health Benefits of Homemade Gummies

Unlike traditional candy, homemade gummy bears can be made with natural ingredients that offer some health benefits. Using real fruit juice means your gummies will contain vitamins and antioxidants, and adding a touch of honey instead of sugar provides a natural sweetener that’s lower on the glycemic index. Gelatin itself has benefits, too—it’s known to support skin, hair, and joint health due to its high collagen content.

Making gummy bears at home is also a way to cater to dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, keto, or low-sugar diets. By tweaking the ingredients, you can create a treat that’s enjoyable for everyone, regardless of dietary needs.