If you’re a gummy bear lover, why not try making homemade gelatin gummies for better gut health? These DIY gummies are not only healthier than store-bought options but also allow you to use organic ingredients and avoid artificial additives. Learn how to whip up these nutritious treats below!
Hey there! How’s your week going? Mine has been quite hectic, but I’m looking forward to getting a much-needed haircut tomorrow. It’s funny how a simple compliment from a Whole Foods cashier about my hair routine can brighten my day, especially when I’m feeling a bit frazzled. I shared with her my haircare secrets, including the benefits of collagen and gelatin in my routine.
While collagen has been a staple in my morning coffee, I’ve recently been exploring more creative ways to incorporate gelatin into my diet. So, I reached out to my friend Mia for a gelatin gummies recipe, and she graciously shared her go-to formula with me.
Grassfed Gelatin Gummies
Grassfed gelatin gummies are not only a tasty treat for both you and your kids but also offer a plethora of health benefits. Grassfed gelatin can aid in repairing gut lining, promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails, supporting joint health, and providing easily digestible protein, making it ideal for those with digestive issues. While it’s not a meat substitute, incorporating grassfed gelatin into your diet can help you sneak in extra amino acids, especially if you’re not a fan of nose-to-tail eating.
Read on to discover a wholesome homemade gummy recipe that your kids will adore, along with the reasons why these DIY gummies trump their store-bought counterparts.
Homemade Gelatin Gummies for Gut Health
Collagen vs. Gelatin
While collagen and gelatin share similarities, they have subtle differences. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, consisting of amino acids that support our connective tissues, hair, skin, and nails. On the other hand, gelatin is hydrolyzed collagen, meaning it has been cooked to break down into smaller particles. Gelatin forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, whereas collagen does not. Both collagen and gelatin can promote healthy skin, hair, nails, connective tissues, joint function, gut health (by supporting the gut lining), and immune function, underscoring the vital relationship between gut health and our immunity.
Benefits of Homemade Gummies
Many kids love store-bought gummies, but most of them are laden with undesirable ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, corn syrup, and wax. While I believe in moderation, finding a healthier alternative that kids enjoy is a win in my book. Although my kids are fans of Annie’s fruit snacks, they disappear quickly around here. I decided to try my hand at making our own gummies, giving us control over the ingredients we use.
These homemade gummies feature simple ingredients and can help in gut lining repair. With so many people grappling with gut issues like leaky gut, incorporating gelatin into your diet can be a gentle way to support your digestive health.
Ingredients
One of the perks of making homemade gummies is the ability to customize them to suit your taste preferences. As long as you follow the gelatin-to-liquid ratios, feel free to swap out fruit juices and purees to your liking. You can also add in spices like turmeric or ginger for extra flavor.
**Note: Pineapple juice cannot be used as a direct substitute for other juices. It must be diluted with at least 50% of another juice like orange or grape. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion and can affect the gummies’ texture.
For this recipe, we used a combination of tart cherry juice, cranberry juice, lime juice (you can also use lemon juice), gelatin, and honey. I opted for the Vital Proteins brand of gelatin, which I found at Whole Foods (Thrive Market also offers various gelatin options).
Instructions
Firstly, you need to let the gelatin “bloom” by hydrating it in water. Once bloomed, you can gently heat it on the stovetop with your choice of juices and sweetener. Next, pour the mixture into a baking dish or molds and refrigerate until set. You’ll be amazed at how simple this recipe is, and our kids absolutely devoured these homemade gummies.
As a bonus, tart cherry juice can promote better sleep, adding an extra layer of goodness to these treats.
Creating Fun Shapes and Sizes
For unique shapes and sizes, consider using candy molds. I ordered a set of silicone molds from Amazon, offering a variety of shapes and endless possibilities for experimenting with different flavors and designs.
Quick How-To Video
Check out this quick video I put together on making these gelatin gummies. It was a fun project that my kids, P and Liv, joined in on, and we all had a blast. The process was a breeze, with the only challenge being the wait for the gummies to set. I also poured the remaining mixture into a baking dish and ended up with a homemade version of Jell-O – absolutely delicious!
Have you tried making gummies at home before? What’s your kids’ favorite healthy snack? Share your thoughts with me!
Until next time,
Gina
PS. Don’t forget to try out these mouthwatering collagen brownies!
