Have you ever wanted to make your own chewy and sweet gummy bears? Whether you are a candy aficionado or someone who enjoys a DIY project, making your own gummies can be an exciting endeavor. From classic gummy bears to your very own version of gummies, the possibilities are endless! In this guide, we walk you through the basics: from understanding what gummies are to making a batch of homemade gummies.

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What Are Gummies?

Understanding the Basics of Gummies

Gummies (gummy candy) are candies that have a soft, chewy texture, primarily derived from gelatin or other gelling agents like agar. They come in various shapes and sizes, with gummy bears being one of the most popular along with gummy worms. Gummies can be flavored and colored according to personal preference, leading to a wide variety of gummy candies available in the market.

Types of Gummies

There is an array of types of gummies made, from the classic gummy bear to jello gummy bears, and even infused gummies for those looking for a special kick. The gummy bear recipe can also be adapted for those seeking to make gummy bears without gelatin, using alternatives such as agar agar.

Benefits of Making Your Own Gummies

Making homemade gummies not only allows you to experiment with flavors and shapes, but it is also a fantastic way to control the ingredients in your treats. For instance, you can create herbal gummies or make your own gummy bears using fruit juice instead of artificial flavorings.

Common Ingredients Used in Gummies

The basic ingredients for a gummy recipe include a gelling agent like gelatin or agar, water, citric acid for the tangy taste, and sweeteners. You’ll also need flavored gelatin or fruit juice and Jell-O for added flavor and color.

Factors to Consider Before Making Gummies

You can make them at home, but before diving into the world of homemade gummy bears with jello or Rx gummies, consider the equipment you’ll need. A good silicone mold helps shape your gummies, and a dropper can aid in filling the molds evenly.

How to make Gummies in Bulk?

To make gummies as a business, you should our read our Guide to Flood Pouring Gummies. 

How to Make Gummies at Home?

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Your homemade gummy bear recipe will heavily depend on the ingredients you use. To make organic gummies, opt for natural sweeteners and fruit juice for flavor.

Preparing the Gelatin Mixture

In a saucepan, combine water and gelatin powder, whisk it until they dissolve. The gelatin mixture should sit for 5 minutes or until it reaches room temperature.

Adding Flavors and Colors

Once the gelatin mixture is ready, it’s time to add flavor and color. You can use various ingredients, such as Jell-O, fruit juice, or even herbs, depending on the type of gummies you're making.

Creating Gummy Shapes and Flavors

We start with the basics. To make gummy bears, you will need a gelatin mixture, a whisk, and a gummy mold. If you want different shapes, there's a variety of silicone gummy molds available. Remember, homemade gummy bear molds aren't limited to bear shapes alone!

Utilizing Different Molds

From bears to fruits or any other creative shapes, choosing the right mold plays an important role in the final product. Silicone molds are particularly flexible and durable, perfect for shaping your gummy mixture.

Experimenting with Flavors

To make your own gummy bears, you can experiment with different flavors of jell-o, unflavored gelatin, and even fruit juice. For those looking for an extra kick, you can make madicated gummies or even create magic-infused gummies.

Creating Multi-Layered Gummies

Who said gummies had to be boring? For a fun project, try creating multi-layered gummies using different flavored gelatin. It's all about layering and letting each layer set fully before adding the next one.

Using Natural Ingredients for Flavoring

Instead of relying purely on jello for flavoring, consider adding real fruit juice to your gelatin mixture. This technique both enhances the flavor and provides a natural color to your homemade gummy bears.

Adding Citric Acid for Sour Gummies

If you fancy sour gummies, adding citric acid is the secret. Dissolve the citric acid into your liquid ingredients at room temperature before adding the gelatin.

Enhancing Gummies with Vitamins

When you make your gummies, one can easily boost its nutritional value by adding desired vitamins or supplements in the mix. This process is called infusion, which requires a clear understanding and careful dosing.

Understanding Infusion Techniques

If you want to make infused gummies, careful infusion is key. You'll need plant material, a saucepan, and patience. And remember, always know your limits when it comes to DIY infused gummies.

Tips for Calculating dosage

When it comes to adding extras like vitamins or extract to your homemade gummies, proper dosing can be tricky. Thus, consulting with experts, researching extensively, and testing small batches before a full roll-out can be a helpful strategy.

Jello Gummies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box of jello Jell-O gelatin 3 oz (any flavor)
  
• OR
  
• 2 oz granulated sugar
  
• 7/8 oz unflavored powdered gelatin
  
• 1/3 cup cold water (or use a clear, 100% juice for more intense flavor)
  
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon citric acid for better shelf life or 1/2 teaspoon citric acid for sour gummies
  
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil for greasing the molds
  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Molds: Lightly grease the candy molds using a spray or a paper towel dipped in oil to ensure an easy release after the gummies are set.
   
   
2. Mix the Gelatin: In a heatproof bowl, combine the flavored Jell-O, unflavored powdered gelatin, and water. Stir gently until the gelatin is fully incorporated with the water. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes to let the gelatin bloom.
   
   
3. Heat the Mixture: Microwave the gelatin mixture for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue to heat in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear. Avoid overheating to prevent the gelatin from breaking down, which can affect the texture of your gummies.
   
   
4. Add Citric Acid: If you're going for a sour taste, whisk in the citric acid until it's well combined.
   
   
5. Fill the Molds: Carefully pour the gelatin mixture into the prepared molds. You can use a dropper or a spouted measuring cup for precision and to avoid spills.
   
   
6. Chill to Set: Place the molds in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the gummies to set and become firm.
   
   
7. Unmold and Serve: Once set, gently pop the gummies out of the molds. If they stick, place them in the freezer for 5 minutes increments, and then try again. Do not freeze for more than 15 minutes
   
   
8. Drying: If you prefer chewier gummies, let them air dry on a wire rack or parchment paper at room temperature for 12-24 hours to achieve your desired consistency.
   
   
9. Storage: Store your homemade gummies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature, but if you live in a warm climate, it might be best to store them in the refrigerator.
   
   

Vegan Gummies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons agar-agar powder (not flakes, as they have different setting properties)
  
  
• 1 cup fruit juice of your choice (clarified juices work best for a transparent gummy)
  
  
• 1/4 cup water
  
  
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (ensure it’s vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char)
  
  
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tartness)
  
  
• 1-2 drops of vegan-friendly candy flavoring or extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
  
  
• Natural food coloring (optional)
  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Molds: Lightly oil the candy molds with a neutral oil like canola or a light coating of cooking spray. Wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel.
   
   
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the agar-agar powder, fruit juice, water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the agar-agar to soak up the liquid and activate.
   
   
3. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Do not boil. Stir constantly until the sugar and agar-agar are completely dissolved, about 3-5 minutes.
   
   
4. Add Flavoring: Remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, candy flavoring, and food coloring if using. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
   
   
5. Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared molds. You can use a dropper for precision if dealing with small molds.
   
   
6. Let Them Set: Allow the gummies to set at room temperature. Agar-agar sets without refrigeration, but you can refrigerate them to speed up the process. This should take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the molds.
   
   
7. Unmold: Once set, carefully pop the gummies out of the molds. If they resist, place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up before trying again.
   
   
8. Serve or Store: Your vegan gummies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
   

If you want to learn how to coat your gummies for a professional look, read our guide to coating gummies.

Troubleshooting Gummy Making Process

Gummies may seem simple, but the process becomes a true art when DIY gummy bears are on the line. One common issue, especially for beginners with a fresh batch of gummies, is how the candies often stick to their bear mold, whether it’s silicone or classic gummy bear mold. The trick here is to lightly grease the mold before pouring the gummy mixture in. If sticking persists, try placing the filled mold in the freezer for a few minutes until the gummies are firm before removing them.

Preventing Gummies from Sticking

The perfect gelatin-to-fruit juice ratio is crucial to make your homemade gummy bears or gummies hold their shape while maintaining a great texture. Getting your mix right for gelatin gummies takes practice, but start off with a ratio of 1:1 and whisk it rigorously. Adjust if needed. If you're using agar agar as an alternative to gelatin, remember that it sets firmer than its counterpart, but you should still ensure the gelatin or the agar is fully dissolved in the heated juice before cooling the mixture.

Adjusting Gelatin-to-Liquid Ratio

Unwanted texture in your gummies can occur in various ways. Whether they're tough or too soft, understand that gelatin powder or agar is very precise. Make adjustments carefully. Further, make sure to get your gummy recipe right; poor texture can result from improperly combining your gelatin mixture. It's crucial to sit for 5 minutes after mixing to allow the gelatin to bloom fully.

Dealing with Unwanted Texture

Many beginners at making gummies struggle with achieving the right flavor. Beginners might make gummy bears with jello or flavored gelatin, but professional DIY gummies are typically flavored with fruit juice or essences. A well-balanced gummy recipe includes some citric acid to counteract the sweet flavor, producing that classic sour gummy treat that's loved by many.

Addressing Flavoring Issues

When you make gummies at home, your homemade gummy bears with jello may not last as long as store-bought candies without proper storage. Room temperature gummies made with unflavored gelatin or agar may only last for a few days without refrigeration. Store your homemade candies in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life and remember to consume them within a week. Special consideration should be made for dosed gummies. In particular, you need to store these gummy candies properly to maintain their potency.

Managing Shelf Life and Storage

Making gummies, even extract-infused ones, can be a breeze when you have the right knowledge and tools. From adjusting your gelatin-to-liquid ratio to properly storing your homemade yummy gummies, these troubleshooting tips help ensure your candies come out perfect every time.

How do I make homemade gummy bears?

To make homemade gummy bears, you need a few essential ingredients such as a package of jello, gelatin and sugar. Start by whisking together the jello and gelatin in a saucepan, adding sugar as per taste. Allow the mixture to let sit for 5 minutes and then heat until all ingredients are combined. Pour the gummy bear mixture into molds and refrigerate until firm. This will give you real gummy bears to enjoy.

Can I use fruit juice in my homemade gummy bear recipe?

Absolutely! A homemade gummy bear recipe with fruit juice can provide a more natural tangy flavor. Replace a part of water in the regular recipe with an equal part of your chosen fruit juice. The rest of the process remains the same.

What gives the gummy bears their chewy texture?

The chewy texture of the gummy bears is predominantly determined by the ingredient gelatin. When heated with other ingredients and then cooled, gelatin gives gummy bears their unique chewy, jelly-like consistency.

How do I make sugar-free gummy bears at home?

Making sugar-free gummy bears at home is an easy adaptation of the basic gummy bears recipe. Instead of using a regular package of jello, choose a sugar-free variant. The recipe calls for the same measurements and process; the only change is in the type of jello used in the recipe.

Can I make gummy bears with Jell-O?

Yes, the use of Jell-O in the recipe not only simplifies the process but also adds flavor to your homemade gummy bears. Simply replace the gelatin and sugar with a package of Jell-O in your favorite flavor. You can easily make DIY gummy bears using a box of Jell-O.

How do I make gummy bears that are shelf-stable?

To make shelf-stable gummy bears, the recipe might require tweaks. Using Knox gelatin instead of a basic gelatin can increase the shelf-life of your homemade gummies. In addition, keep the gummies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for them to last longer.

What is the purpose of using agar instead of gelatin in making gummy bears with Jello?

Agar, or agar powder, is a plant-based alternative to animal-derived gelatin. It also gives the gummy its characteristic chewy texture. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or allergic to gelatin, gummies made with agar and Jello could be a great option for you.

Can I make medical gummies at home?

Yes, you can make medical gummies at home. You'll need to include a medicine-infused coconut oil or extract in your recipe. Remember to consider legal restrictions in your area before attempting to make dosed gummies.

Does the gummy recipe allow for making multiple flavors of gummies?

Definitely! You can make multiple flavors of gummies by changing the flavor of Jello you use in your recipe. One batch could be strawberry-flavored, and the next one could be lime. You'll enjoy crafting your combinations with this easy gummy recipe!

How do I prevent my homemade gummies from sticking together?

To prevent homemade gummies from sticking together, toss them in a bit of cornstarch or powdered sugar after removing them from the mold and before storing. This prevents them from clumping together and gives them a smooth, non-sticky surface.