Healthy Vegan Gummy Bears
If you love sweets, these healthy vegan gummy bears are an amazing alternative to store-bought plant-based gummies.
If you ask me, gummy bears are like the perfect sweet snack. Chewy, fruity, delicious… There is just one problem. Most gummy sweets at the store contain gelatine, which is derived from animals.
But what about vegan gummy sweets? Sure, there are some plant-based options on the market, but they are usually more expensive. And in this economy…
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- For starters, these healthy vegan gummy bears are SO EASY to make! You can enjoy homemade sweets in no time with just four ingredients and a couple of steps.
- Using all-natural whole-food ingredients, this recipe is just as delicious as the regular gummies, except much healthier.
- In addition to the base (apple juice), thickening agent (agar agar), and sweetener (maple syrup), you get the color from superfoods like beet powder or spirulina.
- If you have kids, you better believe that these healthy vegan gummy bears will be gone in a split second. Which is why it’s nice to know that they cost very little to make!
- By making homemade gummy bears, you directly avoid buying plastic! Most gummy sweets come in plastic packaging, and making your own healthy vegan gummies is a great way to combat that.
How to Make This Recipe
Start by integrating the color with the base.
In a measuring cup, whisk the apple juice with beet powder or spirulina. Start with half a teaspoon of powder and add more pigment until you reach the color that you want.
Then, add maple syrup if using. Transfer the liquid to a saucepan, and whisk in the agar agar.
Gradually bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer the contents for about five minutes. Be sure to stir frequently.
Next, set it aside to cool for a short while until the mixture is safe to handle. Using a dropper, carefully fill the gummy bear silicone molds. This recipe lends enough mixture for approximately 2-3 molds, depending on the ones you use.
Leave it to set in the fridge. Usually, it’s very quick! Pop the gummy bears out and and enjoy!
Hack It!
- If desired, you can coat your healthy vegan gummy bears in some sugar, citric acid or cornstarch.
- Apple juice is not the only base you can use! Try this recipe with other types of fruit juice, such as pineapple, cranberry, or my ABC juice.
- The setting time will depend on the size of your gummies. I would probably advise against giant gummy bears, but molds typically vary from an entire teaspoon down to 1-2 milliliters.
- You can use as much or as little sweetener as you see fit. Apple juice can be quite sweet on its own. That said, that sweetness does not translate the same to gummy bears, which is why this recipe contains maple syrup.
Kitchenware and Equipment
Most of the items you will need for this recipe are probably already in your kitchen. Just in case, here’s a rundown:
- Measuring cups. All of my recipes, including this one, are made using imperial measurements. It’s worth investing in a nice set of cups and spoons.
- Mini whisk. I have a set of miniature whisks and I LOVE them. I use them for everything from salad dressings to these healthy vegan gummy bears.
- Saucepan. Just grab the smallest pot you have. You can stir the liquid with a mini whisk or a silicone spatula if using non-stick.
- Gummy bear molds. Or any other shape! Opt for smaller molds made of silicone so that you can easily pop the sweets out when they set.
- Dropper (pipette). To stop the mixture from spilling everywhere, use a dropper to distribute the liquid into the mold. Gummy bear molds usually come with a dropper.
The last two are non-negotiable but they are very accessible and make a great investment.
Vegan Gelatine Alternatives
There are several vegan alternatives to gelatin that are suitable in cooking and baking. For this recipe, I used agar agar, but there are plenty of other options if you can’t find it. Here are some popular vegan gelling agents:
- Agar-Agar. Agar-agar is a plant-based gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It sets more firmly than traditional gelatin and is commonly present in vegan desserts, jellies, and aspic dishes.
- Pectin. Pectin is a naturally occurring starch found in fruits. It’s often used to thicken jams and jellies. While it may not provide the same texture as gelatin, it can be a replacement in some recipes to achieve a gelled consistency.
- Carrageenan. Carrageenan is derived from certain types of seaweed and is commonly used as a thickening and gelling agent in dairy-free products like plant-based milk alternatives.
- Arrowroot Powder. Arrowroot is a starchy substance derived from the roots of certain plants. It can act as a thickening agent in sauces and puddings and contribute to a gel-like texture.
When using these alternatives, it’s important to note that the texture and consistency may vary depending on the specific recipe and the intended use of the gelatin substitute. Experimenting with different options and ratios will help you find the best alternative for your specific needs.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Caramel Apple Bark
- Magic Fudge Cake (3 Ingredients)
- Mango Fruit Leather
- Blueberry Fruit Leather
- Dragon Fruit Skin Jelly
While you’re waiting for the Scrappy Cookbook to arrive, you can satisfy your cravings for healthy and vibrant vegan recipes with the PlantYou Cookbookand PlantYou Planner. The latter offers a database of over 600 recipes and the ability to create a custom meal plan. TRY IT FOR FREE with access to 25+ simple WFPB recipes and our signature Beginner Vegan Meal Plan.
The Recipe: Healthy Vegan Gummy Bears
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple juice
- 2 tsp agar agar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp spirulina or beet powder, or more (up to 2 tsp)
Equipment
- Measuring cup
- Mini whisk
- Gummy bear silicone mold
- Dropper
Instructions
- In a measuring cup, combine the apple juice with your superfood powder of choice. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and increase to get your desired pigment. Mix in the 1 tablespoon of maple syrup at this time if using. I used a hand whisk.Â
- Transfer to a sauce pan, and mix in the agar agar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently.
- Allow to cool until safe to handle. Then, using a dropper, fill the gummy bear silicone molds. This will fill approximately 2 to 3 sheets of gummies.
