Nourishing Gelatin Gummies (2024)

These gelatin gummies are a sweet and healthy treat to add to your recipe box. This is a great way to get some extra nutrients into my toddler and I don’t mind giving him one as a sweet treat after dinner, or even with his breakfast. The flavor combinations are endless and can be easily customized depending on your preference.

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What Is Gelatin?

I’m sure you are familiar with collagen- pretty much everyone online now is talking about some fancy form of liquid or powdered collagen they are taking. Which makes total sense because it has so many health benefits when sourced correctly. However, only a few people know that gelatin is actually just cooked collagen. How crazy right?

Think about it like tomatoes and tomato sauce. The sauce is the other just prepared differently. When you cook down collagen you end up with gelatin. They are basically identical in amino acid profile, protein, and nutrient density, but gelatin will “gel” or “thicken” as it cools.

Depending on the brand of collagen being used it only dissolves into hot liquids, has an unpleasant taste, or is artificially flavored. So, for some it can be difficult to incorporate collagen into their everyday diets. Having these gummies is a tasty and convenient way to add a burst of nutrients to any snack or meal. This is our favorite brand of beef gelatin because it dissolves easily and is virtually odorless and tasteless.

Are There Really Health Benefits?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It has a significant part to play in multiple bodily functions. It is often recommended for hair and skin health but it goes so much deeper than that. Not only can you have vibrant young looking skin, but you can improve your overall wellness with it. Some other perks are:

~ Promote radiant and firmer skin

~ Aid in deeper sleep

~ Manage your appetite easier

~ Lower inflammation

~ Improve gut function.

~ Support joint health and mobility

~ Promote healthy brain function

~ Build muscle

~ Restore a healthy metabolism

Sourcing

Now, collagen and gelatin have benefits but you need to be getting high quality products from a good source. You want gelatin that is tested and free from glyphosate. This is a common herbicide which kills weeds and grasses by blocking an enzyme which is essential for plant growth. When animals eat plants that are contaminated with this chemical it can accumulate in their tissues. It is not safe for us to eat and should be avoided whenever possible. There are several companies who test for glyphosate and have pure collagen and gelatin available.

Another thing to look out for is gelatin from cows who were grass fed, pasture raised, and hormone free. When grazing on grass instead of being fed grain and pellets the cows are happier and have a more balanced diet of nutrients. This also helps avoid the pesticides that are sprayed on conventional corn and grains.

I also look for 100% gelatin to avoid any fillers or add ins. I don’t want any preservatives or chemicals in there!

Tools:

Glass or metal mixing bowl- Most plastics when exposed to heat can release toxins and microplastics and leach it directly into your food. Since we are heating the juice, we want a bowl that isn’t going to be pouring chemicals into our gummies!

Metal whisk- I never recommend using silicone but since we are whisking a warm liquid, I even more highly recommend using metal!

Measuring cups

Metal saucepan– As always stay away from anything that is nonstick! (Read why this type of cookware can be so dangerous here.)

Glass dish for cooling- I used a 9×9 but you can use a 9×13 or whatever you have on hand. The gummies will still set up the same, the size will just be different once cut.

Making Gelatin Gummies

Start by blooming the gelatin in a cup of cold juice for five minutes. By doing this you are allowing each granule of gelatin to absorb liquid and puff up. It ensures a smoother texture in the finished product.

Grease the pan with coconut oil, or ghee and set aside.

While your gelatin is blooming, take three cups of juice and heat it over medium heat.

Add in the bloomed gelatin to the warm juice and stir until fully dissolved. At this point you can add salt, sweetener, and any other nutritional add ins. Acerola powder is a great way to add extra vitamin C.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and allow it to set in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

Gelatin Gummies

These gummies are delicious and packed full of gut healing nutrients. They can be changed to any flavor you choose and are easily customizable.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cooling Time1 hour

Total Time1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

1/4 cup Beef Gelatin
4 cups Your favorite fruit juice (divided)
2 Tbsp. Sweetener (optional)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Grease a pan with coconut oil and set aside.

2. Take the gelatin and bloom it in 1 cup of the juice. Allow it to sit for at least five minutes.

3. Heat the remaining 3 cups of juice over low to medium heat on the stove.

4. Once the gelatin has bloomed mix it and add it into the warm juice.

5. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

6. Add in salt and sweetener if using.

7. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and allow to set in the fridge for an hour or until set.

8. Slice into cubes and store covered in the fridge for five days.

Notes

Depending on the juice you choose determines how much sweetner you add. We typically don't add them unless we use a 1/2 cup or so of a sour citrus juice like lemon or lime. (cherry lime gummies are something else)

You can also add in acerola powder, powdered vitamin C, or other things before removing it from the stovetop to increase the nutritonal density.