Gummy bears are a beloved snack that bring a burst of sweetness and joy with every chewy bite. However, for those who follow a plant-based lifestyle or avoid animal-derived ingredients, finding vegan-friendly alternatives can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, the solution is simpler than it seems! Making your own vegan gummy bears at home is not only easy and fun but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier, plant-based option that’s both delicious and sustainable.
These homemade vegan gummy bears are an excellent alternative to the store-bought variety, offering bright, vibrant flavors, a satisfyingly chewy texture, and the bonus of being free from artificial additives. This treat is perfect for everyone, from kids looking for a sweet snack to adults craving a nostalgic treat with a modern twist. Moreover, when you make your own vegan gummy bears, you’re not just choosing a healthier option—you’re also minimizing waste and reducing your carbon footprint by avoiding plastic packaging.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make vegan gummy bears at home with simple ingredients, all while embracing sustainability. From choosing plant-based alternatives to using eco-friendly kitchen practices, we’ll explore how you can create a fun, fruity snack that aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle.
Why Choose Vegan Gummy Bears?
Vegan gummy bears are an excellent choice for several reasons. They provide a chewy, fruity snack without relying on gelatin, which is traditionally made from animal collagen. By choosing vegan versions, you’re not only making a more compassionate choice for animals but also supporting a plant-based diet that is better for the environment.
Traditional gummy bears, while delicious, are often packed in plastic packaging that contributes to waste and environmental harm. Opting to make your own vegan gummy bears at home allows you to bypass this issue and enjoy a waste-free snack. Plus, you have the added benefit of controlling the ingredients, so you can create a treat with no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
Additionally, plant-based gummy bears can be a great option for individuals with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. Whether you’re avoiding gluten, gelatin, or artificial flavors, homemade vegan gummy bears provide a simple way to indulge in a classic treat without the worry of unwanted additives.
Ingredients: Simple, Plant-Based Goodness
One of the great things about making vegan gummy bears at home is that the ingredients are straightforward and can be tailored to your preferences. There’s no need for specialized vegan gelatin or hard-to-find items—just a handful of plant-based ingredients that are easily accessible and sustainable.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fruit Juice – The foundation of your vegan gummy bears, fruit juice provides natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. Choose 100% pure fruit juice without added sugars or artificial flavors. Opt for fresh or organic juices whenever possible to ensure the highest quality. Some popular choices include orange, apple, berry, or pomegranate juice, but feel free to get creative and mix different juices for a unique flavor combination.
- Agar-Agar Powder – Agar-agar is the key ingredient that replaces gelatin in vegan gummy bears. Derived from seaweed, agar-agar is a plant-based alternative that has a similar gelling effect to gelatin but without any animal by-products. It’s a great source of fiber and offers a neutral taste that won’t overpower your fruit juice. Agar is also easy to use and produces a firmer texture than traditional gelatin, making it perfect for gummy bear molds.
- Sweetener – To sweeten your gummy bears, you can use a natural sweetener such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. These alternatives provide a more wholesome sweetness compared to refined sugar, which often contains animal products such as bone char. Using organic or locally-sourced sweeteners also aligns with a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach.
- Citric Acid (Optional) – For an added tartness, citric acid can be used to enhance the flavor profile of your gummies. This ingredient is often found in citrus fruits and adds a tangy, sour note that balances the sweetness of the fruit juice. It’s optional, but it can help give your gummies that classic sour kick that many gummy treats are known for.
- Water – Depending on the type of fruit juice you use, you may need a little extra water to dilute the juice and create the right consistency for your gummies. This ensures the gummies will set properly and have the ideal chewy texture. Filtered water is the best option to avoid any impurities or unwanted tastes.
Instructions: How to Make Your Vegan Gummy Bears
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making vegan gummy bears at home. This recipe is quick, easy, and fun, and it takes just a few simple steps to prepare.
1. Prepare Your Fruit Juice Base
Start by pouring your chosen fruit juice into a small saucepan. For this recipe, you’ll need about 1 cup of fruit juice, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many gummies you want to make.
If you’re using a combination of juices (such as orange and berry), mix them together in the saucepan. For a more complex flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different juice combinations to create your own unique blend.
2. Add Agar-Agar Powder
Sprinkle the agar-agar powder into the juice. You’ll need about 1-2 teaspoons of agar-agar for every cup of juice, depending on how firm you want your gummies. Stir the mixture to ensure the agar is fully dissolved and evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the agar-agar activate and thicken the liquid, creating the gelling effect.
3. Sweeten the Mixture
Add your chosen sweetener (about 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar) into the mixture and stir until it dissolves completely. Taste the mixture, and if you’d like it sweeter, you can add more sweetener as needed. If you enjoy a tangy flavor, now is the time to add a pinch of citric acid to balance the sweetness.
4. Mold the Gummies
Once the mixture is well combined, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it cool for a minute or two before carefully pouring the liquid into silicone gummy bear molds. If you don’t have gummy bear molds, you can use any small silicone mold or even an ice cube tray for a different shape.
Use a spoon or a dropper to fill each cavity in the mold, being careful not to overfill. Once all the molds are filled, place the molds in the refrigerator and allow the gummies to set for at least 1-2 hours. The gummies will firm up as they cool, thanks to the agar-agar.
5. Unmold and Enjoy
After the gummies have set, carefully remove them from the molds. Your homemade vegan gummy bears are now ready to enjoy! They should have a firm, chewy texture with a natural fruity flavor. If you prefer a sour twist, you can sprinkle a little more citric acid on top for an extra zing.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Considerations
Making vegan gummy bears at home is a fun and sustainable way to indulge in a classic treat, but there are additional steps you can take to reduce your environmental impact even further.
- Reduce Plastic Waste: By making your own gummy bears, you’re already eliminating the need for plastic packaging that often accompanies store-bought gummies. To take it a step further, store your homemade gummies in glass containers instead of plastic ones. Glass is a more sustainable option that can be reused indefinitely, reducing your overall waste.
- Organic Ingredients: Whenever possible, choose organic fruit juices and sweeteners. Organic farming practices typically have a lower environmental impact, as they avoid harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that can harm the ecosystem. Supporting organic and local farmers also helps promote biodiversity and reduces the carbon footprint of transporting non-local produce.
- Reusable Molds: Opt for silicone molds that can be reused for multiple batches of vegan gummy bears. Avoid disposable molds or single-use plastic containers. Silicone molds are durable, easy to clean, and last for years, making them a sustainable choice in the kitchen.
A Plant-Based, Sustainable Treat
Making vegan gummy bears at home is not only a fun and creative way to enjoy a beloved treat, but it also supports a more sustainable lifestyle. By using plant-based ingredients, avoiding harmful chemicals, and minimizing plastic waste, you can enjoy a healthier, eco-friendly version of this classic snack.
These chewy, fruity gummy bears are perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Whether you’re preparing a batch for a family gathering, sharing them with friends, or simply treating yourself to a sweet snack, homemade vegan gummy bears are sure to become a staple in your plant-based snack repertoire. Plus, with the ability to control the ingredients and experiment with different fruit flavors, you can make a customized treat that aligns with your personal taste and sustainability goals.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your silicone molds, and start making your own batch of delicious, sustainable vegan gummy bears today!
Craving more vegan sweet snacks? We have so many you’ll love! Try my peanut butter bars, date bark and almond joy stuffed dates next!
One bite of these vegan gummy bears will take you right back to your childhood! They have quickly become a favorite in our house, especially with my daughter! She had so much fun helping make them, and now she asks for them all the time. Luckily, they’re quick and easy and only require 3 ingredients. Change up the fruit flavor depending on what you like best. I’ve tried pomegranate juice, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and orange juice so far, but the options are endless!
Reasons You’ll Love These Gummies
- Wholesome & Fun: Made with simple, plant-based ingredients you can feel good about—no weird additives here!
- Kid-Approved: These are a huge hit with little ones (and grown-ups too!).
- Customizable Flavors: Switch up the juice for endless fruity combos and colors.
- Perfect Snack Anytime: Store in the fridge and enjoy a refreshing sweet bite whenever cravings hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are all you need to make chewy, fruity vegan gummy bears at home! Each one plays an important role in getting that perfect texture and flavor just right.
- Pure Fruit Juice: Choose a juice with no added sugar for the best natural flavor—anything from apple to cherry works great.
- Agar Agar Powder: This plant-based alternative to gelatin gives the gummies their chewy texture. At the grocery store, agar-agar is typically found in the near baking ingredients like gelatin and baking powder. You can also buy it online.
- Liquid Sweetener: Optional, but adds a tasty boost of sweetness. Maple syrup, agave, or honey (if not vegan) are all great picks.
New Variations to Try
Here are some fun and easy variations to experiment with:
- Fruit combos: Mix juices like strawberry-orange or pineapple-mango for a tropical twist.
- Sour gummies: Add a bit of lemon or lime juice and dust the finished gummies with a mix of citric acid and sugar for a tangy kick.
- Vitamin boost: Stir in a powdered vitamin C supplement (as long as it’s heat-safe) for an extra health boost.
- Different sizes: You can make these in small candy molds (like pictured) or larger molds (like in the video).
How to Make Vegan Gummy Bears
These vegan gummy bears are surprisingly easy to make with just a few ingredients and a little patience. Once you’ve picked your juice, they come together in minutes. Let’s get started!
STEP #1. Simmer the ingredients – Add the juice, agar agar, and maple syrup to a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Let cool briefly, before it starts to set.
STEP #2. Add to molds – Quickly fill gummy bear molds using a dropper before the mixture sets. Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes until firm.
STEP #3. Remove from molds – Pop gummies out of molds and store in an airtight container. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge.
Helpful Tips
Here are some handy tips for making perfect vegan gummy bears every time:
- Work quickly: Agar agar sets fast, so pour the mixture into the molds right after cooking to avoid it hardening in the pan.
- Use a dropper: A dropper or small squeeze bottle makes it easy to fill the molds neatly and efficiently.
- Consistency: Keep in mind, the texture of this vegan version does not turn out quite as bouncy as traditional gummy bears. They’re a bit denser but still delicious and super fun!
If you try this vegan gummy bear recipe or any other recipe on Food with Feeling, don’t forget to leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below to let others know how much you loved it. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @foodwithfeeling!
Vegan Gummy Bears
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup pure fruit juice get juice with no added sugar*
- 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
- ¼ cup liquid sweetener optional but recommended, I used maple syrup but agave syrup or honey would also work well if not vegan
Instructions
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Add the juice, agar agar, and maple syrup to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
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Let cool for just a minute, but no longer, as it hardens quickly.
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Drip the liquid into gummy bear molds using a dropper, working quickly so the liquid doesn’t harden. Place the molds into the fridge to chill until hardened, about 20 minutes.
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Pop out of the molds and store in an air-tight container. These can be stored at room temperature, but I suggest storing them in the fridge so they stay fresh longer.
Notes
Texture: I want to stress that the texture of these gummy bears does not turn out quite as bouncy as traditional gummy bears. They’re a bit denser but still delicious and super fun!
I got about 150 traditional-sized gummy bears out of this recipe.
Nutrition
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