Sugar Free Gummy Bears Recipe
After several attempts I finally perfected this sugar free gummy bear recipe. My early trials used small Knox gelatin packets and often failed because the gelatin proportion was too low. Switching to a high-quality unflavored gelatin (look for Great Lakes Unflavored Gelatin, orange label) gave me much better results. The orange-label gelatin sets firmly and produces the chewy texture I wanted for gummy bears and other homemade jellies.
I make these gummies to fit a low-carb, sugar-free lifestyle—perfect for keto or anyone avoiding sugar. They are simple to prepare, customizable in flavor and color, and great for filling holiday baskets, lunchboxes, or just satisfying a sweet tooth without added sugars. Below is a clear, easy-to-follow recipe and tips so your gummy bears turn out consistently.
Gelatin Benefits
Gelatin is a form of hydrolyzed collagen derived from animal connective tissue. Besides being useful in cooking for thickening and setting desserts, many people report benefits from adding gelatin or collagen to their diet. Some commonly reported benefits include:
- Improved digestion and gut health
- Support for joints and reduced joint discomfort
- Improved sleep quality
- Healthier-looking hair, nails, and skin
- Support for heart health
- Increased sense of fullness
- Support for bone strength
- May ease symptoms of arthritis
Sugar Free Gummy Bears Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar substitute (choose your preferred erythritol-based sweetener such as Swerve, or stevia/erythritol blend)
- 5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (high-quality powdered gelatin, orange label recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring and concentrated flavoring oils (such as LorAnn) or natural extracts to flavor as desired
Sugar Free Gummy Bears Recipe Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of your powdered sweetener. Warm gently over low to medium heat just until the sweetener dissolves. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Do not boil vigorously—just dissolve the sweetener so the liquid is evenly sweet.
- Place the remaining 1/2 cup of water in a microwave-safe container and heat until it is very hot or nearly boiling. Alternatively, you can heat this water on the stovetop.
- Quickly sprinkle 5 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin into the hot water and stir vigorously until the gelatin dissolves and begins to thicken. A blender or immersion blender works well for speed and even mixing. Work quickly—gelatin can start to set as it cools.
- Pour the dissolved gelatin into the sweetened water in the saucepan and whisk to combine thoroughly. Keep the mixture warm and liquid so it will pour easily into molds.
- Add flavor: stir in about 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and a few drops of concentrated flavor oil or extract (about 2–4 droppers, depending on the strength). Popular flavor choices include watermelon, strawberry, or pina colada. Add food coloring if you want brighter colors.
- Transfer the warm mixture to a measuring cup or pitcher with a pour spout for easier filling.
- Place silicone gummy molds on a baking sheet to stabilize them. Use an eye dropper or small pipette to fill each cavity with the gelatin mixture. Working on a baking sheet makes it easy to move the molds to the refrigerator without spilling.
- Chill the filled molds in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the gummies are fully set and springy to the touch.
- Carefully pop the gummy bears out of the silicone molds and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well chilled for several days. If left at room temperature for a few hours they will hold their shape, but avoid leaving them out overnight.
Serving ideas: pour the same mixture into a shallow pan lined with parchment paper to make a gummy sheet, chill, and then cut shapes with cookie cutters for a larger batch and a fun activity for kids. Adjust the thickness so the cutouts hold together well.
Sugar Free Gummy Bears Nutrition
Serves: 4
Per serving (approximate): Calories 31, Total Carbohydrates 0.6g, Fiber 0g, Net Carbs 0.6g, Sugars 0.1g, Fat 0g, Protein 7.5g
Notes: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact sweetener and gelatin used. Store gummies refrigerated in an airtight container for best texture and freshness.