Fruit gummies or fruit snacks are probably one of the most commonly seen lunch kit snacks. Unfortunately, marketing has led us to believe that these ‘fruit snacks’ are healthy or at least contain a decent amount of fruit. That is definitely not the case. This recipe is made with 3 simple ingredients, including REAL FRUIT.
A look at the ingredients list on some of the most popular brands shows sugar, corn syrup, and corn starch as the first ingredients. Following that you’ll find fruit juice concentrates and fruit purées, and then a sizeable list of oils, preservatives, coloring, flavoring, and even wax. This is the same list you’d find on many of your favorite gummy candies, proving ‘fruit snacks’ aren’t much different than treats you find in the candy aisle.
These fun snacks are fast and simple to make, with minimal ingredients. The fruit purée can be made following this recipe.
Fresh or frozen fruit can be used, even fruit that might be a little riper than you prefer. If you’d rather skip the step of making your own purée, unsweetened applesauce will work as well.
Gelatin plays an important role in this recipe, turning it from a puree to a gummy. As a derivative of collagen, it is almost entirely made of protein and can provide many of the same head to toe benefits. The consumption of gelatin provides the body with essential amino acids that help to build more collagen. If you are unfamiliar with the benefits of gelatin/collagen, here are a few.
Skin and bones: These are the most commonly discussed benefits of the proteins found in gelatin. Improvements in elasticity, hydration and the appearance and wrinkles can all be attributed to an increase in collagen. It is also responsible for strengthening connective tissues and reducing joint pain.
Digestion: The proteins found in gelatin can provide support and protection for the intestinal wall and mucus lining. This results in a reduction of leaky gut symptoms that often contribute to common gut conditions like IBS. It can also increase satiety, leaving you feeling fuller longer and potentially contributing to weight loss.
The most abundant amino acid in gelatin is glycine. Glycine has been linked to numerous positive health impacts such as; increased brain function and mental health, improved sleep, better blood sugar regulation, and a reduction in liver damage.
With a few simple ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy the numerous benefits these tasty snacks have to offer.
All you’ll need is fruit purée (this recipe works great), gelatin, and cool water.
Start by heating your purée over low-medium heat until it is almost boiling. While heating, bloom the gelatin in the cool water and let stand for about 3 minutes. Add the gelatin to the hot fruit purée and stir until all chunks are melted. Pour the mixture into a pan to cool and set.
If you choose to use a metal pan, line it with parchment paper. Silicone pans or trays don’t need to be lined. Keep it simple by slicing the gummy slab into squares or get fancy with pans like these.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
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Real Fruit Gummies
Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit puree
- 1/2 cup cool water
- 1/4 cup gelatin
Instructions
- Heat the fruit purée over low-medium heat until it is almost boiling.
- While heating, bloom the gelatin in the cool water and let stand for about 3 minutes.
- Add the gelatin to the hot fruit purée and stir until all chunks are melted.
- Pour into a pan to cool and set. If using a metal pan, line with parchment paper.
- Remove from and and slice into desired shapes.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Just made these yummy gummy’s.
I made mixed berry purée in my PC blender so it was hot when finished. I didn’t need to bring the purée to a boil, just added the gelatine, mixed and poured.