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vegan gummy bears in 6 different colors in several rows
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Vegan Gummy Bears

How to make vegan gummy bears that are gelatin-free, using agar powder, natural flavorings, and colors! This candy recipe is refined-sugar-free, gluten-free, and makes delicious natural vegan gummies!
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Gummy Bear Silicone Mold*

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 ml) fruit juice (see notes)
  • 2 tsp agar powder (see notes)
  • 1 tbsp sweetener of choice or more to taste (optional, see notes)
  • Fruit powder of choice (optional, see notes)

Instructions

  • You can watch the video in the post for visual instructions.
    Prepare 2 silicone molds (I use these) and a dropper.
  • Combine fruit juice, agar agar powder, sweetener of choice (optional), and fruit powder (optional) in a bowl and stir with a whisk. See notes for different versions.
  • Transfer to a pot or pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This is important for the agar agar to get activated.
  • Using the dropper fill the mixture into the silicone molds. Leave to set at room temperature for at least 20 minutes (the time depends on which juice you use). You can also let the gummies set in the fridge. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Agar agar: It's important to use agar powder (100% strength), not flakes. If you have flakes, you'll need 3 times as much (6 teaspoons). Also, check the label of your agar powder. It should contain 100% agar agar, and no other additives. If it contains only 30% agar agar, you will also need 3 times as much.
  • If you prefer firm gummies, you can use up to 3 teaspoons of agar powder for each cup of juice.
  • The gummies aren't chewy, since they do not contain gelatin. I read that Kappa carrageenan (instead of agar agar) can make the candy chewier, but I haven't tried it. 
  • For yellow/orange gummies, I used unsweetened orange juice and 1 tablespoon of Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener).
  • For the red gummies, I used sweetened cherry juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons of indigo blueberry powder. I didn't use any sweetener.
  • For the clear gummies, I used sweetened apple juice, no sweetener, no fruit powder.
  • For the blue gummies, I used sweetened apple juice and 1 teaspoon blue spirulina powder. You can also use a few drops of natural food dye.
  • For the green gummies, I used sweetened apple juice and 1 teaspoon green spirulina powder (you can also use matcha powder).
  • Sweetener: I only used a refined sugar-free sweetener for the unsweetened orange juice, but left it out for all other versions. You can use organic sugar, Erythritol, Xylitol, or monk fruit. Maple syrup or a few drops of pure stevia might work too, but I haven't tried it.
  • Some juices contain more acid than others which will have an effect on the gelling properties. If there is too much acid in the juice, the agar agar won't set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Vegan Gummy Bears
Serving Size
 
8 gummies
Amount per Serving
Calories
11
% Daily Value*
Carbohydrates
 
3
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.