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Made with 5 ingredients including gelatin for gut health, these Homemade Gummies with Probiotics and collagen are a fun treat for both kids and adults! Use different kombucha flavors and create fun shapes to make these collagen gummies even more fun!
The 1st post of our healing week, these Homemade Gummies with Probiotics are part of our Restorative Health Series, meaning they’re made with anti-inflammatory ingredients and gut-healing ingredients to nourish the body from the inside out.
Gut Healing Gummies
Have you jumped on the kombucha train yet? The popularity of these probiotic-rich drinks has exploded over the last few years, and I’m not complaining at all! After all, with recipes like Citrus Kombucha Mezcal co*cktails and Homemade Fruit Kvass, it’s pretty clear I’ve been on board with this trend for years. In fact, I keep my fridge well-stocked with various kombuchas for all to enjoy! While I love these drinks, I know not everyone is a fan, especially kids.
To me, this is a shame because of how beneficial they are for our gut health! So, to make it easier for everyone to optimize their digestion, I created homemade gummies with probiotics! Not only do these collagen gummies contain probiotics, but they’re also made with gelatin for gut health. Plus, they can be made with a wide variety of flavors and shaped any way you’d like, making them super fun to eat! Who knew health could be both fun and tasty? Keep reading to learn more!
What are Probiotics, Anyway?
So, you know that probiotics are good for you, but do you actually know what they are? Probiotics are live bacteria that exist in the gut. Contrary to what you might think upon hearing bacteria, probiotics are actually very beneficial and help regulate your microbiome. Put more simply, probiotics help regulate digestion. Read more about what they are and how they work here!
Health Benefits
Probiotics work to fight off bad bacteria in the gut and regulate digestion. As a result, their benefits include (Source):
- Preventing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease
- Preventing eczema in children
- Reducing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Ingredients for Probiotic Gummies
Unlike other probiotic gummies for adults that are full of added sugars and fillers, these homemade gummies are made with 5 simple, natural ingredients that come together to create a light and refreshing flavor while also helping to heal your gut!
- Kombucha – There are endless different types and flavors of kombucha to try. Any flavor you like best will work! Note – See below or recipe card for a substitute!
Nutrition Tip: Sugar is essential for the fermentation process of kombucha, but be sure to read the nutrition label of the kombucha you use! Some brands pack hefty doses of sugar well beyond the amount needed for fermentation. As a general rule of thumb, I aim to select options with 4-8 grams of sugar per serving.
- Berries – Raspberries or strawberries work best, but any fruit that can easily be pureed can be used, too. I would avoid using any kind of fruit with a core such as apples or pears.
- Gelatin Powder – Using beef gelatin is crucial! Collagen hydrolysate or peptide powders will not allow the gummies to gel, meaning you’ll be left with just a puddle.
- Sweeteners and Substitutes: For slightly sweeter gummies, substitute 1 cup of kombucha with pineapple juice. Or, replace the kombucha altogether with 2 cups of pineapple juice and 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar! Adjust the amount of pineapple juice to suit your taste buds.
Nutrition Tip: Pineapple contains enzymes known as Bromelain which have been shown to reduce pain and swelling, reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, improve digestion, and more! Read more here.
- Optional Honey – Similar to pineapple juice, honey adds an extra layer of sweetness to this recipe. Plus, the antioxidants help boost the nutritional value even more!
More on Gelatin
Gelatin is a type of protein that has been turned into a powder and is made from animal sources. Consuming it in our diets can help form connective tissue in the body and provide elasticity in the skin. (Source) Most people under-consume gelatin, and while we can make some of the amino acids found in the protein ourselves, it’s often not enough. As a result, it is common to supplement gelatin in meals.
Why It’s Good for You
- Improved Digestion – Glycine found in gelatin helps restore mucosal lining in the stomach which helps balance the amount of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. This helps prevent reflux, bloating, and indigestion.
- Protects Joints – Supplementing gelatin in your diet can help offset the effects of eroding collagen in the body. This reduces inflammation and lessens symptoms of arthritis.
- Improves Sleep – Research has shown that gelatin helps prevent feelings of sleepiness during the day while also improving the ability to fall asleep and quality of sleep achieved. (Source)
- Improved Cognition – The amino acids in gelatin act similarly to antidepressants working to boost mental clarity, creating a sense of calmness, and lower stress hormones.
- Improved Heart Health – Gelatin neutralizes the effects of methionine, a type of amino acid found in animal sources. Although beneficial in high amounts, high levels of methionine can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, by consuming gelatin, you can mitigate its negative side effects while reaping its benefits!
Collagen vs. Gelatin
Although they are often confused and provide many of the same benefits, collagen and gelatin are not the same things.
Collagen: Often referred to as “glue,” collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps form connective tissue, making tissue strong and resilient. (Source)
Gelatin: Also found in the body, gelatin is a cooked form of collagen.
How to Make the Best Probiotic Gummies
I feel like people often assume that making homemade gummies is difficult to do or requires a million strange ingredients, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth! I’ll prove it with the simple steps below.
- Combine. To begin, combine the kombucha and fruit juice in a blender along with honey and fruit, and blend them until they are smooth and well-combined. Adjust the taste as desired, adding more or less fruit depending on how sweet you want your gummies.
Pro-Tip: If you don’t have a blender, puree the fruit with a food processor or hand blender, and combine it with the other ingredients.
- Heat. Place the blended mixture in a small saucepan, and heat it over medium-low heat until it starts to simmer.
Baking Tip: Do not let the mixture come to a boil! You want the water to be just warm enough to dissolve the gelatin. If it becomes too warm it will caramelize the honey, causing it to clump with the gelatin.
- Scatter. Whisking constantly, scatter the gelatin powder over the fruit and kombucha mixture. If the gelatin begins to clump after being added, transfer it back to the blender (or use an immersion blender), and blend the ingredients until they are smooth again.
- Blend. Add the probiotic mixture back to the saucepan, and heat it on low for another minute.
- Mold. Pour the mixture into molds of your choice or a lined baking dish.
- Chill. Place the gummy mixture in the fridge to chill for 2 hours. Or, pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes to harden. Just make sure to thaw them before consuming!
Fun Shapes and Sizes
For this recipe, we made both cubes and bears, but feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes! To do so, use molds, baking tins, ice cube trays, and more. A few of my favorite tools include:
Secret Tips for Better Gummies
Hydrate the Gelatin. To prevent the gelatin from clumping in the gummy mixture, try hydrating it first. To do so, mix it with a cool liquid such as water or juice before adding it to the saucepan.
Work Quickly. As soon as the gelatin begins to cool, it will start to set. So, be sure to work quickly! I like to have my molds next to me so I don’t have to waste time preparing them once the gelatin mixture is ready.
Avoid Protease. Certain foods such as mango, papaya, figs, and guava contain a protein enzyme known as protease that could prevent the gelatin from gelling. If using these fruits, try cooking them first! Learn more about the process here.
Homemade Gummies Q&A
How should I store homemade gummies?
Given that these gummies are made without preservatives, it’s best to store them in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the fridge.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Technically, no. However, for longer-lasting probiotic gummies for adults, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks (versus 2-3 days).
How can I keep my gummies from sticking together?
To keep your gummies from sticking together once stored, lightly coat them in cornstarch or potato starch before adding them to a sealable bag or container.
Gut-Healthy Homemade Gummies Recipe
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
4.8 from 6 reviews
- Author: Lindsay Cotter
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These homemade gummies are made with kombucha and fresh fruit for an easy snack that is nutritious and gut-friendly!
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 2 cups kombucha or 1 cup kombucha + 1 cup pineapple juice (or other juice of choice) *See notes for kombucha substitutes
- ⅓ – ½ cup honey
- 1 cup raspberries or strawberries
- 8 Tablespoons grass-fed gelatin powder (See notes)
Instructions
- Combine the kombucha and/or fruit juice in a blender with the fruit and honey. Blend until the ingredients are well-combined. (See notes)
- Place the blended mixture in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it come to a boil!
- Scatter the gelatin over the mixture, whisking continuously. If the mixture starts to clump after adding all of the gelatin, transfer it back to the blender (or use an immersion blender), and blend until combined.
- Return the mixture back to the saucepan, and heat on low for another minute.
- Working quickly but gently, pour the kombucha and collagen mixture into molds or a lined brownie baking dish.
- Place the mixture in the fridge to chill for 2 hours, or place it in the freezer for 30 minutes or until it is hardened.
- Once hardened, pop the gummies out of the molds. Or, if using a baking dish, flip it over on a cutting board, and slice gummies into 1-inch cubic squares.
- These gummies are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For a kombucha-free option, replace the kombucha with pineapple juice and 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
Do not use collagen hydrolysate or peptides as they will not gel. Make sure you are using grass-fed beef gelatin or collagen.
No blender? Use an immersion blender instead.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- chill time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 7.2 g
- Sodium: 4.5 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.1 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Whether you’re a kombucha fan or not, these homemade gummies are definitely something to be excited about! Not only are they good for you, but they taste like candy, meaning even the kids will be excited to eat them. If you do try them, I would love it if you let me know what you think and any fun flavors you try in the comments below!
Cheers,
LC
This recipe was originally published in 2014 and probiotic jello, it has been updated to provide you with better content and a new and improvedrecipe! If you can’t find something you’re looking for, let us know, and we’ll be happy to help!
