The Ultimate Guide to Making the Best Keto Gummy Bears

For those following a ketogenic diet, finding suitable treats can be challenging. Thankfully, you don't have to give up your favorite candies! This article will guide you through creating delectable, chewy, and healthy keto gummy bears right in your own kitchen. These homemade gummies are not only easy to make but also offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Why Keto Gummy Bears?

One of the most difficult aspects of following a keto diet is missing out on familiar foods. Gummy bears, a classic candy, are usually off-limits due to their high sugar content. Traditional gummy bears are loaded with sugar and carbohydrates, potentially kicking you out of ketosis. This keto gummy bear recipe provides a perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without derailing your dietary goals. They're sugar-free, low-carb, and low-calorie, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought candies.

Key Ingredients for Keto Gummy Bears

Making keto gummy bears requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

• Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin powder is essential for achieving the classic chewy texture of gummy bears. Opt for natural or organic gelatin if possible.

• Sweetener: Choosing the right sweetener is crucial for both taste and texture. Several options work well:

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  • Allulose: This is a top choice for the best texture and a taste closest to sugar, with no aftertaste. Note that allulose is about 70% as sweet as sugar, so you’ll need to use about 30% more.
  • Monk Fruit Extract: Pure monk fruit extract (like Lakanto's) or stevia can also be used if they suit your preference.
  • Erythritol: While it can be used, it's generally not recommended as it may not provide the best results.

• Sugar-Free Jello Mix: Using flavored, sugar-free Jello mix adds both sweetness and flavor. You want to use the flavored gelatin mix and not the ready-to-eat kind.

• Fruit Juice or Flavoring:

  • Powdered Dried Fruit: Unsweetened, all-natural powdered dried fruit is an excellent option. Raspberry and black raspberry are particularly flavorful choices. Black raspberry has the greatest amount of antioxidants out of all the berries by more than double!.
  • Tea Infusion: If you prefer not to use powdered berries, a tea infusion, such as raspberry tea, can provide a subtle fruit flavor and color.
  • Fresh Fruit: Combining strawberries with a touch of natural sweetness are all tucked into a cute gummy bear shape.

• Water: Water is needed to dissolve the gelatin and create the gummy base.

• Optional Add-Ins:

  • Vitamin C Powder: Adding vitamin C powder (citric or l-ascorbic acid) enhances the sourness and acts as a preservative. Lemon juice can be used as an alternative.
  • Citric Acid: Add a little citric acid to the mixture if you prefer sour gummy bears.
  • Sugar-Free Powdered Drink Mix: For a fun twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of a sugar-free powdered drink mix like Kool-Aid to the mixture.
  • Electrolyte Mix or Collagen: For a health boost, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of a sugar-free electrolyte mix (like sugar-free Liquid IV) or unflavored collagen.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: For apple cider gummies, swap ⅓ of the water for raw apple cider vinegar.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Keto Gummy Bears

Here are two methods for making delicious keto gummy bears. The first uses powdered fruit and the second uses sugar-free Jello.

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Method 1: Using Powdered Fruit

This method uses powdered fruit for a natural flavor and vibrant color.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Raspberry powder (or flavor of choice)
• Sweetener (Allulose recommended)
• Vitamin C powder (optional)
• Gelatin

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, add water, raspberry powder (or your chosen flavor), sweetener (start with a lower amount and adjust to taste), and vitamin C powder.
2. Mix and Heat: Stir to combine all ingredients. Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Add the gelatin and stir well to ensure it is fully dissolved.
3. Cook the Mixture: Turn the heat to low. Continue stirring until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes. Be careful not to let it simmer.
4. Pour into Molds: Once the mixture is smooth and you see steam, remove it from the heat. Immediately pour the mixture into a bowl and use a gum drop or liquid dropper to fill the silicone molds.
5. Chill: Allow the molds to cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the gummies are set.
6. Store: Keep the gummy bears stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
7. Sour Gummy Coating (Optional): Mix additional sweetener and vitamin C powder in a small bowl. Coat the gummies immediately before serving.

Method 2: Using Sugar-Free Jello

This method is quick and easy, perfect for a simple treat.

Ingredients:

• Sugar-free Jello mix
• Unflavored gelatin powder
• Boiling water

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium glass mixing bowl, combine the sugar-free Jello mix and unflavored gelatin powder. Whisk until evenly combined.
2. Add Water: Pour in the boiling water and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fully dissolved and smooth.
3. Strain the Mixture: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any clumps or foam.
4. Fill the Molds: Use a liquid dropper to transfer the gelatin mixture to your gummy bear molds.
5. Refrigerate: Refrigerate the molds for 30-60 minutes or until the gummy bears are set.
6. Unmold: Remove the gummy bears from the molds and enjoy!

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide with Photos

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Set out bowls and add Jello packet to each, plus envelopes of gelatin.
2. Add Water: Add 1/3 cup of boiling water to each one and whisk very well, until the jello and gelatin has completely dissolved.
3. Pour into Molds: Place gummy bear molds onto a large baking sheet. Using a liquid dropper, transfer the gummy bear mixtures into a gummy bear mold. Repeat this process for each flavor.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the molds for 20-30 minutes or until set.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Gummy Bears

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before pouring it into the molds and adjust the sweetener as needed.
• Prevent Sticking: For easier unmolding, lightly brush the silicone molds with a small amount of oil before adding the mixture.
• Work Quickly: Gelatin sets quickly, so work fast when pouring the mixture into the molds. If the gelatin hardens while you're working, you can gently melt it on the stove again.
• Strain for Smoothness: Straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve helps remove any clumps or foam, resulting in smoother gummies.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to try different flavors and combinations. You can use various sugar-free Jello flavors, fruit extracts, or even spices to create unique gummy bear flavors.
• Make them Vegan: To make vegan gummy bears, replace the gelatin with a plant-based alternative like agar-agar.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your personal preference by adding more or less sweetener.
• Let them chill overnight: For the best texture, let the gummy bears chill in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

• Serving: Keto gummy bears can be enjoyed as a quick snack, a sweet treat after a meal, or even as a fun addition to a keto-friendly dessert platter.
• Storage: Store the gummy bears in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 2 weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the gummy bears in an airtight container for up to a month.

Other Keto-Friendly Treats to Explore

If you enjoy making these keto gummy bears, here are a few other keto-friendly recipes you might like:

• Keto Fudge: A delicious holiday treat made with cream cheese, offering a low-carb alternative to traditional fudge.
• Keto Sugar Cookies: Easy to make with just 3 ingredients, these cookies are soft, chewy, and taste just like the real thing.
• Chocolate Nut Clusters: A family favorite that combines the perfect amount of salty and sweet, incredibly easy to make.
• 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies: These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, making peanut butter cookies easier than ever.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate based on an online nutritional calculator. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. It is always a good idea to double-check with your own dietary calculator for the most accurate information. Carbohydrates from sugar alcohols are not included in net carb counts as it has been shown that they do not impact blood sugar.

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