Homemade GOLI-style gummies: My batch turned into a slimy mess!

OasisOliver768May 26, 2026
O
OasisOliver768
May 26, 2026, 01:00 PM

Hey all, I'm pretty new to IF and I love GOLI gummies for my magnesium and vitamin D. But they're pricey, so I tried making my own with gelatin and bulk vitamin powders. I followed a recipe: 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp gelatin, 1 tbsp vitamin powder, 2 tbsp honey. Heated and stirred, poured into molds, fridge for 4 hours. They came out sticky, slimy, and never firmed up. What did I do wrong? Should I use agar instead? Any tips?

V
VitalVince860
May 26, 2026, 02:08 PM

Hey Oasis! I've been making my own gummies for months. A few tips: 1) Use enough gelatin - I do 3 tbsp per 1/2 cup liquid. 2) Bloom the gelatin in cold water first, then gently heat. 3) Vitamin powders can be acidic and break down the gelatin, so add a little baking soda to neutralize. 4) Agar is more forgiving for vegans but can be grainy. Try the gelatin method again with these tweaks!

V
VeggieVictor755
May 26, 2026, 04:00 PM

I'm vegan so I only use agar. My recipe: 1/2 cup juice, 1 tbsp agar powder, 1 tbsp vitamin powder (like B12, iron). Boil juice, whisk in agar for 2 mins, then add vitamin powder. Pour into molds, fridge for 1 hour. They set firm but can be brittle. If you want chewy, add a little tapioca starch. For your batch, maybe the honey prevented setting? Too much sugar can inhibit gelation. Good luck!

M
MountainMike309
May 26, 2026, 02:24 PM

My grandkids love gummies but I worry about sugar. I make them with stevia and herbal extracts. But vitamin powders often have fillers that mess up the texture. I'd suggest using liquid vitamins or tinctures instead. Also, check if your vitamin powder has magnesium stearate - that can prevent gelling. I always use a mixture of gelatin and agar to get a good chew. Hope that helps!

O
OasisOliver768
May 26, 2026, 05:56 PM

Wow, thanks everyone! I'll try the gelatin bloom method and maybe reduce the honey. Vince, how much baking soda do you add? I think my powder does have magnesium stearate - never thought of that. I'll try a liquid vitamin next time. Appreciate all the advice!