DIY Gummy Multivitamins: Anything I'm Doing Wrong?
Hey all, I've been trying to make my own gummy multivitamins at home to avoid all the sugar in store-bought ones. I'm using gelatin and a powdered multivitamin. My first batch came out too rubbery and had a weird aftertaste. I used 1 tbsp gelatin per cup of juice, let it bloom, then heated and stirred in the vitamin powder. Any tips for texture and taste? Also, is it safe? I'm worried about the heat destroying vitamins.
KetoKevin, I feel ya. I tried that once, and my gummies were like tire rubber! The trick is to use less gelatin – maybe 2 tsp per cup. Also, don't boil the mixture; just heat until the gelatin dissolves, then add your vitamin powder. High heat can indeed degrade some vitamins, especially vitamin C and B's. You can also use agar instead of gelatin for a softer set. And for the taste, a little honey or stevia helps mask that vitaminy flavor.
I'm an eco-warrior, so I use agar (plant-based) and I find it gives a more tender gummy. I also cold-press my own juices to keep nutrients intact. Here's a tip: use a silicone mold and spray it with a little oil to get them out easily. Also, if you're using a powder with fillers, it can make the texture gritty. Try to get a pure vitamin mix or use liquid drops. Oh, and remember to keep them refrigerated, especially if you use fresh fruit juice.
I've had success with a ratio of 2 tsp gelatin, 1 tbsp water for blooming, and 1/2 cup of concentrated fruit juice. I also add a bit of citric acid for a sour kick – it helps mask the vitamin aftertaste. But the real game-changer for me was to mix the vitamin powder with a little cold water first to make a slurry, then whisk that into the warm juice. No clumps! And as Kevin said, don't let it boil. Also, store them in an airtight container – they can get sticky if humid.
Thanks for the tips, guys! I'm gonna try lowering the gelatin to 2 tsp, use agar next time, and add some lemon juice. Also, I'll blend the powder with cold water first. Hopefully my next batch will be 'gummylicious'! :)