DIY Gummy Multivitamins - Help! My Batch is a Gooey Mess!
Hey everyone! I'm trying to make my own gummy vitamins at home to save money and control ingredients. I used gelatin, fruit juice, and a vitamin powder blend, but they came out super gooey and never set! I followed a recipe I found online that said to bloom the gelatin in cold water, then heat it with the juice and stir in the powder at the end. I used 2 tbsp gelatin for 1 cup liquid. Did I do something wrong? Any tips?
Hey Paula! I'm not a gummy expert but I've tried making keto gummies. Gelatin needs enough acid to set properly, but if you add too much acid, it can break down. Also, if you used fresh pineapple or kiwi, they have enzymes that destroy gelatin! That could be your problem. Also, make sure you're using a reliable recipe. Check out the 'gummy' section on this forum, there are some good ones.
Hi Paula, as a nurse I always worry about proper dosing with vitamins. But for gummies, I've found that the type of gelatin matters a lot. You need a high-quality gelatin with a high bloom strength. Also, ensure you heat the mixture enough to fully dissolve the gelatin, but don't boil it. Let it cool slightly before adding vitamins to avoid destroying them. A trick: pour into molds and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, not just counter set. Hope that helps!
IMO, the issue is the amount of liquid vs. gelatin. For 1 cup of liquid, 2 tbsp might not be enough. I usually use 3-4 tbsp for a firmer gummy. Also, you need to simmer it for 5-10 minutes to activate the gelatin properly, then add the vitamins after it's cooled a bit. And hey, if you're using a powder, make sure it's not a time-release or enteric-coated, those don't dissolve well. Good luck! Taste will be your reward.
Thanks everyone! I think the issue might be that I used a low-quality gelatin and didn't heat it enough. I'll try again with more gelatin and simmer for longer. Also, I read that adding a bit of citric acid can help, but I'll be careful not to overdo it. I'll update you on the next batch!