DIY NAC gummies - total fail, help! (gelatin vs agar?)
Hey all, I'm trying to make my own NAC gummies at home because buying them is $$$. I used gelatin + NAC powder + some juice. They came out as a sticky blob that never set. WTF am I doing wrong? I heated the mixture but maybe too hot? Also the taste is... sulfur-ish? Any tips? I'm not a scientist but I play one on the internet.
Lol been there. First, NAC smells like rotten eggs, that's normal. Second, gelatin needs to bloom in cold water first before heating. If you dumped it in hot liquid it clumps. Also, too much acid (juice) can break gelatin. Try using a syrup or just water + flavor drops. And don't boil it - heat gently until clear. For agar, you have to boil it for 2-3 mins to activate, then it sets at room temp. Gelatin needs fridge. Which one are you using? Pick one and master it. Also, are you intermittent fasting? Because these gummies have calories, just saying.
If you're vegan, skip gelatin obviously. Agar works but it's brittle. I use agar + a little tapioca starch for chew. But heads up: NAC degrades with heat, so if you're cooking it you might lose potency. Maybe just take NAC powder in water and make separate fruit gummies? Also, why not just buy vegan NAC capsules? Less waste and hassle. Not judging, just saying.
Thanks! I used gelatin but didn't bloom it. That's probably it. Also I boiled it like an idiot. I'll try again with less heat and see. And yeah, I'm not vegan, just cheap. But Mila, you raise a good point about heat destroying NAC. Maybe I'll just mix powder into cold applesauce and eat it. Not gummies but whatever.
Applesauce works. Or you can make a cold-set gelatin using cold water and let it sit overnight - no heat. But then you risk bacteria? Idk, I've done it and lived. Also, if you want actual gummies, use a candy thermometer and keep it under 160F. And add a preservative like potassium sorbate if you're storing them. Otherwise they'll mold in a week. Good luck!