DIY Sleep Gummy Disaster - Help with Homemade Melatonin Gummies!
Hey all, trying to make my own sleep gummies while working remotely in Bali. Used gelatin, some melatonin powder, and lemon balm extract I found locally. Followed a basic gummy recipe but they came out super sticky and wouldn't set properly. Anyone have tips for getting the right consistency? Trying to avoid buying OLLY since shipping here is $$$.
omg i feel you! as a night shift nurse, i tried making these last month and had the same issue. i found that adding a tiny bit of citric acid helped them set better, but be careful with the melatonin dosage - i accidentally made mine too strong and was groggy for my whole shift lol. maybe try agar instead of gelatin? worked better for me.
Interesting problem! The science here: gelatin needs proper bloom strength and temperature control. Your issue might be incorrect gelatin-to-liquid ratio or not cooling at the right temp. Also, melatonin degrades at high heat - add it after the mixture cools to ~40°C. For accurate dosing, use a milligram scale. What was your exact recipe?
Before you try again, consider the environmental impact of homemade vs. commercial. OLLY uses sustainable packaging, but homemade means no plastic waste! I use agar from seaweed and organic chamomile from my garden. Pro tip: add a bit of local honey as natural preservative instead of artificial stuff. Also, silicone molds are reusable forever!