DIY gummy vitamins gone wrong - help! (gelatin + vitamin powder = disaster)
Hey all, so I've been trying to make my own gummy vitamins at home because OLLY is great but pricey. I got some gelatin, agar, and a berry vitamin powder blend (A, D, C, E, B, zinc). First batch: total mush, never set. Second batch: rock hard, almost broke a tooth. What am I doing wrong? I'm using 1 cup juice, 2 tbsp gelatin, and 1 scoop powder. Any tips? Also, does the vitamin powder degrade with heat? I don't want to waste my money. Thanks!
Oh man, I've been there! First off, agar and gelatin have different setting strengths. Agar needs boiling to activate, gelatin just needs to bloom in cold water first. You're probably not blooming your gelatin. Also, vitamin powder can degrade if you heat it too much. I usually add it after the mixture cools a bit but before it sets. And check your ratios - for gelatin, it's usually 1 tbsp per cup of liquid for a soft gummy, 2 tbsp for firm. But if you add too much powder, it can mess with the texture. Try dissolving the powder in a little warm water first. Good luck!
I tried this once with a tech gadget thermometer to keep the temp perfect. Gelatin starts to denature above 180°F, so if you're boiling it, that's why it's not setting. Also, some vitamin powders have fillers that inhibit gelling. Did you check the ingredients? Maybe try a different brand. Oh, and if you're using agar, it sets at room temp but gets brittle. I prefer a mix of gelatin and agar for a better chew. But honestly, after my failed attempts, I just buy OLLY. The convenience is worth it. 😅
Hey Zack! I'm all about DIY wellness, but gummies are tricky. Have you considered using fruit puree instead of juice? It adds natural pectin which helps set. Also, I've heard that adding a little honey or maple syrup can help with texture and taste. But be careful with the vitamin powder - too much can be bitter. Maybe start with half the scoop and adjust? And definitely don't overheat. I usually warm gently and whisk constantly. Let us know how it goes! Namaste. 🙏
Thanks everyone! I didn't know about blooming gelatin - I just dumped it in hot juice. Oops. I'll try again with cold water bloom and lower heat. Also, I'll check the powder ingredients. EarthElias, I might just give up and buy OLLY, but I'm stubborn. GummyGuru, how much powder do you add per batch? And Uma, fruit puree sounds interesting, but wouldn't that change the flavor? I'll update after my next attempt. Fingers crossed!