DIY Gummy Vitamins: Help! My Batch Turned Into a Gummy Bear Graveyard
So I tried making my own gummy vitamins at home. I used gelatin, some OLLY kids vitamins crushed up (yes, I know that's weird), and a bit of fruit juice for taste. I followed a recipe but they turned out super hard and rubbery, like little erasers. What did I do wrong? Any tips for a first-timer on a budget?
Honestly, homemade gummies are tricky, especially with powders. The ratio of gelatin to liquid is key. I've had success with 1 tbsp gelatin per 1/4 cup cold water, then add hot liquid and mix thoroughly. Also, crush the vitamin powders super fine—any chunks can mess with the texture. And don't forget to let them set in the fridge for at least 4 hours. But yeah, they might come out a bit chewier than the store-bought ones.
Why not just buy OLLY's? They already have the vitamins, probiotics, and taste. Making your own seems like a hassle and you never know if the vitamins are stable or evenly distributed. Plus, if you're using OLLY as a base, you're just adding gelatin and juice, so you're not getting any new benefits. Just my 2 cents.
I get the DIY appeal, but you also have to consider the sustainability of making your own. Buying OLLY in bulk reduces packaging waste. Also, the recipe you used might not account for the acidity of the fruit juice—acid can break down gelatin. Try adding a bit of citric acid or use a different juice. Also, you could use agar-agar for a vegan option, but it sets differently. Just be patient and experiment with small batches.
Dude, I've been there. You need to bloom the gelatin in cold liquid first, then heat it gently. If you boil it, it loses gelling power. Also, maybe you added too much vitamin powder—that can interfere. And if they're too hard, try adding a little more liquid or less gelatin next time. But honestly, for the convenience and taste, I just stick with OLLY. It's like 50 cents a day for peace of mind. But props for trying!
Thanks for the replies! I'll try again with the ratios and maybe use an agar recipe I saw. And Nina, you're right about the hassle, but I'm a broke student and thought I could stretch my vitamins. But maybe I'm just wasting money on failures. Any tips on making them taste less like chalk? I used cranberry juice and it was still meh.