Vegetarian Gummy Bears Recipe Easy and Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Are you craving a fun, colorful, and chewy treat that’s completely vegetarian and free from gelatin? Then you’re in for a real delight with this vegetarian gummy bears recipe!

These little candies are packed with natural fruit flavors and made using plant-based ingredients that make them perfect for everyone, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought gummy bears.

Plus, they are incredibly easy to make at home, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some patience while they set.

This recipe is not only a tasty snack but also a fantastic way to control what goes into your sweets, avoiding artificial colors and preservatives. Whether you’re making these for yourself, your kids, or a party, these vegetarian gummy bears are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ready to jump into the world of homemade gummies? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why this vegetarian gummy bears recipe should be your go-to sweet treat. First, it’s completely plant-based, using agar-agar instead of gelatin, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Agar-agar is a seaweed-derived thickener that creates the perfect chewy texture without any animal products.

Secondly, the recipe uses natural fruit juices and sweeteners, so you can enjoy your gummies without worrying about artificial additives or excessive sugar. Plus, it’s customizable — you can experiment with different fruit juices, flavors, and even add vitamins or supplements for an extra health boost.

Finally, making your own gummy bears is fun and therapeutic! It’s a great activity to do with kids or friends, and you’ll always have a fresh batch ready for whenever a sweet craving hits.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup natural fruit juice (orange, apple, grape, or mixed berries work well)
  • 3 tablespoons agar-agar powder (vegetarian gelatin substitute)
  • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to balance sweetness and add tartness)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon natural fruit extract or vanilla extract for enhanced flavor

Equipment

  • Small saucepan for heating the mixture
  • Silicone gummy bear molds or any small candy molds
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk for stirring
  • Dropper or small spoon for filling molds
  • Refrigerator to set the gummies

Instructions

  1. Prepare your molds: Lightly grease the silicone molds with a tiny amount of coconut oil to ensure easy removal of gummy bears once set.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, pour 1 cup of your chosen fruit juice. Add 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder and 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar. Stir well to combine.
  3. Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly to prevent clumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the agar-agar is fully dissolved.
  4. Add lemon juice and flavor: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and, if using, 1/2 teaspoon of natural fruit or vanilla extract.
  5. Fill the molds: Using a dropper or small spoon, carefully fill your gummy bear molds with the hot mixture.
  6. Chill and set: Place the filled molds in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the gummies are firm and set.
  7. Remove and enjoy: Carefully pop out the gummy bears from the molds. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, make sure the agar-agar is fully dissolved and the mixture is still warm when pouring into molds. Cooling too quickly can result in grainy gummies.”

  • Try different juices: Experiment with pomegranate, cranberry, or mango juice for exciting new flavors and colors.
  • Add superfoods: Mix in a teaspoon of powdered beetroot or spirulina to add natural color and nutrients.
  • Sweetener swaps: Use coconut sugar or brown rice syrup if you prefer alternatives to maple syrup or agave nectar.
  • Make vegan vitamin gummies: Incorporate vitamin C powder or other supplement powders for a healthful twist.
  • Use fun shapes: Don’t limit yourself to bears — try stars, hearts, or any silicone mold you love!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx. 10 gummies)
Calories 45
Carbohydrates 12g
Sugars 9g (from natural sweeteners and fruit juice)
Protein 0g
Fat 0g
Fiber 0g
Vitamin C 10% DV (varies based on juice and additions)

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian gummy bears are perfect as a sweet snack any time of day. Serve them in colorful bowls at parties, pack them in lunchboxes for a fun surprise, or use them as a delightful garnish for desserts and drinks.

For a creative twist, add them to homemade trail mix or scatter a few on top of a fresh fruit salad. If you’re hosting a kids’ party, consider setting up a gummy-making station where everyone can create their own personalized gummies.

And if you enjoy this recipe, you might also love exploring other delicious vegetarian desserts like this date cake recipe or savory options such as vegetarian Swiss chard recipes for balanced meals.

Conclusion

Making your own vegetarian gummy bears at home is a rewarding and enjoyable experience that results in a healthier, tastier alternative to commercial gummies. With just a few simple ingredients like agar-agar, natural fruit juice, and a plant-based sweetener, you can create chewy, flavorful candies that everyone will love.

This recipe is versatile and easy to customize, making it perfect for all sorts of occasions — from everyday snacks to party treats. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to cooking and healthy eating habits.

Whether you stick to the classic fruit flavors or experiment with exciting variations, these vegetarian gummy bears are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ready to try more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes? Check out these favorites: Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Happy cooking and snacking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Gummy Bears

Description: Delicious and chewy gummy bears made with natural fruit juice and agar agar instead of gelatin. Perfect for a vegetarian-friendly treat that’s easy to make at home.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M

Servings: 30 gummy bears

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fruit juice (e.g., apple, grape, or mixed berry)
  • 2 tablespoons agar agar powder
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon natural food coloring

Instructions

  1. Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan.
  2. Sprinkle agar agar powder over the juice and let it sit for 2 minutes.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until agar dissolves completely.
  4. Add honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; stir well.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. Pour mixture into gummy bear molds.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
  8. Pop gummies out of molds and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition: Calories: 15 kcal per gummy | Protein: 0.1 g | Fat: 0 g | Carbs: 4 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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