Vegan Jello Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Treats

Updated On: October 1, 2025

Looking for a delightful, refreshing dessert that’s completely plant-based? Vegan jello is a fantastic alternative to traditional gelatin-based jello, offering a vibrant, tasty, and cruelty-free treat that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a snack for the kids, or simply craving something light and fruity, this vegan jello recipe will quickly become a favorite. Made with natural ingredients like agar-agar, fresh fruit juice, and a touch of sweetness, it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Plus, it’s free from artificial additives and perfect for those following vegan, vegetarian, or allergy-friendly diets.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making your own colorful, wobbly vegan jello right at home. You’ll love how versatile this recipe is—you can customize it with your favorite fruits and flavors, making it as simple or as fancy as you like.

Ready to dive in? Let’s make some vibrant vegan jello that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan jello recipe is a game changer for anyone who’s avoided gelatin desserts due to dietary restrictions or ethical reasons. The use of agar-agar, a seaweed-based gelling agent, makes it completely plant-friendly while ensuring a firm, satisfying texture that holds up well.

Besides its vegan credentials, this jello is naturally low in calories and can be made with fresh fruit juices, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought jello loaded with artificial colors and flavors.

It’s a fun way to enjoy a nostalgic dessert without compromising your lifestyle or health goals.

And best of all? It’s incredibly simple!

With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this treat in no time. Plus, you can experiment with endless flavor combinations, from tropical mango to tangy berry blends.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh fruit juice (such as orange, apple, grape, or mixed berry)
  • 1 tsp agar-agar powder
  • 2-3 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh fruits (optional, for added texture)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Jello molds or small bowls
  • Refrigerator space for setting

Instructions

  1. Prepare your fruit juice: If using fresh juice, strain to remove pulp for a smooth texture. Measure out 2 cups of juice.
  2. Combine agar-agar and juice: Pour the fruit juice into a medium saucepan. Sprinkle the agar-agar powder evenly over the surface to avoid clumps.
  3. Heat and dissolve: Turn the heat to medium and whisk continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the agar-agar is completely dissolved.
  4. Add sweetener and lemon juice: Stir in the maple syrup or agave nectar and optional lemon juice. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  5. Add fresh fruit pieces (optional): If you want chunks of fruit in your jello, add the chopped pieces into your molds or bowls before pouring the jello mixture.
  6. Pour and chill: Carefully pour the hot jello mixture into molds or bowls over the fruit pieces.
  7. Set in refrigerator: Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or until firm. Agar-agar sets at room temperature but chilling improves texture and flavor.
  8. Serve: Once set, unmold if desired by dipping molds in warm water briefly, then serve cold and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, make sure you dissolve the agar-agar powder completely by bringing the mixture to a full boil and simmering briefly.”

Here are some tips to get your vegan jello just right:

  • Use fresh, high-quality juice for the brightest flavor and color. Avoid juices with preservatives or added sugars when possible.
  • Feel free to experiment with herbal infusions like hibiscus or chamomile for unique jello flavors.
  • Try layering different colored juices for a fun rainbow jello effect—just let each layer set before adding the next.
  • For a creamier jello, stir in a little coconut milk or plant-based yogurt once the agar-agar has dissolved but before pouring into molds.
  • If you prefer a softer set, reduce the agar-agar slightly to 3/4 teaspoon.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving (1/4 recipe)
Calories 60
Carbohydrates 15g
Sugars 12g
Protein 0.5g
Fat 0g
Fiber 0g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on juice and sweetener brands.

Serving Suggestions

Vegan jello is incredibly versatile and can be served in many creative ways:

  • Top with fresh berries and a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a festive dessert.
  • Serve alongside vegan ice cream or sorbet for a cool summer treat.
  • Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids’ parties or themed celebrations.
  • Pair with a fresh fruit salad or vegan yogurt parfait for a light breakfast or snack.
  • For an elegant presentation, unmold and serve on a plate garnished with mint leaves and edible flowers.

Conclusion

Making vegan jello at home is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a classic dessert without any animal products or artificial additives. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together quickly to create a vibrant, refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to customize this recipe with your favorite fruit flavors and add-ins.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to impress guests or treat your family to something colorful and nutritious. Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to keep your plant-based menu exciting.

Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade vegan jello!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Jello Recipe

Description: A refreshing and colorful vegan jello made with agar agar and fruit juice. Perfect for a light dessert or snack.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fruit juice (e.g., orange, grape, or mixed berry)
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh fruit (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour fruit juice into a saucepan.
  2. Sprinkle agar agar powder over the juice and let sit for 2 minutes.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until agar is fully dissolved.
  5. Stir in maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract if using.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. Pour mixture into molds or a dish.
  8. Add chopped fresh fruit if desired.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
  10. Serve chilled.

Nutrition: Calories: 70 | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 17g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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