I love how a tiny, homemade gummy can carry so much flavor — bright green tea, zesty lemon, and warm ginger all in one chewable bite. These Green Tea, Lemon & Ginger Gummies are refreshingly light, naturally flavored, and surprisingly simple to make at home; I first tested them to turn leftover chilled tea into a healthy snack. If you like lemon-forward treats, try my take on baked lemon donuts for another citrusy option.
Why Make This Recipe
- They capture antioxidants from brewed green tea and vitamin C from lemon in a portable, bite-sized form.
- The ginger adds digestive support and a warm lift that balances the bright lemon.
- They’re easy to make ahead for snacks, lunchboxes, or a homemade gift.
- Minimal equipment and pantry-friendly ingredients make them convenient any day of the week.
- Personal note: I love making these when I have extra brewed tea — it’s a zero-waste way to enjoy flavor again. Also, if you enjoy lemon desserts, you’ll like the texture contrast found in baby lemon impossible pies.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 5–10 minutes to bloom gelatin)
- Cook time: 5–7 minutes to warm and dissolve gelatin
- Total time: about 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: makes about 30 small gummies (using 1 tablespoon molds)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Bloom gelatin, warm green tea with honey and ginger, dissolve gelatin off heat, add lemon, strain, then pour into silicone molds and chill until set. For a visual reference on lemon-based broths and timing, I also use techniques similar to those in avgolemono soup.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe multiple times to balance firmness with a pleasing chew. Early batches were either too soft or too rubbery; dialing in the gelatin and chilling time fixed both issues. Straining the ginger solids was a key discovery — it keeps the texture smooth without losing flavor.
How to Make Green Tea, Lemon & Ginger Gummies
Start by brewing 2 cups (480 ml) of very strong green tea (use 2–3 tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf) and let it cool slightly. Bloom 6 tablespoons (about 54 g) of unflavored powdered gelatin in 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water for 5 minutes. Warm the tea in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger and 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey over medium-low heat to 140–150°F (60–65°C) — do not boil. Remove from heat, whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved (about 1–2 minutes), then stir in 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon lemon zest off the heat. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup, pour into silicone molds, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
Equipment notes: a small saucepan, candy or instant-read thermometer, fine-mesh sieve, silicone molds, and a flexible spatula make the process smooth.
Expert Tips for Success
- Bloom gelatin properly: sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit 5 minutes to avoid lumps and ensure full hydration.
- Keep temperatures moderate: dissolve gelatin at 140–150°F (60–65°C); boiling can reduce gelling strength and damage flavor.
- Strain ginger and zest: a fine-mesh sieve removes fibrous pieces for a silky gummy while preserving aromatic oils.
- Use silicone molds: they release gummies cleanly and tolerate chilling; lightly oiling molds makes release even easier.
- Adjust texture by gelatin: for softer gummies reduce gelatin by 10–20%; for firmer candies increase slightly, testing one small mold first.
How to Serve Green Tea, Lemon & Ginger Gummies
- Serve chilled on a small plate or in a glass jar as a refreshing palate cleanser after a spicy meal.
- Pack a few in a lunchbox or handbag for a natural energy lift and digestive support.
- Garnish a dessert platter with the gummies alongside citrus cookies, or pair them with grilled dishes like asado chicken with lemon zucchini for a bright finish.
- Present them in small cellophane bags tied with twine as homemade edible gifts.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10–14 days; separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freezing is possible: freeze on a tray until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge — texture softens slightly after freezing. Reheating isn’t recommended since heat will melt the gel; if they soften, chill again for a couple of hours to reset.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian/vegan: replace gelatin with agar-agar — use 1 teaspoon powdered agar per cup of liquid (follow package instructions and boil briefly to activate agar). Texture will be slightly firmer and more brittle.
- Honey-free: swap honey for 1/4 cup (50 g) maple syrup or agave for a vegan-suitable sweetener with a different flavor profile.
- Spiced version: add a pinch of ground turmeric or a few crushed cardamom pods when warming the tea for warming complexity.
- Citrus-forward: increase lemon juice to 1/3 cup and add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a brighter, layered citrus gummy.
Nutritional Highlights
- Green tea provides antioxidants (catechins) and a small amount of caffeine — consider this if serving to children.
- Fresh ginger supports digestion and can ease nausea; lemon adds vitamin C.
- Allergen note: this recipe uses gelatin (animal-derived); use agar-agar for a vegan alternative. Portion guidance: aim for 2–3 gummies per serving as a light snack.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Gummy too soft: let them chill longer or increase gelatin by 10–20% in the next batch. Always test one mold before committing to a large batch.
- Grainy or separated texture: ensure the gelatin fully dissolves and strain the mixture; overheating or boiling can cause separation.
- Gummies sticking together: coat lightly with a dusting of cornstarch or store separated by parchment paper if humidity is high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use flavored green tea or matcha instead of brewed green tea?
A1: Yes — use a mild flavored green tea or a diluted matcha (1/2 teaspoon matcha whisked into 2 cups warm water). Matcha will give a stronger color and a slightly different, more concentrated flavor; reduce honey slightly if matcha is bitter.
Q2: How do I scale this recipe up or down?
A2: Keep the ratio of gelatin to liquid consistent. This recipe uses roughly 3 tablespoons of gelatin per cup of liquid for a firm gummy. When scaling, bloom gelatin proportional to the total liquid and dissolve completely; consider testing a small batch if changing quantities significantly.
Q3: Can I make sugar-free gummies?
A3: Yes — replace honey with a sugar-free liquid sweetener like erythritol syrup or monk fruit syrup, keeping in mind texture can change slightly. Taste and adjust sweetness before adding lemon and pouring into molds.
Q4: Why did my gummies become rubbery after freezing?
A4: Freezing can alter gel structure; agar-based gummies are more prone to becoming brittle. To minimize texture change, freeze briefly and thaw slowly in the fridge. If rubberiness persists, reduce gelatin slightly in future batches and chill rather than freeze when possible.
Green Tea, Lemon & Ginger Gummies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 small gummies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade gummies combine the refreshing flavors of green tea, lemon, and ginger into a healthy, bite-sized snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) brewed green tea
- 6 tablespoons (about 54 g) unflavored powdered gelatin
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Brew 2 cups of strong green tea and let it cool slightly.
- Bloom the gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Warm the tea with ginger and honey in a saucepan to 140–150°F (60–65°C).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest off the heat.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup.
- Pour into silicone molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
Notes
Store gummies in an airtight container for up to 10–14 days. For freezing, freeze on a tray and transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Making Gummies
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 gummies
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg