These Gut Gummies are a simple, pantry-friendly way to add a probiotic boost to a snack-sized treat. They set firm, have bright flavor, and are built on a basic gelatin technique I use in many kitchen tests. If you’re curious about the science behind using gelatin for gut benefits, I often reference the gelatin trick for gut health when explaining why gelatin-based gummies can be helpful.
Why Make This Recipe
- They taste like candy but deliver protein from gelatin and live probiotics for digestive support.
- Quick to make: about 15 minutes active time and minimal equipment.
- Portable and kid-friendly — easy to pop into a lunchbox or snack bag.
- Customizable: swap juices, sweeteners, or herbs to suit your palate.
- Personal note: I love these because they let me control sugar, flavor, and the probiotic strain I use for the family.
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 5–10 minutes (mostly dissolving and cooling).
Total time: 2 hours (includes chilling).
Servings: about 30 small gummies (using 1-tablespoon molds) or 12–15 larger ones.
Difficulty: Easy.
Method: Bloom gelatin, dissolve over gentle heat, cool to safe temperature before folding in probiotic, then pour into silicone molds and chill until set.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested these with tart cherry juice and a mild white grape juice to compare set and flavor balance. The biggest learning was controlling temperature for probiotic survival while still fully dissolving gelatin. Once I used a quick heat-then-cool approach, texture and probiotic viability were consistent.
How to Make Gut Gummies
Start by blooming gelatin, which means sprinkling it over cold liquid so it hydrates and avoids lumps. Gently heat the rest of the liquid with sweetener until warm and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, then cool to about 110°F before adding any probiotic powder or live culture. Pour into silicone molds and refrigerate until firm, about 1.5–2 hours, then unmold and store chilled.
Ingredients (tested):
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) 100% fruit juice (tart cherry or apple) or diluted brewed tea
- 3 tablespoons (about 27 g) unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon probiotic powder (or 2 tablespoons plain probiotic yogurt; see notes)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
Basic steps:
- Measure 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold juice into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface; let sit 5 minutes.
- Warm the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) juice with honey and lemon in a small saucepan to about 140°F (60°C), stirring to dissolve the sweetener. Do not boil.
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm liquid and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool to 110°F (43°C).
- Stir in probiotic powder gently (if using yogurt, whisk it in off-heat and note it will slightly loosen set). Pour into molds, chill 1.5–2 hours, then unmold.
Equipment tips: use a digital thermometer for accuracy and flexible silicone molds for easy removal.
Expert Tips for Success
- Bloom gelatin properly: sprinkle evenly and wait 5 minutes so the granules hydrate and avoid graininess. For a deep dive on gelatin technique, see this proper gelatin blooming technique.
- Use a thermometer: heating to ~140°F dissolves gelatin quickly; cool to ≤110°F before adding probiotics to protect live cultures.
- Choose high-quality unflavored gelatin from grass-fed sources for cleaner flavor and better gel strength.
- If using probiotic yogurt, fold it in after cooling and keep the batch refrigerated constantly to preserve cultures.
- Use silicone molds or an ice cube tray — metal molds can make unmolding harder and plastic may retain flavors.
How to Serve Gut Gummies
- Serve chilled as a small after-meal probiotic bite alongside herbal tea or water. You can pair them with warm, lightly sweetened beverages; try flavors inspired by green tea and ginger gummy inspiration for a bright contrast.
- Plate them on a small wooden board with fresh fruit slices for brunch or a wellness snack tray.
- Pack a few in a reusable silicone pouch for on-the-go digestive support after travel or heavy meals.
- Use colorful molds and sprinkles (sparingly) for kid-friendly presentations at parties.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7–10 days for best texture and probiotic viability. Layer parchment between pieces if stacking to avoid sticking. You can freeze in a single layer on a tray then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, but thaw in the fridge to avoid condensation that softens texture. For guidance on keeping gelatin textures stable during storage, review these gelatin storage tips.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan option: substitute agar-agar (1.5 teaspoons powdered agar for this recipe) — note agar sets firmer at room temperature and must be boiled to activate, so omit live probiotics or add a probiotic powder designed for heat stability.
- Low-sugar: use a concentrated zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to taste; remember sweetness perception changes when chilled.
- Tea-infused gummies: replace half the juice with brewed and cooled green tea; this nod to tea flavors works especially well with lemon and ginger, inspired by green tea lemon ginger gummies.
- Collagen-free probiotic bites: if you prefer collagen peptides, know they won’t gel — add collagen to a small set gelatin base for extra protein but expect softer texture.
Nutritional Highlights
- Gelatin provides roughly 6–7 grams of protein per tablespoon, supporting connective tissue and satiety in small servings.
- Adding a quality probiotic powder supplies live cultures that may support gut microbiome health when stored and handled correctly.
- Allergen note: gelatin is animal-derived (not vegan), and some recipes use honey or dairy (if using yogurt). Check labels for dairy-free probiotics if needed. Aim for 2–4 gummies per serving as a practical portion while monitoring added sugars.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Gummy won’t set: likely too little gelatin or too much liquid. Increase gelatin by 1/2 tablespoon next time or reduce total liquid slightly.
- Lumpy texture: gelatin wasn’t bloomed fully or was added to very hot liquid too quickly; always sprinkle over cold liquid and stir into warm, not boiling, liquid.
- Probiotics seem inactive: you likely added them while the mixture was too hot. Cool to ≤110°F before stirring in probiotics to preserve viability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use powdered probiotics from capsules?
A: Yes — open time-release capsules and use the powder. Make sure the strain is shelf-stable and add it only after the mixture cools to ≤110°F to protect live organisms.
Q: Will collagen peptides work instead of gelatin?
A: Collagen peptides do not gel; they’ll add protein and texture but won’t firm the gummies. For a set gummy, use gelatin or agar (for vegan versions).
Q: How can I make these sugar-free for diabetics?
A: Use non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract, but measure carefully because sweetness concentrates when chilled. Taste at room temperature and adjust before chilling.
Q: How do I test gel strength before pouring into molds?
A: Pour a small spoonful into a chilled ramekin and refrigerate 10–15 minutes. If it firms to a jelly-like texture, the batch will set; if it’s too soft, dissolve an extra 1/2 tablespoon gelatin in a small amount of warmed liquid and whisk in, then cool and retest.
Gut Gummies
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 30 small gummies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gut Gummies are a simple, pantry-friendly way to add a probiotic boost to a snack-sized treat with a bright flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) 100% fruit juice (tart cherry or apple) or diluted brewed tea
- 3 tablespoons (about 27 g) unflavored gelatin (about 3 packets)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon probiotic powder (or 2 tablespoons plain probiotic yogurt)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- Measure 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold juice into a bowl and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface; let sit 5 minutes.
- Warm the remaining 1 cup (240 ml) juice with honey and lemon in a small saucepan to about 140°F (60°C), stirring to dissolve the sweetener. Do not boil.
- Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm liquid and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and cool to 110°F (43°C).
- Stir in probiotic powder gently (if using yogurt, whisk it in off-heat and note it will slightly loosen set). Pour into molds, chill 1.5–2 hours, then unmold.
Notes
Store gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7–10 days. Use silicone molds for easy removal, and be sure to cool the mixture to preserve probiotics.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Gelling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 gummies
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg