Easy Gelatin Mango Gummies

I never thought I’d be making my own gummy candies until my kids started begging for them at the grocery store. Growing up, gummies were just something you bought in a bag, not something anyone made at home. When my friend mentioned she makes them, I honestly thought she was kidding.

Turns out, homemade mango gummies are not only doable but pretty simple to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients – just a few basic items and about 20 minutes. And the best part? You know exactly what’s going into them, unlike those store-bought versions with ingredients I can barely pronounce.

mango gummies
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Why You’ll Love These Mango Gummies

  • All-natural ingredients – Made with real mango nectar and without artificial colors or flavors, these gummies are a cleaner alternative to store-bought candy.
  • Kid-friendly snack – These homemade gummies are perfect for lunch boxes and after-school treats that both kids and adults will enjoy.
  • Simple recipe – With just 5 basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily make these gummies at home without any special equipment.
  • Customizable sweetness – The optional honey lets you adjust the sweetness to your taste, making these gummies perfect for everyone in the family.

What Kind of Mango Nectar Should I Use?

For these gummies, you can use either store-bought mango nectar or make your own by blending fresh mangoes with a bit of water and straining. If you’re going the store-bought route, look for nectar that lists mango as the first ingredient – some brands add lots of sugar or other fruit juices that can change the final taste. The best mango nectar will have a thick consistency and a rich, tropical flavor without being overly sweet. Just avoid mango-flavored drinks or cocktail blends, as these usually contain very little real mango and won’t give you that authentic taste you’re looking for.

mango gummies
Image: theamazingfood.com / All Rights reserved

Options for Substitutions

Making these gummies but need to switch things up? Here are some helpful substitution tips:

  • Mango nectar: You can swap mango nectar with other fruit juices or nectars like peach, pineapple, or apple juice. Just make sure to use 100% juice without added sugar for the best results.
  • Gelatin powder: This is the key ingredient that can’t be substituted if you want true gummies. While agar agar is often used as a vegetarian alternative, it will give you a different texture and requires different preparation methods.
  • Lemon juice: Lime juice works perfectly as a substitute, or you can use any other citrus juice like orange or grapefruit – just note this might slightly change the flavor profile.
  • Honey: Since this is optional anyway, you can skip it or replace it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other liquid sweetener you prefer. Start with the same amount and adjust to taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making mango gummies is getting the wrong texture – either too soft or too rubbery – which happens when the gelatin-to-liquid ratio isn’t precise, so make sure to measure your ingredients carefully and bloom the gelatin properly in cold liquid for 5 minutes before heating.

Temperature control is crucial: heating your mixture above 170°F will weaken the gelatin’s setting power, while not heating it enough (below 140°F) means the gelatin won’t fully dissolve, so use a candy thermometer for best results and stir constantly to prevent sticking.

Unmolding too early is another common mistake – these gummies need at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator to set properly, and spraying your molds lightly with cooking spray will help them release easily without sticking.

For the smoothest texture, strain your mango mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the gelatin, and if you notice any foam forming while heating, skim it off to ensure crystal-clear gummies.

mango gummies
Image: theamazingfood.com / All Rights reserved

What to Serve With Mango Gummies?

These fruity mango gummies make a perfect afternoon snack or party treat! Since they’re sweet and fruity, they pair really nicely with a glass of cold milk, coconut water, or even some sparkling water with lime. For a fun kids’ snack platter, try serving these gummies alongside some fresh fruit slices and a handful of nuts or granola for different textures. If you’re putting these out for a party, they look super cute arranged on a platter with other tropical-themed treats like coconut macaroons or pineapple chunks.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These homemade mango gummies will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. I like to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. The cool temperature helps maintain their perfect chewy texture!

Room Temperature: While these gummies can sit out at room temperature for a few hours during serving, they’re best kept chilled. If you’re packing them for lunch boxes or snacks, try using a small ice pack to keep them cool and firm.

Prepare Ahead: These gummies are perfect for making in advance! I often make a double batch on Sunday for quick snacks throughout the week. Just remember that natural mango flavor tends to mellow slightly over time, so they’re most flavorful within the first week.

Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time 15-20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 300-350
  • Protein: 2-4 g
  • Fat: 0-1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 75-85 g

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mango nectar
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons gelatin powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients and Cook Mango Juice

Begin by gathering the necessary ingredients: 4 cups of mango juice, 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of Great Lakes Gelatin, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and optionally, 1 tablespoon of honey.

In a saucepan, bring the mango juice to a boil over medium heat.

Step 2: Reduce Mango Juice

Once the mango juice is boiling, reduce the heat to low.

Allow the juice to simmer, stirring frequently, until it has reduced to 1 cup in volume.

This concentrated juice will serve as the flavorful base for your gummies.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

Pour the reduced mango juice into a bowl and let it cool slightly.

While you whisk the mango juice, gradually add in the lemon juice, gelatin, salt, and the optional honey.

Continue whisking constantly to ensure that the gelatin dissolves evenly and doesn’t form lumps.

Step 4: Fill the Gummy Molds

Transfer the gummy mixture to a small pitcher to make pouring easier.

Slowly and carefully pour the mixture into gummy molds of your choice.

Filling the molds to the top ensures that each gummy is fully formed.

Step 5: Set the Gummies

Place the filled gummy molds in the refrigerator and let them set for about 2 hours.

This chilling period allows the gelatin to firm up, creating the perfect gummy texture.

Step 6: Remove and Store the Gummies

Once the gummies are set, gently remove them from the molds.

Store the gummies in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.

Enjoy these homemade mango gummies as a tasty treat!

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