By: Lauren McRae

Gummies are the perfect snack for kids and adults! However, most store-bought gummies contain refined sugars like glucose syrup, sugar, dextrose or artificial flavors and colors, which don't make them the healthiest option. Even though they claim to be fruit-flavored, there’s very little – if any at all – actual fruit in them.

Take control of the ingredients and make your own homemade version with these tips from Emmaline Rasmussen, Registered Dietitian, and Nutrition Professional Specialist. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fruit and/or vegetable juice, freshly made with a juicer (cold press – best choice) or store-bought (100% juice, not from concentrate). You can also opt for smoothie blends.
• 8 tsp. of gelatin (grass-fed)
• 5-6 tsp. of raw honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp. of vanilla extract – organic pure vanilla extract – optional for extra flavor
• A silicone gummy bear mold 

Steps:

1. Measure out one cup of fruit juice and pour it into a small saucepan. Turn up the heat until the juice is almost simmering. 
2. Once the juice is near a simmer, add your gelatin. Whisk until combined with juice. 
3. Once the gelatin and juice are thoroughly mixed together, add the honey. Whisk. 
4. For more flavor add the vanilla extract to the combined liquid. 
5. Pour the liquid mixture into a measuring cup. Using an eyedropper fill up your silicone gummy bear mold. 
6. Refrigerate gummies for 20 minutes. 
7. Carefully pop out your gummies and enjoy! 

Optional ingredients:

• For an extra health kick, feel free to add probiotics or elderberry syrup (prevents colds) or cod liver oil (immune system booster).
• Add food-safe lavender oil or CBD to make a “calming” gummy.
• Add some turmeric for natural orange coloring and anti-inflammatory relief.
• Try adding peppermint oil – which can soothe an upset stomach.
• If you’re not a fan of peppermint, try ginger, another “stomach calming” ingredient.
• For an extra sugary kick - coat the gummies using raw stevia.