The Ultimate Guide for the Best Vegan Gummy Recipes for Silicone Mold

Avoiding gelatin for ethical or religious reasons and looking for a substitute for your gummies? If yes, you are just at the perfect place to start.

Fruity and chewy, vegan gummies are a key product of the vegan confectioneries. With increasing awareness of plant substitute items, the market is projected to reach a valuation of $3.3 billion within the next few years.

With just basic equipment and following a few simple steps make yourself a batch of delicious vegan gummies right in your own kitchen. In this guide, you’ll discover yummy vegan gummy recipes, plus pro tips to help you get perfect mold shapes and texture every time.

How to Make Vegan Gummies at Home

1. Pour 1 cup of 100% fruit juice into a saucepan (avoid pulp).
2. Add 1–2 tablespoons of powdered agar agar to the juice and stir well.
3. Mix in 2 tablespoons of sweetener such as maple syrup, agave, or corn syrup.
4. Add 1.5 teaspoons of tapioca starch for extra chewiness. (Optional)
5. Include food-grade flavorings or colors if desired. (Optional)
6. Add vitamins like vitamin C or collagen for a nutritional boost. (Optional)
7. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything is fully dissolved (do not boil).
8. Pour the liquid into silicone molds while warm.
9. Refrigerate the molds for 30–60 minutes or until the gummies are fully set.
10. Remove from molds and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Part 1- How to Make the Best Vegan Gummies?

With basic kitchen equipment and simple ingredients, make some delicious vegan gummies at home. Follow the basic recipe step by step to enjoy a sweet snack in no time!

Common Vegan Gummy Ingredients

To make delicious vegan gummies, here is a list of all the ingredients you need to collect. 

• 1 cup Fruit juice: For best taste, use 100% fruit juice or fruit puree (pulp less). 
• 1-2 tablespoons of Agar agar: Use standard food grade agar with a gelling ability of at least 700-900 g/cm². Powdered agar blends easily. Avoid using flakes, which take longer to dissolve.
• 2 tablespoons of Sweetener: Use glucose syrup, corn syrup, agave, or maple syrup. For healthier options, replace it with honey. 
• 1.5 teaspoons Tapioca Starch: Optional to enhance chewiness. 
• Artificial flavourings and colours (optional): Use food grade colours and flavours to enhance the taste and appearance of your gummies.
• Vitamins (optional): To enhance the nutritional value, consider adding collagen powder or vitamin C to the mixture. 

Step By Step Vegan Gummy Recipe

Step 1: Make the Puree

Measure 1 cup of juice or 200-250 grams of fruit of your choice. For whole fruits, blend them to create a thick puree. Pass it through a sieve or a cheesecloth several times to remove pulp or seeds. 

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

Now add 1-1.5 cups of puree to a saucepan. Put the pan over medium to low heat. Add agar, your choice of sweetener, and flavourings or colors. Gently mix it to combine the ingredients thoroughly. 

Step 3: Turn Off the Heat

Keep mixing your concoction until the agar dissolves. The temperature should ideally reach 210°F on the thermometer. Turn off the heat immediately. If you don’t have a thermometer, watch for a thick, syrupy consistency of the mix.

Caution: Avoid overcooking. It will break down the agar, and the mixture won’t set. 

Want more insights on heat-safe tools and materials? Learn why silicone is ideal for gummy molds and withstands heat well.

Step 4: Prepping the Molds

Choose a mold. Run it under water to clean and dry it thoroughly. Set your gummy molds on a stable surface, preferably a clean countertop. 

Step 5: Pour and Set the Gummies

Carefully pour the mixture into each gummy mold with a dropper. Fill it quickly, before the mixture reaches room temperature. Let the mold sit in a cool, air dry place for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. 

Step 6: Store the Gummies

Once set, carefully remove the gummies by pushing the silicone mold. You can toss them in powdered citric acid, sugar, or a combination of both for a sweet and sour taste. 

If you're unsure how long they last or what signs indicate spoilage, check out our complete guide on gummy bear shelf life and storage tips.

Part 2- How Can You Tell if Gummy Bears Are Vegan?

Most gummy bears in the market aren’t vegan. Originally, gummy bears were made with animal gelatin. With a rise in concerns over animal cruelty and a growing demand for ‘clean’ products, plant derived ingredients are increasingly used to make vegan gummies. 

The common alternatives to gelatin are plant based pectin and seaweed derived agar. Lesser used alternatives include konjac and Carrageenan, which are used for a softer, chewier texture.  

For a closer look at what goes into traditional gummies and how you can make a basic version at home, see this guide on what’s inside gummy bears and a simple homemade recipe.

The Difference Between Gelatin, Agar, and Pectin Gummies

Part 3- Nutritional Information of Vegan Gummies

Part 4- Best Agar to Liquid Ratios for Firm vs Soft Gummies

Whether you prefer chewy or firm textured gummies, it all depends on the correct ratio of agar to water. More water and less agar will loosely set the gummies. In contrast, more agar can turn them into brittle candies. 

Here is a standard ratio of water to agar to use. However, consult the manufacturer’s instructions on the agar packaging for better results. 

• Jelly/Wobbly Consistency: 0.5 teaspoon in 1 cup of water (240ml).
• Soft and Chewy: 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of water (240ml).
• Firm and Chewy: 2 teaspoons per 1 cup of water (240ml).

Part 5- How to Use Silicone Molds for Perfect Gummies

Silicone molds are an excellent choice for vegan gummies due to their inherently non stick and flexible properties. Molds can be easily cleaned and are very long lasting. Made with BPA free, food grade silicone, these molds are designed for repeated use. 

You can get them in different shapes of silicones, such as bears, leaves, and worms, for fun and creative activities for kids.

Here is a guide on how to use silicone molds for a DIY activity.

Prepping and Cleaning Molds

First, wash the mold thoroughly with water and soap. Then push the mold outwards and clean with a soft‑bristle brush to reach every crevice, making sure to avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the surface. Once clean, dry the mold with a kitchen napkin or let it air dry completely before use.

To dive deeper into best practices, explore our complete guide to cleaning silicone molds properly.

Pouring Technique

Never pour extremely hot mixtures into the mold; instead, allow them to cool to room temperature first. Use a dropper or a sprouted jug to transfer the mixture gently into each cavity. After filling, tap the mold lightly to help any trapped air bubbles rise to the surface and escape.

If you're unsure what kind of mold is ideal, our guide to the best materials for DIY gummy molds covers silicone, polycarbonate, and more in detail.

Setting Time and Demolding

Place the filled molds in a cool, air‑dry location away from heat sources like burners or direct sunlight through windows. Allow sufficient time for the gummies to set—this could be three to four hours or even overnight, depending on your recipe. When they’re firm, lightly push from the outside to demold each gummy; if it still feels sticky, give it more time to finish setting.

To understand how temperature and technique affect texture, see our step-by-step guide on how to make edible gummies.

For anyone curious about how homemade treats can turn out, this Reddit thread on a first attempt at vegan gummies shares some interesting takeaways.

First attempt at making vegan gummies. They are way too jammy. I didn’t have citric acid, would this play a roll in the texture?
byu/peachnecctar inCandyMakers

Storing the Molds

After removing the gummies, wash, clean, and dry the molds again. Avoid folding or cramming them into small spaces, and never place heavy objects on top, as this can warp their shape. If you need to stack multiple molds, slip a parchment sheet between each one to keep them from sticking together.

Part 6- What If I Don’t Have Special Molds?

No worries! Many household containers can be used to shape your gummies. You can fill the mixture into a clean baking tray and cut it into cubes once it has set. Other options include aluminium and glass containers. Alternatively, lightly greased ice cube trays are also a good option. 

For creative shaping, place cookie cutters on a tray lined with parchment. Another unique idea is to use cleaned out fruit peels and then cut them into smaller pieces. 

For more inspiration, check out our guide on candy molds and how to use them for DIY treats.

Ideas for Delicious Vegan Gummy Recipe 

Making gummy bears at home gives you endless creative freedom. Below are some delicious DIY gummy recipe twists and unique flavor combos to try. 

Blueberry Gummies

Enjoy vegan gummies full of antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties with a handful of delicious blueberries. 

Recipe: 

Blend your choice of berries with some lemon juice, zest, sweetener, and agar mixed in water. Heat the mixture and whisk until it starts to thicken. 

Sour Grape Gummies

If you love tangy flavors, these sour grape gummies are a must try. Made with real grape juice, they are nutritious and deliver a sour punch to your taste buds.

Recipe:

Use one cup of red grape juice, with some lemon zest and agar agar. Heat it on a medium flame until it reaches a syrup like consistency. 

Sugar Free Orange Gummies

Here is a recipe for a low sugar or diabetic friendly diet. Made with real orange juice, they’re naturally rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, offering both health benefits and deliciousness.

Recipe:

Mix one cup of pulpless orange juice, agar, and xylitol. Let the mixture cook until the agar dissolves and the consistency thickens. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long do vegan gummies last?

Vegan gummies stay fresh for 1-2 weeks on the counter and almost a month in the fridge. You can freeze them in a ziplock to extend the shelf life further. 

Can you freeze gummies?

Yes. To prevent them from sticking together, toss the gummies in a mixture of sugar and citric acid before freezing. Place them in a single layer inside a zip top freezer bag and seal tightly. Once defrosted, the gummies may become slightly softer. 

Why are my gummies sticky or soft?

If they are allowed adequate setting time, an incorrect agar water ratio will result in tacky gummies. Mix 1 teaspoon agar per 1 cup of water (240ml) for a soft and chewy texture.

Conclusion

Vegan gummies are incredibly easy to make from scratch. Not only are they a healthier alternative to store bought candies, but a fun DIY activity. To get the perfect chewiness, adjust the agar and water ratios correctly. Get creative and experiment with different flavours for delicious gummies. 

To create store bought copycat gummies, invest in good quality molds. Try PJ Bold’s BPA free, industrial grade silicone molds built for precision and durability. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, they’re easy to clean, heat safe, and built to withstand repeated use.