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three flavors of homemade jello in glass dessert dishes

How to Make Healthy Homemade Jello

4.91 from 77 votes
Emily Dixon, One Lovely Life
This homemade gelatin recipe is made from natural ingredients, and natural sweeteners, without any dye or additives. It's a delicious treat for kids and grown-ups alike! (Dairy free, gluten free & paleo approved!)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 84kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of juice See notes
  • 2 Tablespoons unflavored beef gelatin* such as Vital Proteins or Great Lakes. Do NOT try with collagen or protein powder.
  • 2 Tablespoons honey agave, or cane sugar (optional)

Instructions

  • Bloom The Gelatin. Pour 1/2 cup of the juice into a liquid measuring cup or small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin powder over the juice and stir to combine. Set aside for about 5 minutes while you heat the juice. The gelatin will thicken up significantly during this time, and should be VERY thick and grainy looking.
  • Heat The Remaining Juice. While the gelatin blooms, add the remaining 3 1/2 cups of juice to a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until steaming. (It doesn't need to come to a boil or simmer, but should be VERY hot.)
  • Melt The Bloomed Gelatin. Add honey/sweetener (if using) and the bloomed gelatin to the hot juice and stir to dissolve completely. This is a crucial step, so make sure it's completely dissolved!
  • Set. Pour gelatin mixture into a 2-quart ceramic pan (8x8, 9x9, or 11x7 works!) or heat proof containers and cover the pan with plastic wrap. Chill at least 3-4 hours or until set completely.
  • Serve & Store. Enjoy once it's set or store in the refrigerator. My recommendation for the best texture/flavor is to enjoy within 4-5 days, though it usually won't spoil or break down until the 7-10 day mark.

Notes

  • Gelatin. You must use unflavored beef gelatin for this recipe, not protein powder, collagen, or gelatin-based protein powders. ONLY gelatin will work.
  • Juice. Almost any flavor of juice will work for homemade jello! I recommend 100% fruit or fruit/veggie blend juices. The only exception is fresh pineapple juice. (The enzymes in pineapple can break down the gelatin so it won't gel properly.) My favorites are a peach-mango fruit & veggie blend (the orange one you see pictured), blueberry-pomegranate, and passion fruit. 
  • Nutrition. the exact nutrition facts will vary based on what juice/juice blend you use. Please consider this an estimate (calculated with a 100% juice peach-mango fruit & veggie juice blend)

Video

Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: jello

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.8g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 38.7mg | Sugar: 4.3g

Nutrition facts are an estimate only and will vary based on brands and amounts used.