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How to Make Healthy Jello

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homemade jello
Wellness Mama » Blog » Recipes » How to Make Healthy Jello

Oh, jello … the sugar (or chemical) laden mystery food of hospitals and cafeterias. I went to public school and got my fair share of this stuff back then. The “Jell-o” gelatin in stores is packed with sugar (or artificial sweeteners), dyes, additives, and gelatin from factory-farmed animals. I certainly wasn’t going to make that for my kids!

Then I found out how healthy gelatin from grass-fed animals can be a good protein source. It can improve skin and hair quality and help the digestive system. I was drinking unflavored gelatin in my tea and in smoothies, but it dawned on me that I could use that same gelatin to make homemade jello.

This healthy version features natural fruits and fresh juices to make jello my kids love and I’m happy with them eating.

Homemade Jello Recipe

While this isn’t an everyday snack in our house, it’s made from fresh fruit and juices with quality gelatin. In my book, it’s a healthy treat that kids of all ages can enjoy! It’s naturally low-carb, paleo, and gluten-free. The recipe is open-ended and you can choose whichever combination of fruit and juice you prefer, or leave out the fruit altogether. Just don’t use pineapple juice since the enzymes in it prevent the gelatin from gelling.

If you have a juicer you can use fresh juice in this recipe. You can also add a little maple syrup, stevia, or honey to sweeten if desired. Personally, I find it sweet enough with just the juice.

Here are a few ideas to try:

  • Orange juice and cranberry juice
  • Orange juice and blueberries
  • White grape juice with strawberries or peaches
  • Apple juice with some cinnamon
  • Watermelon juice with fresh mint leaves

Collagen vs. Gelatin

You’ve probably heard me sing the praises of grass-fed gelatin and collagen by now. Their health benefits include stronger nails, healthier hair, and improved gut health. While they’re similar in how they work in the body, there is a difference when it comes to making homemade healthy jello.

Collagen peptides are my go-to when it comes to my morning coffee and smoothies. I can make an iced mushroom coffee with collagen powder and not worry about it turning into mushroom jello. On the other hand, collagen will not gel when it comes to homemade jello.

Be sure you use gelatin, not collagen peptides. Gelatin from a healthy grass-fed source is especially beneficial and will “gel” when chilled, while collagen peptides will not.

Knox is a popular grocery store brand but it’s from conventionally raised cows. I’ve used Great Lakes beef gelatin in the past, but I find it doesn’t gel nearly as well as other brands. Right now my favorite gelatin for making healthy jello and gummies is the Vital Proteins brand. Not only are they grass-fed, but they hold up well in jello recipes.

homemade jello

Healthy Homemade Jello Recipe

Here's how to make homemade jello without added sugar or artificial ingredients. It’s a healthy snack that’s kid-friendly and naturally dairy-free and gluten-free.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Calories 67kcal
Author Katie Wells

Servings

4 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup cold water
  • 1 TBSP  gelatin powder  (not collagen peptides)
  • ¼ cup water (very hot)
  • cups fruit juice
  • 1-2 cups fresh fruit (optional)

Instructions

  • Pour the cold water into a medium size mixing bowl. Sprinkle the grass-fed gelatin powder evenly over the top and allow it to bloom for a minute.
  • Stir briskly until mixed. It will start to thicken a lot.
  • Add the ¼ cup of really hot water and stir to mix. It should be thinner now.
  • Pour in the 1 and 1/2 cups of juice and mix well.
  • Place fresh fruit in a layer on the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish if using. You can also use different shaped molds. I used a bundt pan lightly greased with coconut oil so the gelatin would more easily come out of the mold.
  • Pour the gelatin mixture over the fruit and stir slightly to make sure it has coated the fruit.
  • Put in the refrigerator, covered, for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.
  • Cut into cubes or scoop out with a melon baller to make cute shapes.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Healthy Homemade Jello Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 67 Calories from Fat 2
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.2g0%
Saturated Fat 0.03g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.02g
Sodium 13mg1%
Potassium 150mg4%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 5IU0%
Vitamin C 22mg27%
Calcium 16mg2%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

  • This recipe can be doubled for a bigger batch.
  • Don’t use fresh pineapple juice as the enzymes prevent the gelatin from “gelling.”
  • The nutrition data was calculated with fresh strawberries for the added fruit. 

More Ways to Use Gelatin

Looking for more yummy recipes to use up that can of gelatin powder?

Ever made homemade jello? What are your favorite juice and fruit combinations? Leave a comment and share below!

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

This healthy Jello recipe is made with grass fed gelatin and no added sugar or artificial ingredients for a healthy treat.

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

158 responses to “How to Make Healthy Jello”

  1. Victoria Avatar
    Victoria

    Hi!

    I really want to try making this, but I’m worried about getting the right great lakes product. The link you posted goes to the general Thrive market page but doesn’t show a picture! The only one I could find with a green lid is called “collagen endurance plus”. Is that right? Thanks!

  2. Andy Avatar

    Hi, I used this recipe to make jello and it worked out wonderfully, I used lime juice ( not from concentrate). I didn’t put any sweetener and it still tasted great! My question is that in the article you mention just adding gelatin to your smoothie or tea for the benefits,how much do you add? I would like to do that when I don’t have time to make jello so I can still get the benefits. Also, do you take this daily? Just curious, Thanks.

  3. Sara H Avatar

    5 stars
    This is awesome. I bought organic fruit punch (all from concentrate – I know not the best, but I’m doing my best) and my husband and son loved it! I didn’t add fruit. Next time I will. It was just as easy to make as the chemical laden jello from a box. Thank you for this recipe!

  4. Marilyn Avatar

    Be sure not to use fresh pineapple, or your jello won’t set due to the enzymes in fresh. Cooked is fine since the enzymes are broken down. Same with papaya and mango. Otherwise, this is a good recipe. I’ve been making my own gelatin desserts for years. Much better than from a box.

  5. Erika Avatar

    Have you ever tried to make a “jiggler” variety? Would love to send some in my kids lunches.

  6. Hope Avatar

    5 stars
    Yum! Made it for the family and I didn’t have all the gelatin sink to the bottom.

  7. Marie Klaer Avatar
    Marie Klaer

    5 stars
    Can we add vegetables to make it even healthier? Any reason not to add spinach or kale to a blender with fresh berries? My kids don’t like green, but with blackberries it is hidden. What about carrots, celery, bell pepper. Other veggie ideas? Trying to get kids to consume more veggies. Appreciate any thoughts on this.

    1. Janet Avatar

      I haven’t tried it, but you might want to taste test it before giving it to the kids. The gelatin has a flavor that might need to be overpowered with other ingredients. In other words, it changes the flavor of what you are adding to it somewhat. But with a strong fruit flavor, you can’t tell.

  8. Pearline Avatar

    Thanks for the great information. Can I just add the gelatin to my smoothies? I juice daily and also make smoothies daily. Thanks again for sharing this information

  9. Brittani Avatar
    Brittani

    How long does this stay good in the fridge? I’m having a hard time getting my toddler to eat his vitamins, and they were expensive! So I’m thinking of crushing some up and putting into jello…but I don’t want to do a ton in case it goes bad quickly. Thanks!

  10. Nimarta Kaur Avatar
    Nimarta Kaur

    5 stars
    We do not use the juicer anymore and everything goes into the Blendtec. We have had one for 5 years and since then we have ditched our juicer. Has anyone tried this recipe with blended whole fruit instead of juice?

  11. Nathan Avatar

    5 stars
    Do you see any benefit in getting the grass fed gelatin? From what I understand all of the benefits of pasture raising is in the fat profile but gelatin is 100% protein.

  12. Blair Avatar

    I have never heard of taking gelatin as a supplement until I came across your blog. Wow, what an eye opener. Can you tell me if taking gelatin capsules is the same is mixing the powder into drinks like you do?

  13. Verna Avatar

    I know this is going back for a bit but there was a web site that people who got sick from aspartame could post what happened to them and how they figured out what was causing their illness. My husband rushed me to the emergency room as i was curled into a ball with stomach pains. Nothing wrong with me so i took the time to go online and see what i could find. As long as I stay away from aspartame I am ok. It is hard cause a lot of companies use it along with sugar and if I eat at a restaurant that serves chilled fruit i do not know if it will make me sick. After it happened one time i no longer ate that or anything made with jello. My son gets a headache that last all day and nothing helps. Bad stuff.

    1. CJ Avatar

      I used to get all day headaches from artificial sweeteners too and I’m a healthy person too. It’s mean stuff for sure. Stay away from it. My in-laws used it in their coffee every morning for decades. Both are in their late sixties and now have progressive Alzheimer’s

  14. Tawney Avatar

    Hello,

    I was wondering if this can be made with coconut water for the juice part? I need to find a healthy clear jello recipe ASAP.

    Thank you so much,
    Tawney

  15. bobby Avatar

    of course we all want to be “healthy” and we do so by ingesting “healthful” foods!
    people can be “healthy”, foods cannot.

  16. Carla Avatar

    I love all your recipes and use them all the time! I’d like to make lemon “jello”, but 1 1/2 cups seems like an awful lot of lemon juice. Any suggestions? Thanks.

    1. Cara Avatar

      I would try it with water in place of some of the lemon juice. If there’s a ratio you enjoy for lemonade or lemon water, go with that. 😀

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