I’m not a fan of most gummy vitamins since they’re full of sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. A yummy and healthy way to get that fun gummy texture though is to make your own! These great-tasting probiotic gummies are a hit with kids and provide good bacteria for the digestive tract.
Probiotic Gummy Pitfalls
Most of the probiotic gummies on the market are full of sugar, corn syrup, or sugar alcohols. The same goes for prebiotic gummies, fiber gummies, and any other kind of gummy supplement. While there are some health benefits, the other ingredients aren’t great for the immune system or digestive system.
I don’t think it’s too much to ask that my probiotic supplement not sabotage my gut health!
Kid’s probiotic gummies aren’t much better. The natural fruit flavors (like orange flavor) and added vitamin C make them a tempting option, but not something I feel great about giving my kids. Thankfully I’ve found an easy way to make my own daily probiotic gummies for digestive health.
Probiotic Strains
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to digestive support, but my favorite is always going to be real food. I try to get plenty of beneficial prebiotics + probiotics from fermented foods like kefir and kombucha. But sometimes it’s nice to have them in a fun gummy form, especially for kids.
For this recipe, I use milk kefir and/or yogurt. According to a 2022 study, milk kefir has quite a few beneficial probiotic strains. Yogurt is also full of healthy probiotics, including lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus coagulans.
Prefer to Buy It?
While I don’t recommend gummy supplements, here are some pre-made probiotic supplements I can get behind.
- Baby Probiotics Powder from Ther- Biotic
- Liquid Daily Probiotics for Kids from Probonix
- Probiotic and Antioxidant (spore-based) from Just Thrive
Benefits of Probiotics
Most of us know by now that probiotics are a good thing, but what exactly do they do? Probiotics help support immune health for general wellness. In addition to immune support, they’re also helpful for digestive issues, like bloating and constipation. Our ancestors thrived on natural probiotics from fermented foods and contact with probiotics in the soil. Chewable dietary supplements aren’t quite the same.
Rather than turning to a processed option, consider making a simple protein and probiotic-rich treat!
Gummy Probiotic Snacks: A Treat Kids Can Make
My kids love helping out in the kitchen. And this is a recipe I feel great about them making! They love the taste and I love that they’re getting protein, probiotics, and fruit. These gummies are naturally gluten-free and easily non-GMO. For a dairy or lactose-free version, try coconut milk yogurt.
Its minimal ingredient list includes:
- Frozen fruit: Choose berries for a boost of antioxidants and color without a lot of added sugar. Using frozen fruit that has defrosted provides a better texture and more intense flavor in this recipe. We prefer strawberries.
- Fresh or bottled organic juice: For natural sweetness and color. Some gummy brands use citric acid for tartness, but juice works just as well. We prefer grape, apple, or orange juice in this recipe.
- Gelatin: One of my favorite ingredients as it helps these treats gel. It also provides protein and amino acids like proline and glycine which help digestion and sleep. I use this one.
- Yogurt or kefir: Adds probiotics and a creaminess to the recipe. I like organic or homemade yogurt or milk kefir.
A Note on Gelatin
Some recipes use pectin to thicken, but I prefer grass-fed gelatin for the health benefits. Be sure to use gelatin, NOT collagen, or the recipe won’t thicken. It also helps to sprinkle the gelatin on top of half of the juice first. Let it “bloom” and absorb the liquid before adding it to the other ingredients. This goes a long way toward preventing gelatin clumps.
Gummy Making Tips
These are easiest to set in the fridge. I’ve found popping them in the freezer for about 10 minutes makes them easier to remove or cut. As long as they’re not in the freezer too long it doesn’t affect the texture.
Some people have issues with the gummy mixture setting up in the blender. It helps to use room-temperature yogurt or milk kefir and juice to prevent this.
Also, be sure to use frozen fruit that’s been completely thawed and strained. You could reserve the strained juice to use as part of the 2 cups of juice in the recipe.
Where Do I Get the Molds?
I usually get more questions about the molds for recipes like this than the actual recipe itself. I figured it deserved its own section this time! In honor of a certain movie my kids are obsessed with (hint: this one), I’ve used these themed molds in the past. But any silicone molds will work. Here’s more on why I’m okay using silicone for cold foods.
Probiotic Gummies
Servings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups frozen berries (defrosted, drained, and room temperature)
- 1½ cups plain yogurt (or milk kefir)
- 2 cups fruit juice
- ¼ cup honey (optional, or 1 TBSP lime juice)
- ¼ cup gelatin
Instructions
- Make sure the berries are completely thawed and drained. This recipe works best if the berries and yogurt are room temperature.
- Place the berries and yogurt or kefir, in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour half of the juice into a medium-sized stainless steel bowl or glass baking dish.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface of the juice and allow it to bloom for 5-10 minutes.
- While the gelatin is blooming, pour the other half of the juice into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer.
- When the juice in the saucepan is heated, remove it from the heat and stir in the honey or lime juice, if using.
- Add the warmed juice to the cool juice with the gelatin and whisk until smooth.
- Immediately pour the juice and gelatin mixture into the blender with the fruit and yogurt.
- Blend on LOW speed until just combined.
- Pour into silicone molds or into a greased glass baking dish and place in the refrigerator until the gelatin has set.
- Serve when cool.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure you are using gelatin in order to create the gelling effect. Not collagen peptides.
- If you have trouble removing the gummies from the silicone molds, stick them in the freezer until firm. It won’t affect the texture.
- Store in refrigerator for up to a week (they may last longer, but they’ve always been eaten faster than that in my house so I can only vouch for a week).
Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!
What recipes do you like to make with your kids? Leave a comment and let me know!
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