Homemade Fruit Snacks
My oldest kiddo used to get really, really selective about what she eats and drinks when she’s not feeling well, which made it hard to feed her Vitamin C rich foods when she was sick. But: Her love of fruit snacks knows no bounds. And while I’m not in the habit of making homemade ones regularly, I will try almost anything to help my kids feel a little better…especially when it’s as easy as stirring together a few ingredients and letting the fridge do the rest. TIP: You can of course make these even if your child is feeling well—they’re fun on normal days too!
Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Orange juice: I prefer to use pulp-free OJ since it’s not as heavy as regular, which means that you don’t need to add a ton of gelatin to get them to hold together. You can use bottled juice or squeeze it fresh. Gelatin: I use regular gelatin, but you can try other options. I haven’t tried this recipe with grass-fed gelatin, but please comment below if you do. Honey: For kids over age 1, this balances the acidity in the juice and adds flavor.
Honey to Soothe a Sore Throat
While babies under 12 months need to always avoid honey, kids older than that may find some temporary relief from sore throats and coughs from honey. And that, plus the sweetness, is why I use it here. Obviously, they are not meant to be a substitute for medicine or medical advice, and they will not cure a cold. But they are a good source of Vitamin C, which has been shown to be helpful for those in group childcare situations, and they are particularly soothing when served very cold. Which is reason enough for me to try them on a sick day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the process involved in this recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information. TIP: You can make these in a silicone mold or in an 8×8-inch baking pan and simply cut them into little squares.
Best Tips for Success
Use pulp-free juice for the smoothest texture. You can use store bought juice or squeeze your own. (Strain it with a fine mesh sieve if desired.) Let the gelatin dissolve in the cold juice first before adding the hot. This helps to avoid clumps of gelatin. Add powdered probiotics if desired. (Learn more about probiotics for kids here.) Let chill and set completely in the fridge before trying to cut or remove them from the molds. Remember that a sick child likely won’t have their normal appetite, so focus on liquids and cuddles.
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share!
Healthy Snacks to Make
Homemade Fruit Snacks Recipe
Graham Crackers Recipe
10 Easy Snacks to Make at Home
This post was first posted June 2018.
