These Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks are the ultimate win-win for parents and kids alike. Bursting with tropical sweetness from mango and mellow earthiness from carrot, they offer a chewy, naturally sweet snack that also happens to sneak in veggies and protein. Thanks to grass-fed beef gelatin, they’re not only bouncy in texture but also a smart choice for growing bodies.
This recipe is perfect for back-to-school lunch boxes, afternoon pick-me-ups, or as a candy substitute you’ll feel great about. You can customize the sweetness level to your child’s taste, and even experiment with other fruit-veggie combos. Best of all, the whimsical shapes cut from these vibrant orange gummies make healthy eating fun again!
Full Recipe:
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1 1/2 cups diced mango chunks (defrosted if frozen)
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1 medium carrot, steamed until soft
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2 tablespoons honey (or more to taste)
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1/4 cup water
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5 tablespoons grass-fed beef gelatin powder
Directions:
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Line a 9″ bread loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with coconut oil cooking spray.
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In a high-speed blender, combine mango, steamed carrot, honey, and water. Blend until extremely smooth, for at least 5 minutes.
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Taste the puree; if it isn’t sweet enough, add more honey one tablespoon at a time and blend again.
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Pour the puree into a wide-bottomed saucepan.
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Sprinkle gelatin evenly across the surface of the mixture. Do not stir. Let sit for 5 minutes until the surface appears wrinkled.
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Turn the heat to medium and whisk continuously. The gelatin will begin to dissolve. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth, but do not let it boil.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the surface.
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Let set for at least 3–4 hours or overnight, covered, in the refrigerator.
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Once set, use small cutters or scissors to portion into fun shapes. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 14 kcal per piece | Servings: approx. 75 pieces
Recipe Overview
These Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks are a delightful, guilt-free treat perfect for both kids and adults. Made with pureed fruit, vegetables, honey, and grass-fed gelatin, they offer a nutritious alternative to store-bought gummy snacks. Not only are these fruit snacks filled with the goodness of natural ingredients, but they also come with the added benefit of being customizable to suit any taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies into your child’s diet or simply enjoy a clean, naturally sweet treat, these fruit snacks are a must-try!
History and Origin
Fruit snacks have long been a popular choice for a quick, sweet treat, particularly for kids. Traditionally, these snacks are made with fruit juices and sugar, sometimes with added artificial coloring and preservatives. However, the homemade version of fruit snacks takes a healthier approach by using whole fruits and vegetables as the base, making them more nutritious and naturally sweet.
The idea of incorporating vegetables into fruit snacks may seem like a modern innovation, but it actually draws from a long tradition of mixing fruits and vegetables in both savory and sweet dishes. From smoothies to soups, the marriage of these two food groups has been embraced in many cultures as a way to enhance flavor and increase nutritional value.
In this modern twist on the classic fruit snack, grass-fed gelatin is used to bind the ingredients together, providing a satisfying chewy texture and adding a protein boost. Gelatin, derived from animal collagen, has been a part of culinary traditions for centuries. It’s often used in desserts and candy, but it’s also lauded for its potential benefits to joint and skin health, making it an ideal ingredient for those seeking a functional snack.
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of these homemade fruit snacks lies in their versatility. While the base recipe calls for mango and carrot or strawberry and beet, you can easily swap these ingredients for other fruits and vegetables depending on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
For example, instead of mango, you could use pineapple for a tropical twist, or swap out the carrots for sweet potato for a rich, earthy flavor. Blueberries and spinach would make an excellent combination, providing antioxidants from the blueberries and the health benefits of leafy greens from the spinach.
If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can substitute the grass-fed gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based alternative that sets in a similar way to gelatin. Likewise, honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar for those on a vegan or dairy-free diet.
This recipe also works well for those following paleo or gluten-free diets. The homemade fruit snacks are naturally free of refined sugars, gluten, and dairy, making them a safe option for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
These Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks are a far cry from the store-bought alternatives, which are often laden with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and excessive sugar. Homemade fruit snacks made with real fruit and vegetables offer a much cleaner option, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
For instance, mango is a fantastic source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, while carrots provide beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support eye health. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, and beets are known for their high levels of folate and potassium, which promote heart health and support muscle function.
When it comes to the gelatin, it’s worth noting that grass-fed beef gelatin contains collagen, which is known for its potential benefits to skin, joints, and hair. Collagen is a protein that supports the structure of the skin, helping to maintain elasticity and reduce wrinkles, and it may also aid in digestion and gut health.
Each homemade fruit snack is relatively low in calories, making them a guilt-free treat. With only about 14 calories per piece, they’re a great option for those looking for a light, healthy snack that satisfies their sweet tooth without sabotaging their diet. Moreover, the snacks are a good source of protein thanks to the gelatin, which helps build and repair tissues in the body.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These fruit snacks are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:
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As a lunchbox snack – Pack these fruit snacks in your child’s lunchbox for a sweet, healthy treat they’ll love.
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For a movie night – Serve them as a healthier alternative to traditional gummy candies when you’re craving something sweet during movie time.
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At a party – These fruit snacks can be cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters, making them a perfect addition to a child’s birthday party or a casual get-together with friends and family.
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With tea or coffee – Pair these fruit snacks with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing mid-afternoon snack that satisfies your cravings without weighing you down.
As for drinks, these fruit snacks pair well with fresh fruit juices, iced herbal teas, or even a glass of coconut water for an extra hydrating boost. For an indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of coconut cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate.
Tips and Tricks for Success
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Use a high-speed blender – To achieve the perfect smooth texture for these fruit snacks, it’s essential to blend the fruits and vegetables until completely smooth. This will help eliminate any chunks and ensure that your gummies set properly.
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Sweeten to taste – Since the sweetness of the fruit can vary depending on ripeness, be sure to taste the puree before pouring it into the pan. Adjust the sweetness with honey or another sweetener as needed.
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Allow time for setting – It’s important to let the gummies set in the fridge for several hours or even overnight. This helps them firm up properly, so they hold their shape when cut.
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Experiment with flavors – Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of fruits and veggies. If you have a favorite fruit, try blending it with a new vegetable to see what works!
Potential Health Benefits
In addition to being a tasty and fun snack, these homemade fruit snacks offer a variety of health benefits:
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Improved gut health: The grass-fed gelatin used in this recipe provides collagen, which can support gut health by helping to maintain a healthy intestinal lining.
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Boosted immunity: The fruits used in these snacks, such as mango and strawberries, are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system.
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Better skin health: Collagen also plays a key role in skin elasticity, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote overall skin health.
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Increased energy: The natural sugars from the fruit provide a quick energy boost, making these gummies an excellent snack for active kids or adults who need a pick-me-up.
Conclusion
These Healthy Homemade Fruit Snacks with veggies are a fun, nutritious, and customizable treat for everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking to sneak some extra vegetables into your child’s diet or simply want a healthy snack option for yourself, these gummies deliver both flavor and nutrition. With a variety of fruit and vegetable combinations to choose from, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing that you’re serving up a snack made with wholesome, real ingredients. So, the next time you crave something sweet, skip the store-bought versions and try making these delicious fruit snacks at home!