Immune Boosting Elderberry Gummy Bears Recipe (Kid & Adult Friendly!)
Kids are tough enough to get food down, let alone vitamins or anything else! Can I get a raise of hands moms and dads out there? While my son is finally showing signs of improving on the eating front, my daughter has decided if it’s not a mandarin, cookie, or hot dog she wants no part of it. At least we have the mandarin going for us. I know the eating paradox is a frustration I share with many of you. That’s why I wanted to share this super simple, immune boosting elderberry gummy bears recipe today!
For the last year, inevitably whenever we went to Costco my son would spot the huge container of fruit snacks from across the store. One he saw it, it was over. “Please mom please, gummies!!!! Please!?!”
Gummies from the store have so many unnecessary ingredients though, so I was always hesitant but did give in from time to time. I knew there had to be a better option though, and a cheaper one than Annie’s organic bunny fruit snacks. I might have to mortgage my home over if I was going to buy them often!
If you’ve been following me long, you will know my first thought is how can I turn these homemade gummies into good for you ones. Stuffed with things my kids need, all in a little sweet bear they would enjoy. I researched and came up with the perfect solution that received rave reviews from my two picky food critics, oh wait, I mean kids.
Why You’ll Love These Gummies
- Easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Naturally sweetened with honey and juice
- Packed with immune-supporting ingredients
- A fun, kid-approved way to get vitamins in
- Cheaper than organic store-bought fruit snacks
Let’s cover the health benefits of these sweet little guys quickly so we can get to the recipe! These colorful little bears are filled with four powerhouse ingredients that make a big impact on health.
Beef Gelatin
The gelatin in these isn’t used just because it’s the thickening agent, beef gelatin is packed full of collagen and protein that:
- Keeps bones healthy and strong
- Has natural glycine which promotes healthy immune, digestive, and central nervous systems
- Supports skin, healthier hair, and stronger nails
- Supports joint health
I use the Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin because I know it’s the highest quality. The gelatin comes from pasture raised, grass-fed beef. You could use a gelatin like Knox, but all they list on their ingredient label is gelatin, so you have no idea how it was sourced and know nothing of the quality, which immediately sends up red flags to me personally.
Black Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries naturally contain A, B, and C vitamins and stimulate the immune system. It’s a great preventative for the cold and flu if taken daily throughout the winter months. If you do come down with it, double up by taking it twice a day for faster healing time. I use Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup, 5.4 Ounce
.
Vitamin C Crystal Powder
Vitamin C is great for the immune system, this is a universal truth we don’t argue with. However, it also has a great leg up on cancer as well!
“Vitamin C crystals can help flush healthy cells of toxins, effectively reducing inflammation and the possibility of cell mutation. In fact, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America successfully lobbied the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use vitamin C as an alternative cancer treatment.” Via Live Strong
Plus, the Vitamin C has a subtle tang that I think makes the gummies that much better!
100% Grape Juice
You may be thinking hu? Grape juice? Yep! I give it to my kids every day because it’s a great preventative for the stomach flu! You might think it’s a little crazy, but google “grape juice and the stomach flu” and see everything that comes up. Lots of people swear by it as a preventative, and so do I!
Grape juice helps keep the pH of your intestines (where the virus lives) alkaline which doesn’t allow the stomach flu, or norovirus as it’s truly called, to grow well. I’ve been giving my kids grape juice (Welch’s sugar free 100% frozen concentrate) for the past two years and have avoided any sign of the flu. Even after my sister who lives with us kissed my son goodbye and was home hours later sick as a dog! And if your child or you do contract it while being on grape juice, it seems to not be as severe.
FAQs
How many gummies should kids eat?
For younger kids (3–5 years), 2–4 gummies is a good daily amount. Older kids can enjoy 6–10. Adults can have 8–10 per day.
Can I use homemade elderberry syrup?
Yes! Use the same amount called for in the recipe.
How long do they last?
Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, about 2 weeks.
Can I swap the juice?
Absolutely—you can use cherry, pomegranate, or any 100% juice.
Now that we know how amazing the ingredients are, let’s get to the fun part, making and enjoying these Gummy Bears!
I used one similar to this: Gummy Bear Molds If you don’t have molds you can grease a cookie sheet or use wax paper and slice them up into cubes once set.
I placed the molds on a cookie sheet since the silicone is bendable and you need a hard flat surface when filling the molds.
Easy and Tasty Immune Boosting Gummy Bears
The kids can enjoy these sweet treats daily, never realizing the health benefits stored inside each little purple bear. You as a parent will feel good knowing your picky eaters are actually getting some sort of nutrition inside their little bodies. I call that winning!
Elderberry Gummy Bear Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup 100% Welch’s grape juice concentrate
- 3/4 Cup water
- 4 Tbsp. honey
- 4 Scoops Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin
- 2 Tbsp. Gaia Black Elderberry Syrup
- 1 Tbsp. Vitamin C Crystals
Instructions
- Prepare molds: Place silicone gummy bear molds on a baking sheet or tray. This keeps them level when you move them to the fridge. If you don’t have molds, lightly grease a small baking dish or line it with parchment so you can cut into squares later.
- Heat liquid base: In a small saucepan, combine grape juice concentrate, water, and honey. Warm gently over medium heat until hot and steaming, but do not let it boil.
- Add gelatin: Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle in the gelatin one scoop at a time, whisking well after each scoop so it fully dissolves. The mixture should become smooth and slightly thicker.
- Mix in immune boosters: Once gelatin is completely dissolved, whisk in the elderberry syrup and vitamin C crystals until the mixture is glossy and uniform.
- Fill molds: Using the dropper that comes with gummy bear molds (or a small spoon), carefully fill each cavity. Work steadily, as the mixture will begin to set as it cools.
- Chill to set: Place the tray with molds in the refrigerator. Allow gummies to firm up for about 15–20 minutes.
- Remove & store: Pop gummies out of the molds and transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Serving sizes: Adults 8–10 gummies daily, young kids 2–4, older kids 6–10. Adjust based on comfort.
- Juice options: Grape juice is classic, but cherry, pomegranate, or apple juice work too.
- Texture tip: If your gummies are too soft, add an extra scoop of gelatin next batch.
If you make them make sure to let me know how it went in the comments!
Meet Eryn
Eryn Whalen is a homestead blogger and recipe developer with a lifetime of hands-on experience in gardening, home canning, animal husbandry, and traditional kitchen skills. From preserving homegrown harvests to baking sourdough from scratch, she shares her family’s journey of intentional living on their 100-acre Tennessee farmstead. Recently, Eryn has expanded her homesteading life to include caring for a family milk cow, sharing the learning process and daily joys of small-scale dairying. Read more about Eryn here
I love gummy bears. I think I can eat this everyday.
How many do you give them in a day? I’ll be using this for my husband and I, but didn’t want to overdo it.
2 to 4 is enough! 🙂
What is the measurement for gelatin if using a different brand? I assume they don’t all have the same size scoop
A teaspoon should work!
4 scoops of the vital gelatin equals only a teaspoon??
How long do these last?
About 4 weeks!
Hi:) I’m wanting to make your immune boosting gummies and have a few questions.. I make my own elderberry syrup from our own elderberries, and so would I put the same amount in the recipe still? Also, how many gummies for an adult and also for a 3 yr old and a 5 yr old.. One place said 10, and another place said 2 to 4 so I’m confused..
Hi there! Thanks so much for your comment, I love that you’re making your own elderberry syrup, that’s wonderful! Yes, you can use the same amount in the recipe (2 tablespoons). It works just as well with homemade as with store-bought.
As for dosage: this recipe isn’t an exact science like store vitamins, so a lot depends on your comfort level. When I give them to my kids, I usually stick with around 8–10 small gummies once a day. That’s roughly the equivalent of a spoonful of elderberry syrup, plus the added vitamin C and gelatin. For younger children (like 3–5 years old), you could absolutely cut that in half—2 to 4 gummies a day is plenty. For adults, you can take closer to the 8–10 range.
The nice thing is these are food-based ingredients, so you don’t have to stress about exact amounts. I’d encourage starting smaller for little ones and adjusting as you feel comfortable.