Protein Packed Gummy Vitamins

It’s funny to me that as I walk farther and farther down the path of natural living the more and more “Well, duh!” moments I seem to have. There are so many things I now make from scratch that never would’ve occurred to me to make a few years ago. I used to just buy things. Not only just out of convenience, but because I didn’t realize it was possible to make them myself. Like deodorant, make-up, lotion bars and laundry soap. Most people just buy that stuff, right. And why not? Well, I’ll tell you why I don’t- it’s hard to find products that aren’t full of toxic chemicals. The products that I can find are too expensive for me. The good news? There are so many things on the market that are possible to make at home and save money doing it! Seriously!

I’ve finally gotten to the point where I make all of our personal care products. Every time I make something we used to buy I feel a little more liberated- not only do I not have to run to the store every time we run out of something like toothpaste, but I’m also able to move the money in my budget that would’ve been used for those products so we can afford more better quality food. It’s killing two birds with one stone! Here’s one of my favorite recipes that seems somehow out of reach. Only it isn’t! It’s fabulously easy to make.

First, let me introduce you to something you may have never heard of.

Drumroll…

Grass-fed Gelatin. Huh? What? Um, surely you’ve heard to Jello? Welp, what’s Jello made of? Gelatin! Except…it’s made from very low quality gelatin and so many other non-food chemicals it really should be on the grocer’s shelf next to rat poison, not food. Haha. I’m laughing, but I’m not kidding. Anyway, I digress.

Good quality gelatin comes from healthy grass-fed cows. You want to make sure you’re using a quality gelatin for this. Poor quality gelatin often contains MSG, and you don’t want that!

Why Is Gelatin Good For You?

it improves liver function and aids detoxification to help flush out environmental toxins
it helps to “heal and seal” your gut (which is especially important if you have symptoms of Leaky Gut like allergies or digestive issues)
it improves digestion
it is a good source of protein (12 grams for 1 tablespoon- move over protein powder!)
it is excellent for helping to grow thick strong hair and nails
it’s a good source of collagen, so it’s great for skin and joints
and more

Here’s a little confession before we get going with the recipe: I don’t give my children vitamins or supplements on a regular basis. I don’t like the idea of using supplements, in general. I prefer to get what we need from Real Food. However. When I feel like someone may be coming down with something, or we’ve been eating stuff we don’t normally eat and I feel like some gaps need to be filled, or there’s a need more some specific nutrient I often turn to these gummies. They’re very versatile, so adjust the recipe to suit your needs.

Protein Packed Gummy Vitamins

You’ll need:

1/2 cup grass-fed gelatin
1 1/2 cups liquid of your choice (any kind of juice or even tea, except pineapple- the gelatin won’t set)
a silicone mold, or a glass baking dish greased with coconut oil
whatever vitamins you want- cod liver oil, acerola powder (vitamin C), calcium, zinc, etc.

Here’s where things get fun! You can make these into whatever kind of vitamin you want.

Combinations we’ve tried:

lemon juice + acerola powder + cod liver oil

elderberry syrup + powdered probiotics

carrot juice + valerian root tincture + powdered magnesium

We’ve even left out vitamins and just eaten these for a treat.

As a rule, anything you add can be completely adjusted by you. In order to figure out how much of what to add, you’re going to have to do some simple math (if I can do it, you can too!). You’ll need to figure out what a dose is and how many doses you want your batch to be.

For example, if I’m making probiotic gummies I’ll do this: I know the mold I use makes 1 tablespoon sized gummies. I know I can make 3 dozen gummies with this recipe. I want each gummy to have one dose of probiotics, so I will add 36 doses of probiotics to the mixture.

If you’re making smaller gummies (say you’re using a glass baking dish and cutting them into teaspoon sized pieces, you’ll get more than if you cut them into bigger pieces, add more.

Make sense?

One more thing to make note of. If whatever vitamins/supplements you’re adding are strong or bitter, use a stronger liquid (lemon juice masks very well).

Okay.

The method:

In a small saucepan, over low heat, stir together your gelatin and liquid. You’ll want to stir continually until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Once it’s dissolved quickly add whatever vitamins you like, then pour into your mold. Refrigerate until set. (I’ve also been known to pop these into the freezer for a few minutes to appease impatiently waiting children.)

That’s it!

Will you try this? What vitamins will you add? I’d love to hear your ideas and feedback!

Comments

Jessica says:

July 2, 2013 at 9:38 am

Do you store them in the fridge? Do they ever go bad? Thanks for the recipe!

Heavy On Wholesome says:

July 2, 2013 at 11:29 am

Oh! Good questions. Yes, I do store mine in the fridge. It’s especially important with probiotics added in that need to stay cold. As for how long they keep- I don’t know, we always use them up right away.

Jackie says:

July 10, 2013 at 2:06 pm

These look really good. Much better than the gummies that are loaded with food dyes and HFCS. Thanks for sharing.

PS I hope you like your new site.

Linda says:

July 17, 2013 at 9:08 pm

Some vitamins are lost in heat. At what temperature is it safe to add vitamins to the gelatin?

- Kimball says:
  
  July 17, 2013 at 10:34 pm
  
  I wait as long as possible before the gelatin begins to set. I’ve never used a thermometer to make these gummies, so I can’t tell you an exact temperature.
  
Chrissy Jackson says:

July 19, 2013 at 8:16 pm

Where do you get the various supplements that you add to the gelatin? Is there a site you can direct me to?

- Kimball@ Heavy on Wholesome says:
  
  July 25, 2013 at 7:53 pm
  
  I buy most of them on Amazon! Easy!
  
Carla says:

December 29, 2013 at 7:41 am

Hi there, I just started on this DIY journey…a little late in life, I am heading to the 60 mark but I began this because I am allergic to anything containing petroleum. It took me a while to figure out this culprit but my symptoms varied from hives to full blown asthma attacks needing a rescue inhaler. I started off changing to all DIY cleaning products and as things began improving I continued on with helping my skin, nails and hair. This recipe intrigues me because I have never cared for meat, I enjoy pork but everyone says it is unhealthy. Is this a way I can add protein to my diet without the side effects of bloating and constipation? I try to add protein but it is a hard one to add since I do not care for the other meats or fish.
Let’s get to the real question, I have read that using epsom salt in the bath is a good way to increase magnesium but which one would I add to this gelatin to get added magnesium citrate or oxide?
Sorry I rambled on but I am excited to run across so may great recipes on your site!

Thanks for your reply,
Carla

- Kimball@ Heavy on Wholesome says:
  
  December 31, 2013 at 7:38 am
  
  I use this gelatin as a way to add extra protein. We make gummies and also add the powdered gelatin to smoothies, etc. As for magnesium, I recommend dissolving magnesium flakes in equal parts water and putting it into a spray bottle. I spritz my feet with the mag spray before bed.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005F1ATJQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005F1ATJQ&linkCode=as2&tag=heaonwho-20
  
Jessica kephart says:

April 19, 2014 at 12:16 pm

I am so excited to try this and I’ll be doing a LOT of variations! I had gastric bypass surgery several years ago and I don’t absorb nutrients like most! My hair is falling out at an alarming rate as well! This is going to be a life saver and help with costly gummy vitamins! Woo hoo!!