Easiest Vegan Gummy Bears Agar Agar (No Gelatin!)

If you’re looking for a cruelty-free, plant-based alternative tu quench you sweet tooth this vegan gummy bears recipe is perfect for you! Gummy bears are a classic treat, but did you know that most store-bought gummy candies contain gelatin, which comes from animal products?

Instead of gelatin, we’re using agar agar, a natural gelling agent derived from red algae. These homemade gummy bears are:

✔️ 100% vegan and gelatin-free
✔️ Naturally flavored and colored
✔️ Quick to make – ready in minutes!

​✔️ The best part? Customizable with fruit juice, vitamins, or essential oils natural ingredients

Let’s dive into why traditional gummy bears aren’t vegan and how agar agar (agar-agar powder) is a game-changer in making plant-based gummies at home!

Why Traditional Gummy Bears Aren’t Vegan

Most people don’t realize what’s inside their favorite chewy candies. The secret ingredient that gives traditional gummy bears their texture is gelatin—a protein obtained by boiling animal parts like bones, skin, and connective tissues from cows and pigs.

How is Gelatin Made?

Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, so it essentially animal products  which comes from bones, tendons, and ligaments. To extract gelatin:

1. Animal parts are boiled at high temperatures.
2. The collagen breaks down into gelatin, a colorless, flavorless substance.
3. This gelatin is processed into candies, marshmallows, and even some yogurts.

While many people consume gelatin without thinking twice, it’s not cruelty-free and contributes to animal exploitation.

The Ethical and Environmental Impact of Gelatin

Beyond the ethical concerns, gelatin production has a major environmental footprint:
🌍 Deforestation – Livestock farming destroys forests.
💨 Greenhouse gas emissions – Raising animals for food (and gelatin) contributes to climate change.
🚰 Excessive water use – Producing animal-based ingredients wastes resources.

Choosing vegan gummy bears not only aligns with a cruelty-free lifestyle but also helps reduce your environmental impact.

Agar Agar – The Vegan Alternative to Gelatin

Now that we know why gelatin isn’t vegan, let’s talk about its plant-based substitute (aka vegetarian gummy bears)  agar agar.

What is Agar Agar?

Agar agar is a natural gelling agent made from red algae (seaweed). Unlike gelatin, which requires boiling animal bones, agar agar is:✔️ 100% plant-based and gives you a similar gummy texture. 
✔️ Sustainable and cruelty-free
✔️ Rich in fiber, making it gut-friendly

How Does Agar Agar Work?

Agar agar behaves differently from gelatin:

Needs to be boiled – Agar agar must be heated to activate.

Sets quickly – It solidifies in just 5-10 minutes.
Firmer texture – Agar agar gummies are more like Swedish Fish than traditional gummy bears, but it is sill a legit vegan gummy candy.

This makes agar agar an excellent vegan alternative for creating gelatin-free gummies that are firm, chewy, and delicious!

Benefits of Homemade Vegan Gummy Bears

1. No Artificial Ingredients

Most store-bought gummies contain:
❌ Artificial flavors and artificial colors
❌ High-fructose corn syrup
❌ Preservatives and additives

By making homemade vegan gummy bears, you control every ingredient!

2. Tasty Treats Packed with Nutrients

Boost your vegan gummies​ are natural vegan fruit snacks 

💊 Vitamin B12 – Essential for plant-based diets.
🍊 Essential Oils – Adds flavor and wellness benefits.
🍇 Superfoods – Spirulina, turmeric, or açai for antioxidants and real fruit.

3. Great alternative! Allergy-Friendly & Diet-Friendly 

✅ Gluten-free & dairy-free
✅ No refined sugar (if using natural sweeteners)
✅ Can be keto-friendly with sugar-free syrup

4. Fun & Customizable

Use different cup of juice flavors, colors, and gummy bear mold to make sweet treats fun for all ages!

Vegan Gummy Beats

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Ingredients

Pineapple Gummy Bears or Any Fruit Juice

• ½ cup natural pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp agar agar powder
• 1 tbsp white sugar optional for texture

Liquid B-12 Gummy Bears

• ½ cup water + 2 tbsp fruit-flavored B12
• 1 tbsp agar agar
• 1 tbsp date syrup

Wild Orange Essential Oil Gummy Bears

• ½ cup water + 10-15 drops wild orange essential oil
• 1 tbsp agar agar
• 1 tbsp date syrup

Instructions

• Heat ingredients in a small pot until boiling.
• Remove from heat and quickly fill gummy bear molds (it sets fast!).
• Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.
• Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to one week.