We often get asked why we don’t offer gummy supplements in our Forest range.
Gummies are undeniably popular, thanks to their convenient form and appealing taste. But there are a few reasons that we choose to steer clear of processed gummies and all heavily processed products ie extracts as a rule.
A typical gummy product usually includes between 10 to 15 ingredients – ingredients which are not required be disclosed on the packaging
1. Gelatin or Pectin: Used as the gelling agent.
2. Sugar or Corn Syrup: Primary sweeteners.
3. Citric Acid: Adds tartness and acts as a preservative.
4. Flavourings: They can be both natural and artificial
5. Colourings: Natural or artificial dyes
6. Glucose Syrup: Another form of sweetener that helps with the texture.
“We prefer capsules to gummies. They have all the convenience of a gummie but none of the ultra processed ingredients”
7. Vegetable Oil and Carnauba Wax: To prevent the gummies from sticking together.
8. Fruit Juice Concentrates: Sometimes used for flavour and colour.
9. Preservatives: To extend shelf life (eg. sodium benzoate).
10. Vitamin and Mineral Additives: In the case of supplement gummies.
11. Emulsifiers: Such as lecithin, to ensure even texture.
12. Thickening Agents: Such as modified starch, for consistency.
13. Acidulants: To balance the pH and enhance flavor (e.g., malic acid).
14. Anti-caking Agents: To prevent clumping in powdered or granulated ingredients.
We are committed to keeping food, food, as whole and as close to how it is in nature as possible..whilst commercially made gummies are marketed as health products – they often contain minimal amounts of nutrients compared to their natural food counterparts – there is a way to remedy this, make your own, using real foods at home.
I’ve created these recipes using Australian Greens- but you can add any superfood in its place to create other gummies
Homemade Clean Gummies with Australian Greens Powder
Adding Australian Greens to your homemade gummies is a fantastic way to boost their nutritional value but you can substitute for any super food you like.
Recipe 1: Agar-Agar Gummies with Greens Powder (Vegan friendly)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup 100% fruit juice
- 1-2 tablespoons agar-agar powder (depending on the desired firmness) ● 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Australian greens powder
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the fruit juice and agar-agar powder. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the agar-agar to bloom.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the agar-agar is fully dissolved. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- If using, add honey or maple syrup and stir well.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the greens powder until fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into silicone moulds or a shallow baking dish.
- Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours.
- Once set, remove the gummies from the moulds or cut them into desired shapes if using a baking dish.
- Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe 2: Gelatin Gummies with Australian Greens Powder Ingredients:
- 1 cup 100% fruit juice
- 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Australian greens powder
Instructions:
- Pour the fruit juice into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is fully dissolved. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- If using, add honey or maple syrup and stir well.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the greens powder until fully incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into silicone moulds or a shallow baking dish.
- Allow the mixture to cool and set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours.
- Once set, remove the gummies from the moulds or cut them into desired shapes if using a baking dish.
- Store the gummies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.