Chewy Sweet & Sour Vegan Gummies
Last tested by Ava Green on April 25, 2026
A fun and easy recipe for homemade vegan gummies! These chewy treats are made with real fruit puree and can be customized to be sweet or delightfully sour. Perfect for a healthy, gelatin-free snack for all ages.
This beginner vegan gummies, healthy snacks recipe comes together in about 77 minutes and serves 5. It's perfect for all year cooking, weeknight dinners, meal prep, and anyone exploring a more plant-forward kitchen. If you love this style of cooking, you'll also want to try our creamy vegan no-bake blueberry cheesecake next.
Prep
10 min
Cook
7 min
Servings
5
Difficulty
Beginner
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Ingredients you'll need
Here's everything that goes into this chewy sweet & sour vegan gummies. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements and a printable version.
- 1 cup (240ml) Fruit puree (e.g., strawberry, mango, or raspberry), strained
- 2 tsp Agar-agar powder
- 2-4 tbsp Maple syrup, to taste
- 2-4 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (optional, for sour gummies)
How to make it
Follow these step-by-step instructions. Each step is written so you know exactly what to look, smell, and taste for.
- 1
Prepare the Fruit Puree: If making your own, blend about 1.5 to 2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit until completely smooth. For the clearest gummies, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or large pieces of pulp. Measure out 1 cup for the recipe.
- 2
Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1 cup of fruit puree, agar-agar powder, maple syrup, and lemon juice (if using). Whisk thoroughly before heating to ensure the agar-agar powder is fully dissolved and prevent lumps.
- 3
Activate the Agar-Agar: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking frequently.
- 4
Simmer: Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. This step is crucial to fully activate the agar-agar, which ensures the gummies will set properly.
- 5
Mold the Gummies: Working quickly, carefully pour the hot liquid into silicone gummy molds. A small dropper or a spouted measuring cup can make this easier. Alternatively, pour into a small, lightly oiled glass dish to be cut into squares later.
- 6
Chill and Set: Transfer the molds or dish to the refrigerator. Let the gummies chill for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm.
- 7
Demold and Enjoy: Once firm, carefully pop the gummies out of the molds. If you used a glass dish, run a knife around the edge and turn it out onto a cutting board, then slice into small cubes. Enjoy immediately!
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Chewy Sweet & Sour Vegan Gummies
A fun and easy recipe for homemade vegan gummies! These chewy treats are made with real fruit puree and can be customized to be sweet or delightfully sour. Perfect for a healthy, gelatin-free snack for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) Fruit puree (e.g., strawberry, mango, or raspberry), strained
- 2 tsp Agar-agar powder
- 2-4 tbsp Maple syrup, to taste
- 2-4 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (optional, for sour gummies)
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Fruit Puree: If making your own, blend about 1.5 to 2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit until completely smooth. For the clearest gummies, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or large pieces of pulp. Measure out 1 cup for the recipe.
- 2
Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1 cup of fruit puree, agar-agar powder, maple syrup, and lemon juice (if using). Whisk thoroughly before heating to ensure the agar-agar powder is fully dissolved and prevent lumps.
- 3
Activate the Agar-Agar: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking frequently.
- 4
Simmer: Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. This step is crucial to fully activate the agar-agar, which ensures the gummies will set properly.
- 5
Mold the Gummies: Working quickly, carefully pour the hot liquid into silicone gummy molds. A small dropper or a spouted measuring cup can make this easier. Alternatively, pour into a small, lightly oiled glass dish to be cut into squares later.
- 6
Chill and Set: Transfer the molds or dish to the refrigerator. Let the gummies chill for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm.
- 7
Demold and Enjoy: Once firm, carefully pop the gummies out of the molds. If you used a glass dish, run a knife around the edge and turn it out onto a cutting board, then slice into small cubes. Enjoy immediately!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
Per serving (estimated)
- Calories
- 48 kcal
- Fat
- 0.1 g
- Carbs
- 12 g
- Protein
- 0.2 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
- Sugar
- 10 g
- Sodium
- 5 mg
Frequently asked questions
My gummies didn't set. What went wrong?+
The most common reason is that the agar-agar was not fully activated. It is essential to bring the mixture to a rolling boil and then simmer it for at least 2-3 minutes while whisking. Also, check the expiration date on your agar-agar powder, as old powder can lose its gelling strength. Lastly, avoid using fresh pineapple, papaya, or kiwi, as they contain enzymes that break down agar's gelling power unless they have been thoroughly cooked first.
Can I use a different sweetener?+
Absolutely. Agave nectar works as a direct substitute for maple syrup. You can also use granulated sugar (ensure it's bone-char free to be vegan), but you may want to dissolve it in the puree before adding the agar to ensure it doesn't have a grainy texture. Adjust any sweetener to your personal taste.
How can I make the gummies more sour?+
For an extra sour kick, you can add a pinch of citric acid to the mixture along with the lemon juice. To make a sour coating, mix a small amount of granulated sugar with citric acid and toss the finished gummies in the mixture until coated.
Can I make this Chewy Sweet & Sour Vegan Gummies ahead of time?+
Yes. You can prep most components a day or two in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. For best texture, assemble or warm just before serving — most elements keep well for 3–4 days refrigerated.
How should I store leftovers?+
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or plant milk if it has dried out a little.
Can I freeze Chewy Sweet & Sour Vegan Gummies?+
Most components freeze well for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly. Avoid freezing fresh herbs, leafy greens, and creamy dairy-free sauces — add those fresh after thawing.
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