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Electrolyte Protein Gummies with Real Fruit Juice

by Kaitlynn Fenley

These Electrolyte Protein Gummies, made with real fruit juice, grass-fed beef gelatin, honey, and LMNT raw unflavored electrolyte salt, are a perfect snack for kids and adults! Use this recipe with a silicone mold to make nourishing protein gummy bears.

Homemade Protein Gummies

Are you looking for a wholesome, protein-packed alternative to store-bought gummies? Then you’re in the right place!

Gelatin, derived from grass-fed beef, is rich in collagen, which supports healthy skin, hair, joints, and digestion. It also provides a satisfying chew while helping to keep you full longer.

Real fruit juice adds vibrant flavor and essential vitamins, offering a nutrient-rich boost—a massive improvement from the artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup in typical store-bought gummies.

These gummies also contain my favorite raw unflavored LMNT electrolytes to help you stay hydrated and replenished, making them a tasty and functional snack for active days.

Electrolyte Protein Gummies

What are electrolytes? Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for various bodily functions, including nerve function, muscle contraction, and fluid balance.

I use raw unflavored LMNT electrolytes daily, formulated with a science-backed electrolyte ratio of 1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium. The main reason I supplement my electrolytes is for gut health. Electrolyte balance is essential for optimal gut health. So, getting a dose of balanced electrolytes with all the benefits of gelatin is a win-win.

Here are some of my favorite health benefits that raw unflavored LMNT salt adds to these nourishing protein gummies:

  • Improve cognitive function: Electrolytes, especially sodium, regulate fluid balance in and around the brain. They also help transmit signals between neurons—which allows us to think. Goodbye, brain fog.
  • Fewer muscle cramps: Electrolytes transmit electrochemical signals to your muscles, instructing them when to contract and relax. Improper hydration—a lack of electrolytes—is one of the leading causes of muscle cramps.
  • Digestion Regulation: Proper fluid balance and electrolyte intake (especially potassium and magnesium) support healthy digestion. Proper fluid balance and electrolyte intake (especially potassium and magnesium) support healthy digestion. Potassium helps the muscles in the gut contract and push digesting food forward through the intestines. Magnesium helps the muscles ahead of the food relax to allow it through.
  • More Energy: Potassium and magnesium support the processes that convert stored energy (calories) into usable energy (ATP). LMNT electrolytes also impact energy by regulating hormones, maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure, regulating heartbeat, promoting restful sleep, and much more. And no afternoon slump means no need for that extra cup of coffee.
  • Higher Quality Sleep: Quality sleep is critical to looking, feeling, and performing your best. Magnesium increases GABA, a neurotransmitter known for producing calming effects. Consuming adequate sodium can help you sleep through the night because low sodium levels increase cortisol and adrenaline.

Making Protein Gummies with Real Fruit Juice

Using real fruit juice to make gummies offers a delicious and health-conscious alternative to the artificial ingredients often found in commercial varieties.

Real fruit juice contains vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. For example, citrus juices like orange or lemon provide a natural dose of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and aids in collagen production. Berry juices include antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Unlike store-bought gummies, which often contain synthetic flavors and added sugars, natural fruit juice provides a naturally sweet taste and the benefit of phytonutrients that promote overall health.

Making Protein Gummy Bears with Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin

Gelatin is a nutrient-rich product derived from cows’ connective tissues, bones, and skin. Grass-fed gelatin is sourced exclusively from cows raised on pasture.

Companies produce gelatin by extracting collagen. Once the collagen is separated, it’s heated in water to dissolve the collagen into a gelatin solution. This solution is then filtered, purified, and concentrated. Afterward, the liquid gelatin is cooled and dried, typically forming sheets, powder, or granules. The result is an odorless, tasteless product that forms a gel-like texture when mixed with liquid and heated.

Sourcing gelatin from grass-fed cows is so important. Grass-fed beef gelatin is free from antibiotics, added hormones, and preservatives, making it a cleaner, more nutritious ingredient.

I love gelatin most for its gut health benefits. It’s rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, which support healthy digestion, promote gut healing, and help repair tissues throughout the digestive tract. Gelatin also contains collagen essential for healthy skin, strong hair, and joint mobility. As a person who lifts weights and exercises daily, this is all important to me.

One of the most significant advantages of using grass-fed beef gelatin is that it aligns with the principles of “nose-to-tail” eating, which promotes the use of the entire animal, minimizing waste and supporting sustainability.

How to Make Gummy Bears with Real Fruit Juice and Gelatin

Start by combining the grass-fed beef gelatin with cold juice, allowing the mixture to “bloom” and set aside. Heat the remaining juice and honey in a small pan over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as it reaches a simmer to avoid overcooking.

Take the bloomed gelatin mixture and gently scoop it into the warm juice. Add your Raw Unflavored LMNT electrolytes and whisk everything together with a fork, ensuring no clumps are left in the mixture. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow any foam or bubbles to settle and disappear.

Next, carefully pour the mixture into gummy bear molds, silicone molds, or even a glass storage container if you prefer to cut them into bite-sized squares later. Transfer the filled molds to the fridge and allow the gummies to set for at least 6 hours, or even overnight, for the best texture.

Once they’re firm, pop the protein gummy bears out of the molds or cut them into squares if you use a glass dish. Store your homemade electrolyte protein gummies in the fridge for up to two weeks.

someone popping protein gummy bears out of the silicone molds after they've chilled in the fridge overnight.

Juice Combinations for Homemade Protein Gummies

You can use almost any juice combination to make these protein gummy bears (or gummies). I love using elderberry and orange juice for protein gummy bears that support my immune system. When experimenting with juice combinations, I suggest mixing them and then dividing the mixed juice into the portion to bloom the gelatin and the portion of juice to heat.

Here are five delicious and nutrient-packed juice combinations you can try when making these homemade protein gummies:

  • Elderberry & Lemon Juice: Combine elderberry juice with a splash of lemon to boost antioxidants and vitamin C, perfect for supporting immune health.
  • Orange & Ginger Juice: Pair fresh orange juice with a hint of ginger for a refreshing, zesty protein gummy bear flavor that promotes immune health and aids digestion.
  • Pineapple & Coconut Water: Mix pineapple juice with hydrating coconut water for tropical protein gummy bears packed with vitamin C and electrolytes.
  • Cranberry & Pomegranate Juice: Blend cranberry juice with pomegranate for a tart, antioxidant-rich combo that helps fight inflammation and supports overall health.
  • Blueberry & Apple Juice: Use blueberry juice mixed with apple juice for a naturally sweet, antioxidant-filled gummy that boosts brain function and immune support.
an orange protein gummy bear made with orange juice

Try Raw Unflavored LMNT Electrolytes

I love LMNT electrolytes and use them daily to stay hydrated in the gym and for my bedtime routine. So, I am thrilled to work with our sponsor, LMNT, to share this information about electrolytes with you!

Members of my Cultured Guru Community get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any LMNT purchase ordered through THIS LINK (CLICK HERE). 

  • The LMNT Sample Pack includes 8 of our favorite LMNT drink mix flavors. This is the perfect offer for you if you want to explore and find your favorite LMNT flavor or if you want a sample pack to share LMNT with a friend.
  • This offer is available exclusively through my partnership with LMNT – you won’t find this offer elsewhere!
  • This offer is available for new and returning LMNT customers who click THIS LINK (CLICK HERE); you can get a free Sample Pack with every LMNT order purchased through my link.
  • LMNT has a no-questions-asked refund policy. If you don’t like LMNT for any reason, email [email protected]

FAQs

How long do Protein Gummies Last?

Homemade protein gummies and protein gummy bears typically last about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The gelatin will keep them firm and fresh during that time, but for the best texture and flavor, enjoy them within the first week.

Watch for any changes in texture or smell, which may indicate that they are no longer fresh.

How do you firm up homemade gummies?

Add more gelatin! (This also adds more protein.) The more gelatin you add, the denser and firmer the final texture. Adjusting the gelatin allows you to customize the consistency to your liking! If you prefer chewier, firmer protein gummy bears, you can experiment with adding an extra 5 grams of gelatin to this recipe. Just be careful not to add too much, which could result in a rubbery texture.

More Electrolyte Recipes to Try

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Electrolyte Protein Gummies with Real Fruit Juice

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These Electrolyte Protein Gummies, made with real fruit juice, grass-fed beef gelatin, honey, and LMNT raw unflavored electrolyte salt, are a perfect snack for kids and adults! Use this recipe with a silicone mold to make nourishing protein gummy bears.

  • Author: Kaitlynn Fenley
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings
  • Category: Sweets and Snacks
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine the gelatin with the cold juice and set aside.
  2. To heat the remaining juice, add it to a small pan with the honey, bring it to a simmer, and then immediately remove from heat.
  3. Scoop the mix of cold juice and gelatin into the hot juice. Add the electrolytes and gently whisk with a fork to combine. Stir until there are no clumps.
  4. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow any foam or bubbles to disappear.
  5. Add the mixture to gummy bear molds, silicone molds, or a glass storage container.
  6. Set in the fridge for 6 hours or overnight.
  7. Remove from mold or cut into bite-size pieces if using a glass dish. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Nutrition facts are formulated using 100% organic fresh-squeezed orange juice with no pulp. Other fruit juices will have slightly varying nutrition.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a 5-star review below if you loved it! Tag @cultured.guru on Instagram

 

Nutrition information is auto-calculated and estimated as close as possible. We are not responsible for any errors. We have tested the recipe for accuracy, but your results may vary.

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Kaitlynn Fenley Author, Educator, Food Microbiologist
Kaitlynn is a food microbiologist and fermentation expert teaching people how to ferment foods and drinks at home.

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