It’s no secret that I have a candy problem…especially gummy candy of all kinds. I couldn’t resist attempting a version of homemade sour gummies. The recipe I used is a slightly modified version of the recipe I found on the gelatin box. I used apple and grapefruit juice for flavouring and added a little citric acid for tartness.
Citric acid (extracted from fruits and veggies) is what makes candy sour. It comes in powdered form and can be found at most grocery and gourmet food stores.
Sour gummy candy
3/4 cup fruit juice 1 tablespoon lime juice ½ cup sugar 3 packets plain gelatin Additional sugar for coating gummies 1 1/2 teaspoons citric acid Optional: Food coloring – I used one drop of green for my applesPour ¼ cup of fruit juice and the lime juice into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Let this sit for about a minute. It will start to gel together.
In a small pot mix the remaining juice, citric acid and ½ cup of sugar. Cook the mixture at medium heat until it reaches a light boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour this into the bowl with the juice and gelatin mixture. Stir for about 5 minutes. Gently spoon the mixture into the molds. Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours. Pour sanding sugar into a dish. Drop your Homemade Sour Gummies into the sugar and toss to coat.
I recommend storing your extra Homemade Sour Gummies in the refrigerator so they don’t stick together. Enjoy!
FAQs About Homemade Sour Gummies
1. Can I adjust the sourness of my homemade gummies?
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Yes, you can! To make the gummies more sour, simply increase the amount of citric acid or sour candy powder you use. You can also sprinkle a little extra sour coating on the gummies after they set for an additional tangy kick.
2. What can I use as a substitute for gelatin in homemade gummies?
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If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian alternative, you can use agar-agar powder or pectin instead of gelatin. Keep in mind that agar-agar behaves differently than gelatin, so follow the specific instructions for those substitutes to get the right texture.
3. Can I use fresh fruit juice for the gummies?
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Yes, fresh fruit juice can be used for homemade gummies, but keep in mind that you’ll need to balance the liquid-to-gelatin ratio to ensure the gummies set properly. Fresh juices like lemon, lime, orange, or berry juices work well, and they add a natural flavor to your gummies.
4. How can I make my gummies less sticky?
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To prevent your gummies from being too sticky, dust them with a light coating of cornstarch or powdered sugar after they’ve set. You can also store the gummies in a dry, cool place to reduce moisture, which can cause stickiness.
5. Can I make homemade sour gummies without corn syrup?
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Yes, you can! Corn syrup is typically used to give gummies their chewy texture and prevent crystallization of the sugar. However, you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
6. How long do homemade sour gummies last?
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Homemade sour gummies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for about 1-2 weeks. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a month.
7. Can I use sugar substitutes for making gummies?
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Yes, you can use sugar substitutes such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Just note that the texture and sweetness may vary depending on the substitute used, so you may need to experiment to find the right balance.
8. How can I make my gummies more colorful?
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To make colorful gummies, you can use fruit juices that are naturally vibrant, or you can add a few drops of food coloring for a more intense color. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it may alter the flavor.
9. Can I make sour gummies without using citric acid?
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While citric acid gives the gummies their signature tartness, you can use alternative sour ingredients like lemon juice or tamarind powder. However, citric acid is the most effective ingredient for the classic sour taste in gummies.
10. How can I make my gummies more firm or softer?
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To adjust the firmness of your gummies, increase the amount of gelatin if you want a firmer texture. For softer gummies, decrease the gelatin slightly. You may need to experiment a bit to find your perfect texture.
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See some more of my sweet treats here

Meet the blogger behind Life In Velvet – Bec, a mum of 4 currently living on the US East Coast with her kids, husband and numerous pets. Bec shares her favourite things on this award-nominated lifestyle blog – especially recipes and baking, crafts, home and interiors, DIY, her love for all things seasonal, and a good motivational quote!




