Homemade fruit snacks are a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant flavors and nutrients of whole fruits and vegetables in a healthy, high-protein snack. Unlike store-bought versions, these snacks are free from artificial additives and are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Made with natural ingredients like real fruit, veggies, honey, and gelatin, they’re easy to prepare and customizable for a fun, colorful treat that kids and adults will love.
The Foundation of Homemade Fruit Snacks
Why Homemade Fruit Snacks Are Healthier
Making fruit snacks at home allows you to use real whole fruit and vegetables, ensuring you get all their natural nutrients and fiber. These snacks contain no added preservatives or artificial sweeteners, making them a clean and better alternative to many commercial options.
Ingredients that Make a Difference
This recipe uses fruits like grapes, strawberries, peaches, and blueberries paired with veggies such as zucchini, beets, and spinach. The addition of gelatin adds protein and a fun gummy texture without compromising nutrition, while honey and pure vanilla extract provide gentle sweetness and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Fruit Snacks
Step-by-Step Blending and Preparation
Start by combining your choice of fruit, vegetables, and apple juice in a high-powered blender. Blend on high until smooth, adding juice gradually to reach the perfect consistency. Then, mix in raw honey and pure vanilla extract for natural sweetness and flavor.
Cooking with Gelatin for the Perfect Texture
Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and whisk in gelatin until dissolved over medium heat, taking care not to boil. Pour the liquid into silicone molds or a greased baking dish, then refrigerate for at least two hours until firmly set and ready to enjoy.
Homemade Fruit Snacks Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fruit chopped
- ▢¼ cup vegetables chopped and peeled if necessary
- ▢¼ to ½ cup pure apple juice no added sugar
- ▢2 Tablespoons raw honey
- ▢¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ▢3 Tablespoons gelatin preferably collagen grass-fed
- Green:
- ▢1 cup green grapes
- ▢¼ cup spinach
- Red:
- ▢1 cup strawberries diced
- ▢¼ cup beets
- Orange:
- ▢1 cup peaches chopped
- ▢¼ cup carrots
- Blue/purple:
- ▢1 cup blueberries
- ▢¼ cup zucchini
Instructions
- Place silicone molds on a large baking sheet or line an 8×8’ square dish with wax paper and lightly grease, set aside.
- Place fruit, vegetable and ¼ cup apple juice in the container of a high powered blender (Vitamix) and secure the lid.
- Turn the machine on and slowly increase the speed to high. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth. (add more juice 1 Tablespoon at a time if necessary, until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency).
- Add honey and vanilla and blend until smooth
- Taste mixture and add more honey, if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and whisk in gelatin.
- Heat on medium heat until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is no longer grainy (about 3 minutes).* Make sure it does not boil.
- Using a dropper, fill the silicone molds. Or pour your mixture into your prepared baking pan. (I suggest keeping the saucepan on the warm burner (with the heat source turned off) as you fill the molds. That way the mixture remains slightly warm and cools more slowly).
- Transfer to the refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours.
- Once set remove from molds and enjoy. If using a baking dish, remove from the dish, cut and serve or store.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
Fruit: I have given suggestions for the different fruits I used to make each color, but you can let your preferences drive you here. The only two fruits that you cannot use are Kiwi and Pineapple. They contain the enzyme bromelain, which breaks down the proteins in the gelatin and will prevent the fruit snacks from setting up.
Vegetables: the same freedom applies with the vegetables, use your favorites. Each mixture contains 1 cup of fruit and ¼ cup vegetables. You can use all fruit if you don’t want to add vegetables.
Juice: I highly recommend using an organic, unsweetened juice variety of your choice. I chose apple because it has a neutral color and flavor, but you can use any flavor you like.
Store
Store homemade fruit snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Nutrition
Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 57.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.5g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 28.8mg | Potassium: 84.7mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 9.1g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 20.4mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Nutritional Value of Homemade Fruit Snacks
High-Protein and Nutrient Dense
Homemade fruit snacks are rich in protein, thanks to the addition of gelatin, which also supports joint and skin health. They provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C and A from the fruits and vegetables, making them a wholesome snack to keep energy levels steady.
Low in Fat and Sugar
These snacks contain very little fat and no added refined sugars, relying on the natural sweetness of honey and fruit juice instead. This makes them a healthier choice over many commercial snacks that are often loaded with artificial sugars and unhealthy fats.
Tips for Storing and Serving Homemade Fruit Snacks
Proper Storage for Freshness
Store homemade fruit snacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and texture. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months and thaw as needed to enjoy a convenient, healthy snack anytime.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Serve these colorful fruit snacks as a fun treat for kids, or incorporate them into lunchboxes for a nutritious boost. They also make great party favors or healthy alternatives to candy at gatherings, combining flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Fruit Snacks
Can I Use Any Fruit for These Snacks?
Yes, you can customize the recipe with your favorite fruits, but avoid kiwi and pineapple as they contain enzymes that prevent the gelatin from setting properly.
How Long Do Homemade Fruit Snacks Last?
These snacks keep well for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or up to two months when frozen.
Is It Possible to Make These Snacks Vegan?
Traditional gelatin is animal-based, but you can use plant-based gelatin alternatives like agar-agar for a vegan version.
Can I Add Vegetables Without Changing the Taste Much?
Yes, the small amount of vegetables like spinach, carrot, or zucchini blends well with the fruit, adding nutrients without overpowering the flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade fruit snacks are a delicious and nutritious alternative to store-bought versions, giving you control over the ingredients and flavors. Packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, these snacks are perfect for families seeking a healthy treat. Easy to make and customize, they offer a fun way to enjoy whole fruits and vegetables in a portable, satisfying form.
