Last updated on July 4th, 2026 at 06:10 pm
Heads up: I'm not a doctor. These recipes are for inspiration, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet. Sometimes I curate recipes and share them with you, keeping sugar conscious and lower carb choices in mind.
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Store bought gummy bears are basically a blood sugar spike waiting to happen. Corn syrup, artificial color, sugar on top of sugar. When you are managing diabetes and also trying to keep my toddler mind happy with something fun and sweet, the options in the candy aisle are not your friend.
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That is exactly where a good sugar free gummy bear recipe without gelatin changes things. These five versions skip both the sugar and the gelatin, use simple ingredients you can actually find.
Why it’s a win
- All five recipes are completely sugar free and use stevia powder as the only sweetener
- None of these require gelatin. Agar agar powder is the go t o substitute and works really well
- Most batches are done in under 25 minutes from start to set time not included
- These are safe for diabetics, kids, and anyone cutting sugar from their diet
- You can batch prep these on a Sunday and snack through the whole week
Show us your bites!
If you made this recipe, share a photo using #zerosugarbites. Be sure to tag us so we can see it: @zerosugarbites (Pinterest) or @biteszerosugar (Instagram)!
How to Make Gummy Bears Without Gelatin?
Before getting into the recipes, this is the part that trips most people up. Traditional gummy bears use gelatin, which is made from animal collagen. It gives that classic chew. But gelatin is not the only option.
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Allulose vs Monk Fruit vs Stevia Vs Erythritol: Wins in 2026
Last updated on July 4th, 2026 at 06:10 pm Heads up: I’m not a doctor. These recipes are for inspiration, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet. Sometimes I curate recipes and share them with you, keeping sugar conscious and
Agar agar powder is the main substitute used in all five recipes here. It comes from red algae and is completely plant based. It sets firmer than gelatin at room temperature, so your gummies will hold their shape without refrigeration once fully set.
A few things to keep in mind before you start:
- Agar Agar must be dissolved in boiling or near boiling liquid to activate. Cold liquid will not work.
- The ratio matters. Too much agar makes rubbery, dense gummies. Too little and they stay soft and sticky. For most fruit juice based recipes, 1 teaspoon of agar powder per 1 cup of liquid is a reliable starting point.
- Stevia powder is used in all five recipes below. It has zero glycemic impact, which is the whole point here. Start with less than you think you need and taste before filling the molds, because stevia concentration varies by brand.
- Silicone gummy bear molds make this practical. Without them, you are just making flavored agar squares, which still taste fine but lose the whole gummy bear experience.
5 Sugar Free Gummy Bear Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again
Discover five easy sugar free gummy bear recipes made without gelatin. Colorful, fun, diabetic friendly treats with simple ingredients everyone can enjoy.
1. Strawberry Lemonade Gummy Bears
These taste like the kind of fruit snack a kid would beg for at the grocery store, except there is nothing in them that would spike anyone’s blood sugar. The combo of strawberry and lemon is bright, slightly tart, and genuinely satisfying as a small snack between meals.
Servings: 80 to 100 bears | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5 min | Total Time: 15 min active (plus 30 min setting)
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, blended and strained to get juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
- 1/4 teaspoon stevia powder (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Blend strawberries and strain through a fine mesh sieve to get smooth juice, about 3/4 cup
- Combine strawberry juice, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan
- Whisk in agar agar powder and stevia powder until dissolved
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, then reduce and simmer 2 minutes
- Remove from heat and let sit 1 minute, then use a dropper or small pitcher to fill gummy molds quickly
- Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes until fully set, then pop out and store in an airtight container
Nutrition per serving (approx. 10 bears): Calories: 8 | Fat: 0g | Net Carbs: 1.5g | Protein: 0g
Tip
Work fast once the mixture is off the heat. Agar sets quickly. A good silicone dropper bottle makes filling the molds so much easier and less messy. The Wilton Gummy Bear Mold Set with Dropper is what gets used here and it holds up well batch after batch.
2. Mango Coconut Gummy Bears
These have a tropical flavor that works well as an afternoon snack, especially during warmer months. The coconut milk adds a tiny bit of richness and helps round out the mango without making things heavy. Kids love the color, which comes naturally from the mango.
Servings: 80 to 100 bears | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5 min | Total Time: 15 min active (plus 30 min setting)
Key Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mango puree (fresh or frozen mango blended smooth)
- 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
- 1/4 teaspoon stevia powder
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Blend mango until completely smooth and measure out 3/4 cup
- Add mango puree, coconut milk, and water to a small saucepan
- Whisk in agar agar powder and stevia powder
- Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil
- Simmer 2 minutes, then remove from heat
- Fill molds immediately using a dropper, refrigerate 25 to 30 minutes, then unmold
Nutrition per serving (approx. 10 bears): Calories: 14 | Fat: 0.8g | Net Carbs: 1.8g | Protein: 0g
Tip
If your mango puree is very thick, add an extra tablespoon of water so it flows easily into the molds. The Lakanto Stevia Powder is consistent in flavor and does not leave that bitter aftertaste some cheaper brands have, which matters a lot in a recipe this simple.
3. Vanilla Gummy Bear Recipe Without Sugar
If you have ever wanted a gummy bear that is not fruit flavored, this one is for you. It is subtle, slightly sweet, and the vanilla comes through in a clean way. This is also the one that tends to get made most often because the ingredients are always on hand.
For the full detailed recipe with step by step photos, check out the Vanilla Gummy Bear Recipe Without Sugar on Zero Sugar Bites.
4. Watermelon Mint Gummy Bears
This one is a warm weather favorite. Watermelon juice is naturally light and sweet, and the mint gives it a fresh finish that keeps it from tasting flat. This is the batch that disappears fastest when there are kids around.
Servings: 80 to 100 bears | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5 min | Total Time: 15 min active (plus 30 min setting)
Key Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh watermelon juice, strained (blend and strain seeded watermelon)
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
- 1/8 teaspoon stevia powder (watermelon is naturally sweet, go light here)
- 4 to 5 fresh mint leaves, muddled lightly
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Blend watermelon and strain through fine mesh sieve to get clear juice
- Add watermelon juice, lime juice, and muddled mint leaves to a saucepan
- Heat over medium low for 2 minutes to infuse mint flavor, then remove mint leaves
- Whisk in agar agar powder and stevia powder
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, then simmer 2 minutes
- Fill molds quickly, refrigerate 25 to 30 minutes, unmold and serve
Nutrition per serving (approx. 10 bears): Calories: 9 | Fat: 0g | Net Carbs: 2g | Protein: 0g
Tip
Watermelon juice varies a lot in sweetness depending on the melon, so taste before adding stevia. You might not need any at all.
5. Blueberry Grape Gummy Bears
Blueberry and grape are natural partners. Combined, they make a deep purple gummy that looks like something you would buy from a candy store. This one has a slightly more intense flavor than the others, which means kids think it tastes the most like traditional gummy candy.
Servings: 80 to 100 bears | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5 min | Total Time: 15 min active (plus 30 min setting)
Key Ingredients
- 1/2 cup blueberry juice (blend and strain fresh or frozen blueberries)
- 1/2 cup 100% unsweetened grape juice (no added sugar, read the label)
- 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
- 1/4 teaspoon stevia powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine blueberry juice, grape juice, and lemon juice in a small saucepan
- Whisk in agar agar powder and stevia powder until smooth
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly
- Reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes, then remove from heat
- Fill molds quickly using a dropper or small measuring cup with a spout
- Refrigerate 30 minutes until firm, unmold, and keep stored in the fridge
Nutrition per serving (approx. 10 bears): Calories: 11 | Fat: 0g | Net Carbs: 2.5g | Protein: 0g
Tip
The grape juice brings natural sweetness, so taste the mixture before adding stevia and adjust down if needed.
Why These Work for Diabetics and Busy Families
Every recipe here is built around two things: no blood sugar spike and no hour long kitchen session.
Agar agar has zero calories, zero carbs, and no impact on glucose levels. Stevia powder has a glycemic index of zero, which means it sweetens without triggering an insulin response. The fruit juices used are kept to small quantities, so even the naturally occurring sugars stay well within a manageable range per serving.
From a time standpoint, none of these recipes require more than 15 minutes of active work. You make the mixture, fill the molds, and let the fridge do the rest. Batch prepping on a Sunday means snacks are ready for the whole week.
For anyone managing diabetes while also trying to give their family something that actually feels fun to eat, this is the kind of recipe that solves a real problem.
Additional Resources
If you are still figuring out which sweetener to use in recipes like these, the Allulose vs Monk Fruit vs Stevia vs Erythritol comparison on Zero Sugar Bites breaks it all down in plain language. And if you are looking for more quick sugar free snack ideas that work for the whole family, the 3 ingredient sugar free peanut butter cookies are another good one to have in the rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use agar agar powder instead of gelatin in all gummy recipes?
Yes, in most cases. The texture is slightly firmer and sets faster than gelatin, so you need to work quickly once the mixture is off the heat.
Are these gummy bears safe for type 2 diabetics?
All five recipes use only stevia powder as a sweetener, which has a glycemic index of zero and does not raise blood sugar. The fruit juice portions are kept small, so net carbs per serving are low. That said, everyone responds to food differently, so monitor your own levels and check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure.
How long do sugar free agar Agar gummy bears last?
They keep well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 to 7 days. Unlike gelatin gummies.
Can kids eat these gummy bears?
Yes. They contain no artificial sweeteners or added sugar. The stevia powder used is plant derived and generally considered safe for children.
Why do my gummy bears come out too hard or too rubbery?
This usually means the agar agar ratio is slightly off. Too much agar agar gives a stiff, rubbery texture. Try reducing to 3/4 teaspoon per cup of liquid and see if that improves things.
Sugar free candy does not have to be a compromise. These five gummy bear recipes prove that skipping gelatin and skipping sugar does not mean skipping the fun. They take almost no time, use real ingredients, and the whole family can eat them without anyone feeling left out.
Which one are you going to try first? Drop a comment and let me know. And if this list helped you, save it to your Pinterest board so you can find it again when the snack craving hits.
Show us your bites!
If you made this recipe, share a photo using #zerosugarbites. Be sure to tag us so we can see it: @zerosugarbites (Pinterest) or @biteszerosugar (Instagram)!
