• My kids love fruit snacks. I love fruit snacks. And I’m fairly certain that most everyone loves them.

    I do not, however, love all the added sugar found in most fruit snacks sold at most grocery stores. I love even less, the cost of the healthier options. As with all things, I think I am capable of coming up with a solution at home. This is how the journey of my home made fruit snacks began.

    First thing you will need to get is a mold. The dollar store often has seasonal molds that are the right size. Also, any place that sells candy making supplies will likely have a huge selection. Your ingredients include juice. You will want a good quality juice, something without added sugar preferably. You can use whatever you want of course, but a 100 percent juice will yield you a healthier fruit snack. I have also used my own homemade juice for this recipe, and I have to tell you it turns out fantastic! You will need 1 and 1/2 cups of juice. 2 packages of gelatin, and 1 package of no sugar fruit pectin.

    To make your fruit snacks, mix all ingredients in a sauce pan. Simmer until everything has dissolved into the juice and the mixture appears thin, runny, and slightly frothy. Carefully pour the mixture into your molds. Set your molds into the fridge to cool and set. About two to three hours. If you’re in a hurry you can put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes for the same result. Once cool, pop them out and enjoy. You can get crafty with your juice, mixing different colors and types together for different flavors. Or even sneakier by adding some vegetable juice for some extra goodness.

    For just a few minutes time, and a few coins, you have made your own homemade fruit snacks without all the added gunk!