Why Did My Gelatin Gummies Not Turn Out Right?
Common Mistakes & Easy Fixes for Better-Than-Store-Bought Gummies
If you’ve ever whipped up a batch of homemade gelatin gummies only to find them too soft, too sticky, or just… not right, you’re not alone! Making gummies at home can be super fun and rewarding (especially when you're using better-for-you ingredients), but it’s also easy to miss a step or misjudge a ratio.
At Goose Goods, we’re all about making wellness a treat—not a task. So let’s dive into the most common reasons your gelatin gummies might have flopped—and how to fix them for next time.
1. Your Gelatin-to-Liquid Ratio Was Off
The golden rule for homemade gummies: not enough gelatin = too soft, too wiggly; too much = chewy or rubbery.
🛠 Fix:
Use 1-2 tablespoon of high-quality gelatin per 1 cup of liquid for that classic gummy bear texture. With our premium Goose Goods Beef Gelatin, you’ll get the perfect set every time—no weird textures, just clean, satisfying bites.
2. You Didn’t Let the Gelatin Bloom Properly
Skipping the bloom step is one of the biggest reasons gummies don’t turn out. Blooming gives the gelatin time to absorb water and fully hydrate before heating.
🛠 Fix:
Sprinkle gelatin over a small amount of cold liquid (like juice or water) and let it sit for 5 minutes before heating. It should look thick and grainy—that’s a good thing!
3. You Overheated the Gelatin
Too much heat can break down gelatin’s protein structure, which means your gummies might not set at all.
🛠 Fix:
After blooming, gently heat the mixture over low heat just until the gelatin dissolves. No boiling! Stir slowly and watch for it to turn clear.
4. Your Liquid Was Too Acidic
Lemon juice, pineapple, and other acidic fruits are delicious—but they can interfere with gelatin’s ability to set.
🛠 Fix:
Stick to low- or neutral-acid liquids for best results. If you really want that tangy bite, try adding acidic ingredients after the gelatin is fully dissolved and slightly cooled.
5. They Didn’t Chill Long Enough
Gelatin takes time to firm up! If you try to pop them out of the mold too soon, you’ll end up with gummy puddles.
🛠 Fix:
Chill your gummies in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until they’re completely firm to the touch. Overnight is even better!
6. They Were Stored Incorrectly
Homemade gummies don’t have the preservatives store-bought ones do, which means they’re a little more sensitive.
🛠 Fix:
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If they start to “sweat,” try dusting with a little arrowroot powder to keep them dry.
Bonus Tip: Start with the Right Gelatin
Not all gelatin is created equal! If you’re using a low-quality options, your results might be inconsistent. Our Goose Goods Beef Gelatin is made from grass-fed beef and contains no additives—just pure, high-quality protein that delivers perfect gummies (and frothy lattes, too!).
Ready to Give It Another Go?
Check out our free recipes to get started.
🧡 Treat yourself—your body will thank you.
Follow us on Instagram for more recipes and gummy inspo: @goosegoodsco