So, one day we were out for grocery shopping. Now if you don't have kids (more specifically toddlers), grocery shopping is fun. You can walk around at a leisurely pace, try out cheese and cracker samples, casually browse new perfumes in the cosmetics section. Don't worry, this isn't a random story. It's related to these five ingredient mango gummy bears.
BUT if you have a toddler, then grocery shopping is similar to navigating a toddler war zone. A war zone that starts with your toddler screaming to sit in the shopping cart.
Only five seconds later they are flopping around like a deranged fish out of water because NOW they want to stand in the shopping cart. Not sit in the actual seat designed for them in the shopping cart which they wanted so much like five seconds ago.
If you ignore them, they will use screaming as ammunition and act as if you are the worst parents ever. If you give them attention they will whine and whine until your head is about to explode.
And then the worst will happen.
They will spot candy somewhere, and then they will cry and throw dramatic tantrums for jellies, or lollipops or candy bars.
Now, while I'm okay with giving my toddler the occasional candy, I do try to avoid it as much as I can.
Because you know, sugar + toddler = stuff that parental nightmares are made of.
At that moment, you will vow to yourself never to go grocery shopping again, and just survive on Chinese take out forever.
That's exactly what happened that day. We were just about to check out at the counter when my daughter grabbed a pack of jellies from the candy section at the counter (thank you marketing people, we know you are trying to make our parental lives harder by placing candies at the cash counter just as we're close to the finishing line).
Anyway, there was a dramatic tantrum thrown once again when I refused to give into that pack of jellies. There were lots of fat teardrops rolling down plump cheeks, and a lot of banshee like screams. Her tiny toddler world was ending because I took the pack of jellies away.
We did eventually escape the grocery store. Don't think we'll be going back there soon.
But I did feel guilty. Because you know, jellies and candies are such a wonderful part of childhood. I didn't want to deny my daughter the fun of colorful sugary stuff.
However, I didn't want to give her sugary stuff full of additives and preservatives either.
So that's how these mango gummy bears came about into this world. It turns out gummy bears are extremely simple to make at home. And they are very healthy too as compared to store bought ones. Just five ingredients needed. And there's a ton of fresh fruit in them, and minimal sugar is added.
And they are super delicious and so cute to look at. These five ingredient mango gummy bears are bursting with flavor, with a slight tang from the orange and lemon juice.
You can use any fruit of your liking - strawberries, blueberries, oranges, anything you like. The possibilities are endless.
P.S. You don't really need to have toddlers to make these Five Ingredient Mango Gummy Bears. You can make them for yourself because they are just so delicious. Gummy bears aren't just for kids after all, right? Right.
P.P.S. A little note on the size of these gummy bears. I couldn't find a silicon mould for the traditional gummy bears so I used a different mould.
Feel free to use whatever mould you have. They look cute in all sorts of shapes. And even if you don't have a mould you can just pour the jelly liquid into a dish and cut out shapes when the jelly is set.
Happy gummy bear-ing!
Five Ingredient Mango Gummy Bears
Ingredients
- 1 large mango
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
Instructions
- Chop the mango and add it to a blender. Add orange juice, lemon juice and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Place all ingredients in a saucepan and place on low heat. When the mixture is slightly warm add in the gelatin and whisk continuously until it has dissolved completely. If a few gelatin lumps form use a spoon to take them out.
- Pour the hot liquid into a silicon mould, making sure to run the back of a knife over it to even out the liquid in the bear moulds.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour. The gummy bears are ready when they are no longer sticky and feel firm to touch.
- To take out the gummy bears flip the silicon mould on a clean surface and gently push out the gummy bears.
Thank you! This guided me. I made them with mango purée from a can, Great Lakes gelatin and a couple of table spoons of caster sugar. Set brilliantly, the whole family think they are great and I say they are simple genius. I am happy to give my kids these sweets! I can see how they can be adapted to other fruits too!
Love the ide of China grass or agar agar. I'll definitely use one of those!
To make this vegan, and cut out that nasty gelatin, just swap it out for "Agar Agar" or "China Grass". I think it gives it a much better consistency too! 🙂
These look so fun! I'm visiting my 3-year-old niece tomorrow. We may have to make some of these! 🙂
OMG! These gummie bears are so adorable I just have to give this a try - love the fact that grown ups can make them for themselves, doesn't feel so bad at all.
OH MY GOODNESS! These pooh gummy are totally adorable! I know I am a grown woman, but I still love Winnie the Pooh. He is my favorite character. Speaking of him, I'm actually wearing a Pooh t-shirt at this very moment. 😀 So yes, gotta try making these gummy bears. Love it is mango flavor too! By the way, where did you get the mold? Thanks!