Last updated on March 12, 2026 by Jessica Healey
Originally published on April 21, 2021

If you’re like me, you’d like to keep as much processed junk away as possible. Sometimes it can be harder than you think. A fun solution for sweet treats can be to make your own candy, enter this fun gummy recipe! Not only are these slimy and sour homemade gummy worms super-duper easy to make, they are made with only three real food ingredients.

Kids love these homemade gummy worms because they are fun to eat. I love them because there is no junk in them. Winning! For added effect, serve them on a bed of crumbled brownies (aka…dirt)!

Bowl full of healthy, homemade gummy worms

Homemade Gummy Worms (only 3 ingredients!)

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Equipment

– Medium saucepan
– Whisk
– Mason jar (or other glass cup)
– Straws
– Rubber band (or hair tie)

Ingredients

3 1/2 tbsp grass-fed gelatin
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
3 tbsp raw honey
a few drops of all-natural green color from edible plants (optional)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan mix together lime juice and raw honey. Whisk in gelatin until there are no clumps.
Place on low heat and whisk quickly to mix the ingredients well. Keep on low heat for only minutes. Do not let it get to a simmering state. Remove from heat and add a few drops of coloring, if you choose to do so. Whisk together.
Your candy is now ready for molding!
Place enough straws in your jar/glass to fill tightly and wrap with a rubber band.
Pour candy mixture over the straws and into your worm holes. Don't worry about your technique too much. As the jar fills with liquid so will your straws, I just do my best to pour as evenly as I can and make sure the straws are pushed down to the bottom of the jar/cup.
Let cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Slightly longer is best.
After they are set you can remove the straws from the glass/cup. The best way to do this is by scoring around the interior rim with a knife and then pulling the straws with a little muscle. You can also run the outside of the glass under warm water for a few seconds…you don't want to get the water going too warm or it will melt your candy!
Once you have the straws out, clear the sides of the extra gummies. Note: These are still good! Just because they aren't in the shape of a worm doesn't mean they shouldn't be enjoyed.
There are a few ways to set your worms free. One is to use a rolling pin and roll over a handful of straws, squeezing the gummies out. The second option (my personal preference) is to run a handful of straws under warm water for just a few seconds. They will slide right out! Warning: if the water is too warm or you leave them under water for too long you will have gummy worm guts, not gummy worms. They can be kept out at room temperature or you can keep them in the fridge (I also prefer my gummies slightly chilled).
Enjoy!