Celebrate National Gumdrop Day With These 7 Guilt-Free Gumdrop Recipes

National Gumdrop Day is on February 15, and it is a day to honor and enjoy one of the oldest and most popular candies in the world. Gumdrops are soft, chewy candies that come in various shapes, colors, and flavors. They are usually made with sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavoring agents. They are often used as decorations for cakes, cookies, and gingerbread houses, or simply eaten as a sweet treat.

In this article, learn how to make seven healthy gumdrop recipes that are guilt free and delicious. These recipes are easy to follow and require only a few ingredients and steps. You can customize them with your favorite fruits and spices, and enjoy them as a snack or a dessert. They are also vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories. 

Why Homemade Gumdrops Are a Guilt-Free Treat

Homemade gumdrops are a guilt-free treat that you can indulge in without worrying about the excess sugar and artificial additives found in store-bought candies. By making your own gumdrops at home, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to make a healthier version of this classic sweet treat.

One of the biggest benefits of homemade gumdrops is the ability to reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Most commercial candies are loaded with high fructose corn syrup and refined sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess. By making your own gumdrops, you can use natural sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup, or even opt for sugar-free alternatives like stevia.

Additionally, homemade gumdrops allow you to avoid artificial colors and flavors commonly found in store-bought candies. Many commercial gumdrops and other confections contain synthetic dyes and flavorings that have been linked to potential health risks. By using natural fruit juices and extracts to flavor and color your homemade gumdrops, you can enjoy a delicious treat without any unnecessary additives or chemicals.

Furthermore, making homemade gumdrops is a fun and rewarding activity that you can enjoy with your family or friends. It's a great way to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavor combinations. You can also customize the shapes and sizes of your gumdrops, making them a unique and personalized treat that is sure to impress.

Overall, homemade gumdrops are a guilt-free indulgence that allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. By using wholesome ingredients and avoiding artificial additives, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying treat that you can feel good about. So why not try making your own homemade gumdrops and enjoy a guilt-free sweet treat today?

Benefits of Making Your Own Gumdrops

There are few things sweeter and more satisfying than popping a colorful, chewy gumdrop into your mouth. And while store-bought gumdrops are delicious, there's something extra special about making your own. Not only do homemade gumdrops taste amazing, but there are also a number of benefits to creating these sweet treats in your own kitchen.

First and foremost, making your own gumdrops allows you to have complete control over the ingredients. Instead of consuming artificial flavors and colors often found in commercial gumdrops, you can use natural ingredients to create a healthier and more wholesome treat. You can also adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste, and tailor the flavor to your preferences.

Another benefit of making your own gumdrops is the opportunity for creativity. With endless possibilities for flavors and shapes, you can let your imagination run wild and experiment with different combinations. From classic fruit flavors like strawberry and orange to more adventurous options like lavender or chai, the possibilities are truly endless. You can also get creative with the shapes of your gumdrops, using molds to create fun and unique designs.

Furthermore, making your own gumdrops can be a fun and rewarding activity. It's a great way to spend time in the kitchen, and it's a project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're making them for yourself, sharing them with friends and family, or giving them as gifts, there's something special about handing someone a homemade treat that you put time and effort into.

Finally, making your own gumdrops can be a cost-effective option. While store-bought gumdrops can be expensive, creating your own can be more economical, especially if you already have the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand. 

Classic Gumdrops Recipes to Try

Gumdrops are a classic treat that have been enjoyed for generations. They are colorful, chewy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Whether you're a fan of the traditional gumdrop shape or prefer a more modern twist, there are plenty of gumdrop recipes to try that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you are interested in making healthy gumdrops at home, you might want to consider using the RENPHO Smart Food Scale 2. This is a digital food scale that can measure the weight and nutritional value of your ingredients, and sync with a smart app on your phone. The app can track and record your food data, calculate calories, and offer a detailed nutritional analysis. You can also access a database of over 320,000 USDA foods, and customize your own recipes.

The Smart Food Scale 2 can help you make healthy gumdrops in several ways. First, it can help you measure the exact amount of fruit juice, honey, and agar-agar powder that you need for each recipe. This can ensure that you get the right consistency and texture for your gumdrops, and avoid wasting any ingredients. Second, it can help you monitor the nutritional value of your gumdrops, such as the protein, carbohydrate, sugar, and calorie content. This can help you balance your diet and meet your health goals. Third, it can help you explore different flavors and combinations of fruits and spices, and create your own unique gumdrop recipes. You can also share your recipes with other users on the app, and get feedback and suggestions.

1. Ginger Turmeric Gumdrops

These ginger turmeric gumdrops are spicy and anti-inflammatory, and they use fresh ginger and turmeric for a natural flavor and color. You will need:

• 1/4 cup of chopped ginger
• 1/4 cup of chopped turmeric
• 2 cups of water
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder
• A pinch of black pepper

To make the gumdrops, follow these steps:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the ginger, turmeric, and water to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the water is reduced by half.
2. Strain the mixture and return the liquid to the saucepan. Whisk in the honey, agar-agar powder, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
5. Cut into small squares and toss with some granulated sugar if desired.

2. Blueberry Lavender Gumdrops

These blueberry lavender gumdrops are floral and soothing, and they use fresh blueberries and dried lavender for a natural flavor and color. You will need:

• 2 cups of blueberries
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder
• 2 teaspoons of dried lavender

To make the gumdrops, follow these steps:

1. In a blender, puree the blueberries and water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the skins.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the blueberry juice, honey, and agar-agar powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
4. Stir in the dried lavender.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
6. Cut into small squares and toss with some granulated sugar if desired. 

3. Pineapple Coconut Gumdrops

These pineapple coconut gumdrops are tropical and refreshing, and they use fresh pineapple and coconut milk for a natural flavor and color. You will need:

• 2 cups of chopped pineapple
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder
• 1/4 cup of coconut milk

To make the gumdrops, follow these steps:

1. In a blender, puree the pineapple and water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pulp.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, honey, and agar-agar powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
4. Stir in the coconut milk.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
6. Cut into small squares and toss with some granulated sugar if desired. 

4. Cranberry Orange Gumdrops

These cranberry orange gumdrops are tangy and festive, and they use fresh cranberries and orange juice for a natural flavor and color. You will need:

• 2 cups of cranberries
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• A few drops of orange food coloring (optional)

To make the gumdrops, follow these steps:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the cranberries and water to a boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and release their juice.
2. Strain the mixture and return the liquid to the saucepan. Whisk in the honey, agar-agar powder, and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
4. Stir in the food coloring if using.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
6. Cut into small squares and toss with some granulated sugar if desired.

5. Matcha Green Tea Gumdrops

These matcha green tea gumdrops are earthy and antioxidant-rich, and they use matcha powder and almond milk for a natural flavor and color. You will need:

• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder
• 2 teaspoons of matcha powder

To make the gumdrops, follow these steps:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the almond milk, honey, and agar-agar powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
3. Stir in the matcha powder.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
5. Cut into small squares and toss with some granulated sugar if desired.

6. Pumpkin Spice Gumdrops

These pumpkin spice gumdrops are warm and cozy, and they use pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a natural flavor and color. You will need:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• A few drops of orange food coloring (optional)

To make the gumdrops, follow these steps:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin puree, honey, and agar-agar powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
3. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and food coloring if using.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
5. Cut into small squares and toss with some granulated sugar if desired.

7. Cherry Vanilla Gumdrops

These cherry vanilla gumdrops are sweet and creamy, and they use fresh cherries and vanilla extract for a natural flavor and color. You will need:

• 2 cups of pitted cherries
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of agar-agar powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

To make the gumdrops, follow these steps:

1. In a blender, puree the cherries and water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the skins.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cherry juice, honey, and agar-agar powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and glossy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
6. Cut into small squares and toss with some granulated sugar if desired.