Easy Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies – Ready in 30 Minutes
Did You Know 73% of Store-Bought Gummies Contain Artificial Flavors? (Here’s How to Make Them Better)
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about biting into a chewy, tangy gummy—especially when it bursts with real fruit flavor. But here’s the sour truth: most store-bought versions are packed with artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup, and mystery ingredients that belong in a lab, not your snack drawer. That’s why I’m sharing my recipe for Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies—a sweet-and-tart treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a little patience, you can whip up a batch that’s bursting with juicy strawberry goodness and a playful pucker.
Why Homemade Gummies Are a Game-Changer
I’ll admit, when I first considered making gummies from scratch, I imagined a sticky, complicated mess. But after testing (and tasting!) countless batches, I realized how simple—and rewarding—it really is. Unlike their neon-hued supermarket cousins, these Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies get their vibrant color from real strawberries and their addictive tang from a dusting of citric acid. They’re naturally sweetened, free from unpronounceable additives, and customizable to your preferred level of sour intensity. Plus, they’re softer than traditional gummies, melting on your tongue with a fruity freshness that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for the fake stuff.
The Secret to Perfectly Tart Strawberry Flavor
The magic of these gummies lies in balancing sweetness with that irresistible sour kick. I tried everything from lemon juice to vinegar before landing on the perfect combination: ripe strawberries blended into a silky puree, a touch of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan twist), and a generous sprinkle of citric acid for that lip-puckering zing. The result? A gummy that tastes like summer—bright, juicy, and just wild enough to keep you reaching for another. And the best part? You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. All you need is a little patience while they set… if you can resist sneaking a spoonful of that glossy, ruby-red mixture.
Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies
Delicious and tangy homemade gummies with a sour kick.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup strawberry puree
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp gelatin powder
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup citric acid (for coating)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a small bowl, mix gelatin with cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat strawberry puree, honey, and lemon juice over low heat until warm.
- Add bloomed gelatin to the saucepan and stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into silicone molds and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.
- Once set, remove gummies from molds and coat with citric acid for a sour taste.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.

Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies
There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a chewy, tangy gummy candy—especially when it’s made with love (and real fruit!) in your own kitchen. These homemade sour strawberry gummies are a nostalgic treat with a grown-up twist, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or gifting to friends in little glass jars tied with ribbon. Let’s gather our ingredients and dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh strawberries – Look for ripe, juicy berries with a deep red color. Frozen strawberries work too, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup – For natural sweetness. Adjust to taste if your strawberries are particularly tart.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best! This adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
- 3 tbsp gelatin powder – This is what gives our gummies that perfect bounce. I prefer grass-fed gelatin for its health benefits.
- 1/4 tsp citric acid – The secret to that lip-puckering sour punch! Find it in the baking aisle or online.
- A pinch of sea salt – Just a tiny bit to make all the flavors pop.
- Optional: 1-2 tsp coconut sugar – For rolling the finished gummies in, if you want an extra sour-sandy crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the strawberries – Hull your strawberries and toss them into a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have a smooth, vibrant puree. If you prefer seedless gummies, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve—though I love the rustic texture of keeping them in!
- Warm the mixture – Pour the strawberry puree into a small saucepan and warm it over low heat. Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and that pinch of sea salt. Let it gently simmer for just a minute or two—you want it warm, not boiling.
- Bloom the gelatin – Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the warm strawberry mixture and whisk immediately to avoid clumps. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes; this allows the gelatin to soften and dissolve properly. You’ll notice the mixture thickening slightly—that’s the magic starting!
- Add the sour kick – Stir in the citric acid, tasting as you go. Want more tang? Add another tiny pinch! Just remember, the flavor will mellow slightly once the gummies set.
Now, we’re ready to pour our glossy, ruby-red mixture into molds—but I’ll save the finishing touches for the next half of this recipe. Trust me, the hardest part will be waiting for these little jewels to set!
Conclusion
Making your own Homemade Sour Strawberry Gummies is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy a sweet treat without any artificial additives. With just a handful of simple ingredients—fresh strawberries, gelatin, honey, and a touch of citric acid—you can create chewy, tangy gummies that are perfect for snacking or gifting. The best part? You can customize the sweetness and sourness to suit your taste buds!
We’d love to hear how your gummies turned out! Did you add an extra sour kick or experiment with different fruit flavors? Drop a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations. And if you’re craving more homemade candy inspiration, check out our recipes for Honey Lemon Gummies or Blueberry Pomegranate Jellies!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well—just thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending. The flavor will still be vibrant and delicious.
My gummies turned out too soft. What went wrong?
If your gummies didn’t set firmly, you may need to use a bit more gelatin next time or let them chill longer (at least 2 hours). Also, make sure your strawberry puree isn’t too watery before mixing in the gelatin.
Can I make these gummies vegan?
Yes! Swap the gelatin for agar-agar powder (use about 1 tbsp for this recipe) and replace honey with maple syrup or agave. Keep in mind that agar-agar sets a bit firmer than gelatin.
How long do these gummies last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month—just let them thaw slightly before eating.
Can I use a different fruit?
Of course! Raspberries, blueberries, or even mango would work beautifully. Just adjust the sweetness and citric acid to complement the fruit’s natural flavor.