Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (2024)

Last modified: . Originally posted: By Sophia DeSantis

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Making vegan jello is easy and healthy! Learn how to make it at home without gelatin for the perfect kid snack.

Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (1)
Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (2)

Jello is such a childhood memory for me. I always loved the red and hated the orange. Making it at home can be pretty easy but making sure it is vegan requires a little knowledge!

Traditional jello is made with gelatin, which you may or may not know is not vegan. Luckily for us, there is a plant based alternative! Agar Agar is derived from seaweed, and is a gelatinous substance that is perfect for making vegan jello.

Ingredients

There's only a few simple ingredients needed to make vegan jello, and they are very customizable! Here's what you need:

Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (3)

How to Make Vegan Jello

The process for making plant based jello is very similar to the packaged version you may be familiar with. Here's what to do:

  1. Boil all ingredients, whisking constantly.Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (4)
  2. Pour into a prepared dish and refrigerate until set.Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (5)
  3. Serve!Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (6)

Flavor suggestions

The beauty of this recipe is just how versatile it is! Mix thing up a try a different flavor every time. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

  • Grape
  • Mango
  • Raspberry
  • Apple
  • Cranberry
  • Lemonade, or flavored lemonade
  • Limeade
  • Fruit Punch
  • Peach
  • Grapefruit
  • Orange
Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (7)

Tips and tricks

As easy as this recipe is, there are still a few hints to help you get the best results possible:

  • The color of your jello will depend on the color of your juice. If the color isn't vibrant enough, you can also use 2-3 drops of food coloring.
  • The jello will taste like the juice you use. If it isn't sweet enough, add in a sweetener of choice like maple syrup, honey (not vegan) or your choice of sugar.
  • If you use agar agar flakes instead of the powder, you will need approximately twice as much. This isn’t exact so you may need to experiment with the texture you prefer.
  • Using half water half juice is a popular method, but we weren't a big fan. Feel free to try it out though.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to lift out after it cools.
  • Keep this vegan jello in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will melt at room temperature.
  • Jello is not ideal for freezing, as the texture will change.

Common Questions

Is there a vegan jello?

Yes! There are a number of store bought vegan jello options. But, it is so easy to make your own at home with just juice and agar agar!

What is agar agar?

Agar agar is a gelatinous substance that is derived from seaweed. It is used as a vegan alternative to gelatin, and can also be used to thicken soups or make jams, pudding, or custards.

What do vegans use instead of gelatin?

Agar agar is a plant based alternative for gelatin that is widely used.

More Vegan Kid Friendly Recipes

Keeping kids full and happy on a plant based diet is easy when you have the right recipes on hand! Here are some of our favorite kid tested and approved plant based recipes:

  • Baked Oven Fries
  • Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
  • Vegan Hamburger Helper
  • Homemade Chocolate Milk
  • Vegan Scrambled Eggs
  • Easy Vegan Pigs in a Blanket
  • Rice Krispie Treats
  • Healthy Lunchables
Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (8)

Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (9)

Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe

Sophia DeSantis

Making vegan jello is easy and healthy! Learn how to make it at home without gelatin for the perfect kid snack.

4 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Set in fridge 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 94 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups juice of choice , see note
  • 3-4 teaspoons agar agar powder , see note
  • ¼ cup tablespoons sweetener , optional for sweeter flavor

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Prepare a square baking dish (8 or 9 inches) with oil/spray or parchment paper. I like parchment because it is easy to lift out after it cools.

  • Put all ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil, constantly whisking to avoid the agar agar from clumping. About 3-5 minutes.

    4 cups juice of choice, 3-4 teaspoons agar agar powder, ¼ cup tablespoons sweetener

  • Once it is boiling, allow it to boil for about 2 minutes and remove from heat.

  • Pour into the prepared baking dish and put in the fridge to set. It takes about 2 hours for it to be fully set and ready to eat.

  • Serve!

Notes

  • The more vibrant your juice is, the more vibrant the end result will be. You can also use 2-3 drops of food coloring if you really want a bright color.
  • Agar agar is the vegan substitute for gelatin. If you are using the flakes and not the powder, you will need about twice as much. This isn’t exact so you may need to experiment with the texture you prefer.
  • You can do half water if you prefer, this method is used online a lot but it does end up with a less vibrant color and flavor. I experimented a lot with this and I did not prefer the water/juice combo. Our preference was all juice with 4 teaspoons agar for a firmer result.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, then reduce the agar agar to 1 ½- 2 teaspoons.
  • If your juice isn’t sweet enough you can add in a sweetener of choice like maple, honey (not vegan) or choice of sugar.
  • Make sure to store in the fridge, it melts at room temp.

Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 154mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (10)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Rachel W

    I enjoy making "jello" from scratch. For my vegetarian friend can I add EXTRA agar powder to make "super gello"? (It's great and it doesn't melt) For my reg jello I use an extra measure of geletin Does that work with agar? Thx.

    Reply

    • Sophia DeSantis

      Hi Rachel! Agar is a little more finicky I think than gelatin. The more agar you add the more firm it will be, but if you add too much it can get really thick and hard. So I think you just need to play with it and see what texture you prefer.

      Reply

  2. Christa

    Made this with 3 tsp of agar, and it was so gelatinous it was impossible to eat. I made again with half the agar, and it was much better.

    Reply

    • Sophia DeSantis

      Hi Christa, The texture is definitely a preference. I tried it with a range of agar, from 1 all the way up to 5 teaspoons. I landed on the 3-4 that I put in the recipe because any less than that and the texture was too soft for us. I am more a firmer texture fan when it comes to Jello. But you can definitely do what works for your preferences! I will say though, that your stove top can also affect this. If your stove top is hotter it can cook it down faster and affect the texture. Jello can be finicky so I always suggest playing with it to get your perfect texture. I also am wondering about the juice you used. It could have affected it as well! Either way, glad you found the texture that you prefer.

      Reply

  3. Sarah

    Who knew you could make vegan jello? I'm so excited! We started with fruit punch, excited to try more flavors!

    Reply

Homemade Vegan Jello Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan jello made of? ›

Ingredients You'll Need

This vegan recipe is made with agar agar flakes, which is a plant-based gelatin that comes from seaweed. You can often find this ingredient in the grocery store near the seaweed sheets for making sushi. Paired with your favorite fruit juice, this recipe comes together quickly.

What do vegans use instead of gelatin? ›

Plant-based gelatin alternatives

Cornstarch and agar agar (an algae-based product found in the seaweed section) have both been used to successfully replicate these tricky textures. Like gelatin, both cornstarch and agar agar are activated when combined with a hot liquid.

What is a substitute for gelatin in jello? ›

What can you use as a substitute for gelatin: Agar Agar, Kudzu, Pectin, Cornstarch, Vegan Jel, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Arrowroot or Tapioca Starch, Instant Clear Gel, and Carrageenan. Each of these options is worth exploring and experimenting with since they do work wonders in many recipes!

Is agar agar healthier than gelatin? ›

Agar is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high is calcium, folate, iron and vitamins amongst others. It is ideal for people interested in weight loss and maintaining good health. Gelatin, although comprises 98 to 99% protein, if eaten exclusively results in net loss of protein and malnutrition.

How do vegans get gelatin? ›

Lucky for us, there are plenty of great vegan alternatives to gelatin! Agar-agar: Derived from seaweed, this is a popular alternative to gelatin—no suffering required. Pectin: Pectin makes a great thickener in place of gelatin. Xantham gum: This ingredient acts as a stabilizer in many products.

Can cornstarch replace gelatin? ›

Yes, cornstarch can serve as a substitute for gelatin in certain applications.

What is the best vegan setting agent? ›

Agar-agar. This is the most common (and most often mispronounced) plant-based substitute for the setting agent. It's a kind of Japanese red algae usually sold in powdered or flaked form, or as washed and dried seaweed strips. Like gelatin, it's flavourless, but it does set firmer.

Are sour patch kids vegan? ›

By standard definitions, regular Sour Patch Kids candies are vegan because they don't contain animal products. However, the sugar in all of the Sour Patch Kids candies was likely, at least in part, processed with animal bone char. That may be reason enough for some vigilant vegans to abstain.

What is the secret ingredient in jello? ›

Gelatin is made from animal collagen — a protein that makes up connective tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. The hides and bones of certain animals — often cows and pigs — are boiled, dried, treated with a strong acid or base, and finally filtered until the collagen is extracted.

How to make your own gelatine? ›

Dissolve 1/3 cup (75 grams) sugar in 1 cup (225 milliliters) of hot water. Add in the bloomed gelatin and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until everything has dissolved. Pour into molds and leave in refrigerator until it sets.

What has the same consistency as jello? ›

Gelatin is the consistency of jello, or runny jello if not enough is used. It's soft. Agar agar firms up quite a bit more- has a rubbery texture.

What are the disadvantages of agar agar powder? ›

If it is not taken with enough water, agar can swell and block the esophagus or bowel. Immediate medical attention is necessary if chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing occurs after taking agar. Children: Agar is POSSIBLY SAFE when given by mouth to infants with neonatal jaundice for up to 7 days.

Why is agar agar so expensive? ›

A substantial uptick in demand from various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics is likely to strain Agar-Agar supplies, resulting in an upward trajectory for prices.

What is a vegan substitute for gelatin? ›

Cornstarch and agar agar (an algae-based product found in the seaweed section) have both been used to successfully replicate these tricky textures. Like gelatin, both cornstarch and agar agar are activated when combined with a hot liquid.

What is the difference between vegan and gelatin? ›

Gelatin capsules, derived from animal collagen, may not be suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with dietary restrictions. Thankfully, there is an alternative called vegetarian capsules made from plant-based cellulose.

What makes Jell-O not vegan? ›

Jell-O is made from gelatin — which is derived from animal bones and skin. That means it isn't vegetarian or vegan. However, vegetarian jello desserts made from plant-based gums or seaweeds like agar or carrageenan are available.

What is Jell-O made out of gelatin? ›

“Gelatin, the primary ingredient in Jell-O, is derived from collagen, a protein found in the connective tissues, bones, and skin of animals," Sabat says. "Historically, gelatin was obtained by boiling the bones and tissues of animals, such as cows or pigs, to extract collagen.

What makes jelly vegan? ›

Pectin, the gelling agent commonly used in jams, is derived from fruits and is inherently vegan. This makes many jams suitable for a vegan diet. At Good Good, we use pectin in our jams to ensure they meet vegan standards.

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