Sweet and tangy, these chewable vitamin C gummies are a delicious way to support the immune system, sleep quality, gut health and more. They’re made with two nutritional powerhouses – collagen and whole food vitamin C – that can be challenging to get enough of unless we make a real (in this case, REAL DELICIOUS) effort.
But with vitamin C found in everything from tangerines to parsley, you might be wondering why I supplement with it at all. The answer, of course, is that
fruits and vegetables grown decades ago were much richer in vitamins and minerals than the varieties most of us get today. The main culprit in this disturbing nutritional trend is soil depletion: Modern intensive agricultural methods have stripped increasing amounts of nutrients from the soil in which the food we eat grows.” – Dirt Poor: Have Fruits & Vegetables Become Less Nutritious? (Scientific American)
According to the Kushi Institute, nutrient data from 1975 to 1997 shows that average vitamin C levels dropped 30%, and they’ve likely dropped more since then. (1)
Another analysis found that the vitamin C content of cauliflower dropped by 40%. (2)
So what’s the solution . . . eat 40% more cauliflower?
That’s not realistic for most families including mine, so I focus on nutrient-dense foods and targeted supplementation instead. When it comes to vitamin C specifically, I focus on whole-food sources that are less impacted by soil depletion.
Fruits that grow on trees – acerola cherries, for example – have extensive roots capable of extracting nutrients from deeper layers of soil.
These vitamin C gummies, which are a cross between creamsicle gelatin cups and sour gummy stars, pack between 45-60 mg of vitamin C per gummy (depending on the vitamin C powder you use). And, um, they’re DELICIOUS.
Before we dive into all their benefits, I want to mention that none of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and this article is not medical advice. Please talk with your healthcare provider about any herbs or dietary supplements you are considering.
Benefits of Whole Food Vitamin C
Immune Support – According to this study, vitamin C supports “various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.” Our bodies don’t make vitamin C, so the only way to optimize levels is through dietary intake.
Collagen Synthesis – Along with proline and glycine (which are found in the gelatin used to make these gummies), protein and zinc, vitamin C is essential for making collagen, aka the main protein that gives our skin structure and firmness. (3)
Optimizes Absorption & Utilization of Other Nutrients – Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron and may help the body recycle vitamin E. (4) (5)
Antioxidant Support – Help neutralize free radicals, which are metabolic byproducts that can cause oxidative stress that can lead to accelerated aging and other negative effects.
Stress Resilience – Helps us “bounce back from stressful situations” – both physiological and psychological stress. (6) (7)
Supports Wound Healing – Vitamin C is involved in all phases of wound healing and is vital to the process. (8) (9)
Why I Only Use Whole Food Vitamin C
As I dive into in this article on the difference between synthetic and natural supplements, our bodies don’t always recognize and use synthetic vitamins the same as naturally occurring ones.
Whole food vitamin C comes “packaged” in fruits and veggies with a full range of complementary bioflavonoids, enzymes and other compounds that work synergistically with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to nourish us.
Research suggests that while synthetic and whole-food forms of vitamin C are chemically identical, our bodies respond differently to them. For example, the vitamin C component of acerola cherry powder (ascorbic acid) is better absorbed than isolated synthetic ascorbic acid – possibly because it contains co-factors that enhance bioavailability. (10)
That’s why when I’m making these gummies, my adrenal support tonic, or anything else with vitamin C, I always opt for the whole-food form.
Two of my favorites are:
- Perfect Acerola Powder – Sometimes simplicity is best, and that’s the case with this pure acerola cherry powder. It’s the most potent whole-food form of vitamin C I’ve found (approximately 50-125 times higher in vitamin C than oranges) and it contains just one ingredient.
- Pure Radiance Vitamin C Powder – This is a blend of several different fruits including camu camu berries, acerola cherries, buckwheat berries and more.
Benefits of Collagen
Collagen is often referred to as the “glue” that holds us together and is the most abundant protein in our bodies. (11)
It’s made up of amino acids like glycine and proline that serve as building blocks for our skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels and more. It’s considered helpful for:
Skin Elasticity & Hydration – Collagen makes up about 75% of the dry weight of your skin, so it’s no surprise that it plays a huge role in its resilience, suppleness, elasticity, and ability to hold in moisture. (12)
Deep Sleep – Collagen is rich in glycine, which is an amino acid that our bodies use to make the calming neurotransmitter serotonin. Melatonin, aka the “sleep hormone,” is made from serotonin.
Gut Health – Glycine also helps balance inflammation in the digestive tract and may have a protective effect when the gut is exposed to certain types of toxins. (13) (14)
Joint, Muscle & Bone Health – Collagen is the glue that holds together our cartilage, which helps protect and cushion our joints. It also makes up a significant percentage of our bones and contains the building blocks for creatine (a compound that helps build muscle and fuels performance). Research – which I cover here – suggests that incorporating collagen in our diet can support the repair of our tissues, muscles, cartilage and bones.
That’s just a quick overview, though. Click here to dive deeper into collagen’s many benefits.
Homemade Vitamin C Gummies
Equipment
- candy molds (optional)
- pot
- whisk or spoon
- measuring cup
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp grass-fed gelatin
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp whole food vitamin C powder
- 1-3 tbsp raw honey (optional – You many need none at all or a little more, depending on how sweet your orange juice is)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (how to make vanilla extract)
- ⅛-¼ tsp organic orange extract
- ½-1 tsp probiotic powder (optional, I open up 3-6 of these capsules and add them in)
- vegetable-based food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Add orange juice, gelatin and 1 tablespoon honey to a saucepan and whisk until there are no lumps.
- Heat over low heat until the gelatin is well dissolved in the liquid, stirring constantly. You want the mixture to be warm, but be careful not to overcook because this can make the gummies difficult to chew. Taste and add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of honey if desired.
- Allow the mixture to cool to 105F – 110F before whisking in the vitamin C and probiotics (if using). I don't use a kitchen thermometer to check – a plain old digital thermometer for checking body temperature works just fine.
- Whisk in 1/8 tsp orange extract. vitamin C and probiotics/ natural food dye (if using). I find that using a real whisk instead of a fork is much more effective for evenly distributing the powder(s). Taste and additional 1/8 tsp orange extract if needed.
- Pour the mixture into sixteen of these silicone gummy men cavities. (If you don't have a silicone mold, you can also line a small pan with parchment paper and make one big gummy that you cut into squares after it sets.)
- Pop the mold in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up. Once they’re out of the freezer they will stay firm at room temperature.
- Store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Notes
- 4 tbsp gelatin
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp pure acerola powder
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp orange extract
Nutrition
More Delicious Immune Support Recipes
Elderberry Gummies – Yummy, portable, and infused with powerful antioxidants, these gummies are one of my family’s favorite ways to support overall wellness.
Lemon Ginger Tea – This warming tea is made with fresh lemon, ginger and honey, plus 1-5 optional additions depending on what you have on hand.
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Sources
1. Scientific American (2011) Dirt Poor: Have Fruits & Vegetables Become Less Nutritious?
2. Jack, A. 2005. America’s vanishing nutrients- Decline in fruit and vegetable quality poses serious health and environmental risks. Amberwaves, Becket, MA.
3. Oregon State University. Vitamin C and Skin Health
4. S R Lynch and J D Cook (1980) Interaction of Vitamin C and Iron
5. Halpner, A D et. al. (1998) Protection by vitamin C of loss of vitamin E in cultured rat hepatocytes
6. Psychology Today (2003) Vitamin C: Stress Buster
7. Brody, Stuart et. al. (2002) A randomized controlled trial of high dose ascorbic acid for reduction of blood pressure, cortisol, and subjective responses to psychological stress
8. WebMD (2008) Supplement Speeds Wound Healing
9. Jane Moores (2013) Vitamin C: a wound healing perspective
10. Anand Prakash and Revathy Baskaran (2018) Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers
11. Advances In Clinical Chemistry (2015) Collagens
12. Choi, Franchesca et. al. (2019) Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications
13. Zhong, Zhi et. al. (2003) L-Glycine: a novel anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective agent
14. Effenberger-Neidnicht, Katharina et. al. (2014) Glycine selectively reduces intestinal injury during endotoxemia
What an awesome recipe! Vitamins are so important to make sure you get enough of, and gummies are delicious… so this is perfect.
Hi! I don’t see the links to the food-based vitamin C powders. Can you provide those?
Thanks!
Andrea
Hi Andrea, it looks like one is out of stock but I updated the post with a link to the one I am currently using 🙂
Could acerola powder be substituted in this recipe?
I made these yesterday and they are already all gone! My family loved them! Ty! I didn’t have an orange so I used doTerra essential oils-wild orange 6 drops, citrus bliss 6 drops, and lemon 6 drops. I omitted the vanilla since citrus bliss has vanilla absolute and used 5 tbsp agave and 5 drops stevia. Perfect!
YOU ARE BLOODY AWSOME AND I LOOK FORWARD TO ALL YOUR FABULOUS AMAZING EXPERIENCES.
Dianna Champlayn
These look yummy! What is the serving size for a toddler? And a 1 year old?
Great question!! I Would also like to know. Great recipe!
Anyone ever find out serving size for a toddler? and 1 year old?
Would love to know the serving for an 18 month old. Thanks, Heather!
I know this is old but what was the answer on how many for an 18 month old?
It says a serving size is 4 gummies. 🙂
Do you think I could use acerola powder? It’s the Now foods brand, I have some left over from when we made raw milk formula.
Thanks!
Great idea! A much better alternative to jello snacks.
One question – When do you add the acerola cherry or Pure Radiance powder? I don’t see it in the instructions.
Oops! Thanks for pointing that out. It should be added to the pot after the mixture has been heating. Just whisk in and pour into molds. I’ll update the instructions now 🙂
Thanks!
I tried to pin this recipe but it didn’t work. Can you help? Thank you!
Do you have any vegan suggestions for a gelatin substitute? Though we do love our meat and dairy, we try to follow the fasting cycles of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which means no vertebrate animal products about half the year.
Thank you for your wonderful site!
I just posted a similar question. In general you can use the vegan agar agar as a gelatin substitute but I also need help with the exact measurements etc here
I have not worked with agar agar so I can’t share specifics, unfortunately. If you work out the measurements please let us know!
Yum! Wondering if C-Salts would work for the vitamin C?
Love it!! Thanks for sharing! I was just wondering if you had any other suggestions for what could be added to these to make them more of a “multivitamin”? I have calcium and magnesium powder, would those work to add? Maybe some probiotic powder, too?
It looks like you intended to explain why you like that brand of gelatin, but the link isn’t showing up… I’m curious why you prefer it over Great Lakes. I notice it’s from the hide of the animal versus the bones…do you know how Great Lakes gelatin is made? Just curious.
Do you double or triple the recipe? For a family of four – it looks like this would only make 1 days’ worth of servings? Also – is gelatin safe for pregnancy?
What is the blender for? It’s listed in the equipment but it doesn’t appear to be needed to the instructions.
Oops! I used a blender in one of my earlier test versions with pureed mango and forgot to remove it. I’m going to do that now. Sorry for the confusion!
Is there s way to make them with agar agar or other vegetarian/vegan option and how?
What would be a suggested serving size for a 19 month old?
I made my husband hoist me up on his shoulders so I could pick a couple of oranges from our neighbor’s tree, because I was just DYING to make these today. I used Fiori di Sicilia in place of the vanilla and the Luscious Gardens brand vitamin C powder, which I love. They turned out so yummy! Can’t wait to get some cute molds for next time. Thanks Heather!
How does the measurement/amount of the Vital protein compare to the great lakes brand?? I would think 6 tbs of great lakes is way to much?? Any idea?
It’s the same amount regardless of brand 🙂
Thank you
Is it possible to make this without coconut milk?
I intensely dislike coconut in any form and would have to omit it.
Would heavy whipping cream work?
Yes, cream would work 🙂
Thank you
These turned out AWFUL! Inedible. I left out the vitamin C powder because I didn’t have it but wanted to make these any way. I used the sweetest, most delicious oranges so I did not add any honey. They turned out waaaay to gelatinized (almost hard to chew) and had absolutely no flavor. I was so disappointed because so much great gelatin (and a delicious orange) was wasted! Is it just the omission of the vit C that made the difference??
Yes, I think the honey and vitamin c would have improved the flavor. However, it is not likely to have affected the texture. From what you’re describing it sound as if the gummies may have been overcooked. So sorry they didn’t work out for you.
About how long do you heat the mixture over low heat?
We are on the GAPS diet and can’t have grains. I was just about to buy the Pure Radiance Vitamin C you suggested and found that it has sprouted Buckwheat. Buckwheat is obviously a grain but what about when it’s sprouted….It turns into a plant…does that make it technically GAPS legal now? my head is kind of spinning, I hope you can help me with this. Thanks a bunch!
Great question! Buckwheat is technically a pseudograin but it is classified as an “avoid” food on the GAPS diet. If it were me I’d probably talk to a GAPS practitioner and see if it makes sense to make an exception in this case or go with the other vitamin C that is just dried acerola cherries and silica.
I was wondering if you have come across any research concerning vitamin C supplements which also contain an added “support base” such as Acerola cherries and Rose Hips? Would they also cause the same DNA damage?
Is it safe to just give the Vitamin C powder in this recipe to kids in juice or water? I was wondering of dosage. My kids are 3 and 5.
My little has a severe peanut, tree nut, and coconut allergy which would make this generally off limits. I saw someone suggest cream instead. Any thoughts on something as light as the coconut with the same flavor enhancement (and less heavy than cream) that isn’t anywhere near the nut family? Thanks!
Almond milk?
Flax milk?
I made these and the flavor was good. Milder than I was expecting. But the texture was really dense.
I’ve never made gummies before. Did I over cook it?
You only have to Melt the gelatin till it is dissolved on as low a heat as possible. Any excess cooking will make it tough and unappealing.
How do you get the gummies out? I have a little heart mold but they fall apart when I’m taking them out
Hmmm, I’ve never experienced that before. Sounds like something may have gone wrong with the recipe. They should be pliable and chewy rather than crumbly.
I am wondering if there is any difference between gelatin and collagen hydrolysate? I have the Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate on hand and would love to try these as the cool weather comes, but I am uncertain if it is interchangeable with gelatin.
Thank you!
Unfortunately they are not interchangeable. Collagen hydrolysate does not gel, making it perfect for stirring into cold liquids (because it doesn’t clump), but not helpful for gummies.
Thank you for your reply! I am ordering gelatin today and getting these prepared for my kiddos who already love your strawberry cream gummies!
Really appreciate it:)
How much Vitamin C powder do you use for this recipe? And I looked up and down this whole page and could not locate the link to the vitamin C powders you buy.
Same here, I thought I might be missing something. Is there anyway you can provide the name of the vit c.
I have been making gummies for my kids for quite sometime now and never used 6 tb of gelatin for only 1 cup of liquid.I usually use about 4 for 1 1/2 cup of liquid.I believe this much gelatin will give an off taste,no matter the brand,and also could make it a bit more harder to chew.
The Vitamin C you list is out of stock. Is there another safe brand to use? TIA!
I only see one link for whole food vitamin c powder instead of two, and as Rachel stated, that one is not available.
I used fish gelatin and my gummies started to melt at room temperature?? Do they also melt with the animal gelatin??
Hi Kaneez, they don’t melt with standard beef gelatin, but they will melt with hydrolyzed beef gelatin that stays liquid at room temperature.
Hi… this recipe looks great and I am looking forward to trying it. Do you have a link to the cute molds you used?
Also, just a nit, but thought you might like to know,…there is a typo at the beginning of the post. It says “I’ve come to believe that even a 100% whole food died may not provide all the essentials we need.“. … I believe it should say “diet”.
– Ellen
Hi Ellen, thanks for letting me know about the typo. This is the mold I used.
It looks so cute and yummy….
I mean sounds great BUT 120mg of Vit C isn’t much and what about for those of us who can’t have some of the ingredients in that powder?
I would focus on other food sources then 🙂
Would you be willing to sell the gummies
Question on the smidge prebiotic sensitive or the prebiotic sensitive do you use?
THWNK YOU
I used the regular formulation (orange bottle).
Hello, do you have any suggestions on a good, clean vitamin with iron for a 2 year old? Thanks so much!!
Love this recipe 🙂 love the REAL sources lol, but just wanted to point out that in the study you posted they said there was differences in absorption of vitamin C between synthetic and natural in animals studies but in humans there was no known difference and even studies that did show difference they were so minimal that it is unlikely to make a physiological difference. That said fruits and vegetables do tend to have compounds that can make the absorption slightly higher but that’s because of other chemicals in the fruit not the actual vitamin C. I mean this with no hate and I love that you are citing sources that are reliable and accurate unlike a lot of bloggers lol. I will def make these gummies tho as I always try make healthy versions of sweets 🙂