Well, have I got a special treat for you! I don’t open my blog up to others without good reason, but today we have a guest post from Juliette Francois, nutritionist, mum, awesome lunchbox packer and all round cool person.
This is not a sponsored or paid post, but I’d love you to show her some love at My Hungry Caterpillar- Facebook . Oddly enough, Juliette and I met via a lunchbox Facebook group and hit off. So when I saw her posting about cloud jellies, I needed to know more.
If you’re looking for an extra healthy treat for the kids with wow factor, this is it. So without further rambling…here’s Juliette!
Treats can be healthy! Especially when they are made with real gelatin and not that from the brightly coloured packets we see in our supermarkets.
I’m talking about jelly treats made with powdered real gelatin that doesn’t contain any refined sugar, colours, additives and preservatives.
Real gelatin has an increased nutrient profile that you just won’t find in the average run of the mill supermarket variety and by starting to include good quality gelatin in to your families daily diet, not only will you start to see a myriad of health benefits, your kids will love it too!
One of the main reasons gelatin, either in the form of bone broths and stews or in its powdered form is one of the most highly recommended additions to my clients diet is because our modern diet is greatly lacking in these nutrients, today we are mostly interested in muscle meats which lack the anti-inflammatory amino acids contained in gelatin.
Gelatin has long been known to be a curative for many illnesses, particularly cold’s and flu hence the reason our grandparents would always give chicken soup in times of sickness – it is incredibly immune boosting.
Gelatin has a number of other wonderful health benefits for children including:
- It is fabulous for bone and joint health.
- It is anti-inflammatory, improves immunity and assists with wound healing.
- It improves digestion.
- It is gut healing and hence has been seen to assist with the improvement of food allergies and intolerances.
- It is detoxifying to the body by helping the liver to efficiently remove toxins from our body.
- It assists the body to fully utilise the proteins that are taken in and hence is a wonderful way to add extra protein into your child’s diet.
- It is calming to the brain, improves focus, memory and assists with stress reduction.
- And for many parents, the most important of all; gelatin can induce sleep as well as improve the quality of sleep.
Now the health benefits don’t stop at children, gelatin is wonderful for the big kids too! In addition to the above, gelatin assists with blood sugar regulation, inhibiting sugar cravings and boosting metabolism – fabulous news for those wanting to lose weight.
It also improves the strength and appearance of hair, skin, nails and teeth and additionally improves the elasticity of your skin.. what is there not to love?
Powdered gelatin can be used in many ways to make lovely healthy treats including little homemade gummies and marshmallows, custards and panna cotta desserts as well as these pureed fruit jellies which are a family favourite.
If you think these are awesome- you've got to try out our Blueberry cloud jelly cheesecake slice!
Cloud Jellies
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups pureed fresh or frozen mango strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, banana, etc (note: themore acidic fruit do not work, ie kiwi or pineapple)
- 2 tbs lime juice
- Pinch sea salt
- 2-3 tbs raw honey or maple syrup depending on taste
- 4 tbs Great Lakes or Vital Proteins gelatin
- 1 cup of plain full fat yoghurt
- ¼ cup kombucha filtered water or fresh juice (note: kombucha is great for extra probiotics. If using
- juice you may want to reduce the honey/maple syrup)
Instructions
- Puree fruit until smooth. At this point you can strain to remove any seeds (berries) if
- desired.
- Combine all ingredients in a small pot and sprinkle the gelatin across the top. Allow to sit
- for 5 or so minutes so that gelatin can start to absorb the liquid.
- Over a very low heat, slowly whisk to dissolve the gelatin.
- Once dissolved, pour mixture into a small tray or moulds to set in the fridge. If in tray, slice
- into squares and store in an airtight container in fridge.
Nutritional Information
Kelly says
Hi, I’ve made gelatin jellies before but found they melted in lunchboxes, is this recipe likely to withstand Queensland summers in lunchboxes? Does higher quantities of gelatin to retain their qualities?
Kylie says
Yes higher gelatin does help to keep them intact, but the risk is they become overly gummy.
Bronwyn says
Will a generic gelatin work? Great Lakes looks great, but a little too expensive for me!
Kylie says
It should, I've only ever made them with Great Lakes. If anything you may need a little extra.
Trish says
Does vegetarian gelatine have the same nutritious content as animal gelatine? (P.s. Tried googling but couldn't find a n answer).
Kylie says
Hi Trish, no it doesn't but you can get plant based collagen powders now that do.
Mama G says
Wouldn't heating kill the probiotics of the yogurt and kombucha?
Kylie says
It's VERY low heat- under 40 degrees.
Christina says
This all looks great, except it may be worth adding a note, to avoid all honey before the age of 1; as it could be deadly if botulism toxin is present.
Charm says
Can you freeze these?
Kylie says
I do! They lose some textural elements when defrosted, but my kids don't mind!
Loves to Cook says
Is the amount of fruit called for before or after being pureed?
Kylie says
After pureeing you should have that amount.
Kate says
Hi, what does cups convert to in either grams or ml please, preferably the latter as I can measure that more precise as my scales aren't very sensitive.
Thanks.
Jessica says
Why don’t you google it? Lol
Anonymous says
FYI, the reason you can’t use pineapple or kiwis with gelatin has nothing to do with acidity (blueberries are actually more acidic than pineapple, and they work fine- plus you even use lime juice in this recipe). The problem is that pineapple and kiwis have a higher concentration of proteases, which break down proteins (the gelatin), so it can’t set.
Anonymous says
Also, mango has high levels of proteases, too. You recommended it in your recipe — that’s probably why some people commented that their jellies never set.
Melissa says
Can I use plain Greek yogurt for this?
Kylie says
yes! No problems!
Heather says
My initial mixture is very thick and very little "liquid." Have I done something wrong?
Kylie says
It might have started to set already. It should be fine.
Nadine says
Is it Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin?
Prudence Lo says
Can I use puréed baby food pouches instead? I bought way too many and need to use them up. If I do, should I still add the yogurt? What about any other ingredients?
Kylie says
I've never tried them with them, so I don't know! You could give it a go, report back and let me know.
Em says
I just popped these out of the molds and they are so good! I used three packets, Greek yogurt, and omitted the salt and sweetener (the packet is sweet enough). They are delicious and incredibly easy!
Gina says
Hi! How Can I make these dairy free for my 11 month old recovering from stomach bug?
Kylie says
You could use coconut yoghurt?
Andriana says
Hi, I made these yesterday.. they have been in the fridge for nearly 24hrs now but they still haven’t set! 🙁 I did use low-fat yoghurt though.... could this be why? Is there any way to salvage them?
Kylie says
I've never used low fat yoghurt with these. I would blitz and freeze as iceblocks.
Felicity Hall says
Hi there, so my kids eat basically everything especially my daughter. They worked out perfectly but neither of them like them at all. Is there any other fab recipes down the jelly line that you know of?? I have been enjoying them but man they make loads which I have frozen. Any ideas?
Kylie says
You can also use gelatin to make gummies like these: https://kidgredients.com.au/strawberry-gummies/
Regan says
is this sugar free?
Kylie says
if you don't add any sugar, yes
Lala says
I see this is an old Post, but j just wanted to clarify on this comment. An essential ingredient in the recipe is fruit and you are also adding maple syrup or honey and possibly juice. All of these things contribute natural sugar to the recipe. If there were a nutritional label those natural sugars would be represented as grams of sugar. So no, it is not "sugar free." But if you do not add any additional sugar that is not naturally occurring in the ingredients, then it would have "no added sugar." However, "no added sugar" and "sugar free" are not the same.
Kylie says
it doesn't actually say anywhere in the recipe that it is sugar free.
Angele says
I just made these and so far YUMMY!!!!! I used a frozen mixed bag of strawberries, cherries, blackberries, blueberries and a banana to add natural sweetness. I also used vanilla greek yogurt and lemon juice instead of lime. I have to say the taste is great so far and they haven't gellied yet. I can't wait to try them out. thanks for the recipe.
Meagan says
Hi there just wondering how long the jellies take to fully set , Should they be left overnight ?
Kylie says
Mine only take 4-6 hours, but it depends on the weather a little as well! If it's particularly humid, they take longer for some reason, despite being in the fridge.
Sandy says
can we use another brand of gelatin, we don't have those you mentioned here in my area. I want to make these for my grandson.
TIA
Kylie says
yes you can, just don't buy a supermarket one- people have had varying results with those!
Bree says
Hi, these look great! Im just wondering if it's really 4 tbs (tablespoons) of gelatine a that sounds a lot! Thanks
Kylie says
Yes it is!
Amanda says
I am vegetarian--so I don't eat gelatin--would it be possible to substitute pectin?
Kylie says
Hi Amanda, I haven't tried it with pectin, but let me know how you get on!
Abigail says
They do have vegan/ vegetarian gelatin, Unflavored Vegan Jel by Natural Desserts
- http://www.thekitchn.com/vegetarian-and-vegan-substitutes-for-gelatin-tips-from-the-kitchn-189478
Lauren says
Can't wait to give these a try! Do you think Greek yoghurt would work instead of normal yoghurt? Are these able to be frozen?
Kylie says
Yes I use Greek and they freeze perfectly!
Lauren says
Awesome! Does one batch make a lot? Just trying to work out how many flavours I can make haha
Anne Onsøien says
Hi Heidi, I think it was 1/2 cup, to get the beautiful color you don't need much.. it was beetrootpure. But I often use beetroot juice too! Xx
Heidi says
Hi anne! What quantities of beetroot did you use?
Anne OnsøieN says
Hello! Love your blog. I made theese today with strawberries, beetroot, orangejuice and yogurt... amazing flavour! Really liking the texture... amazing color because of the beetroot pure.. hot pink!
Kylie says
I'm so glad you like them! They are so versatile! I'm making some mixed berry ones this week. Thanks for popping by!
Cathie Barduca says
I loved this recipe, thank you!
Just wondering... do you think they would last in the fridge in an airtight container for 2 weeks? I made them, we ate some and then the remainders got pushed to the back!
We haven't eaten any since they turned 7 days, I'm annoyed that I didn't just freeze them from the start!
Thanks!
Kylie says
I wouldn't risk it after that long, as yoghurt has an open shelf life of around 7 days!
Cathie Barduca says
Ah, of course! I was thinking more of the life of the Gelatin, I forgot about the yoghurt!
Thanks!
Tania Monloup says
Does heating it to dissolve the jelly kill the probiotics in the yoghurt and Kombucha?
Tania Monloup says
Sorry, Gelatine not Jelly! 🙂
Kylie says
Not that I'm aware of, but having said that, in the one in my eBook, I just heat some water to dissolve the gelatin, you could try that!
Sandra pourby says
What is great lakes or vital protein gelatin? Do not. Know what u are talking about...an d where to purchase items thank you...are these a thing like unflavored jelaten????
Kylie says
They are two brands of gelatin. I get mine from iherb.
Sofia says
what if we cannot find gelatin in powder form, would one sheet of gelatin do?
Kylie says
You'll need a couple of sheets. There is powered gelatine in most supermarkets as well, in small containers like the baking powder. I've never done it with the sheets.
Eve says
Hi I made these but it tastes like I'm eating a weird rubber ball - does it really need 4 tablespoons of gelatin?
Kylie says
Did you use all the other correct amounts? Mine doesn't taste like that! It's like the texture of a pannacotta!
Melody B. says
Lol. Nevermind. I see you added suggestions to the blog post. I was looking at the Pinterest recipe.
Melody B. says
What would be a good substitute fruit? My boys don't care for mango.
Yolande says
Can the lime juice be substituted with lemon juice or too sour?!
Kylie says
Yes! I often use lemon juice!
Hayley says
Love things that look naughty but are healthy!
Do you think I could use coconut water instead of kombucha & coconut yogurt in place of regular?
Kylie says
Yes! You could!
Kaz @ Melting Moments says
These sound brilliant and look super tasty!
Kim says
Just wondering how much somebody would have to consume in one day to reap the benefits of the gluten and probiotics? Also, would they melt in the lunch box or do they keep their set form for a while?
Kim says
Whoops! so excited, I made a typo. GELATINE, not gluten!
Kylie says
They stay set really well in the lunchbox with and ice pack. As part of a well balanced diet, the cloud jellies are adding to the goodness that you get in a day. Even just 2 tablespoons of a good probiotic rich yoghurt per day can really help with digestion as an example!
Vicky says
These jellies look great. Do you think they would work with coconut cream? Or would it be too runny? Thanks
Kylie says
I think they would! You might need to add a little extra gelatine. Say 1/2 teaspoon more.
Kirstin says
Just wondering how long they will keep in the fridge ?
Kylie says
7 days, but they can also be frozen!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption says
Wow! I think this could possibly be a winner with my little guy. Thanks for sharing.
Kylie says
Give it a go!
My Bored Toddler (@myboredtoddler) says
These look good - very interesting info too! Thanks for sharing on #ToddlerFunFriday
Malinda (@MBPaperPackages) says
I never actually thought of gelatin as nutritional so this is an eye opener! Will pin this recipe to try later #downtherabbithole
Kylie says
Nor did I! That's why I'm glad to partner up with people who know these things!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I've heard such good things about Great Lakes gelatin and these look ace!
Kylie says
Don't they ever? I've got to make yoghurt tonight just so I can make these!
Amy @ HandbagMafia says
Sounds very interesting- I wonder if I could use kefir in place of the kombucha?
Kylie says
Yes!
Emma Owl says
WOW WOW WOW. We are going to make these this next week! They look fab!
Kylie says
Juliette really knows her stuff!
The Free From Fairy says
I love love love this recipe!! I have been making fruit jellies for the last few months since starting the SCD/GAPS diet. This looks great with the addition of yoghurt. I shall use soya yoghurt so that my daughter can eat them. Brilliant!
Kylie says
Glad you like the idea! We love it when the Free From Fairy visits us! 😉