How To Make Healthy Jelly: Fun, Fruity, and Full of Goodness

Looking for a sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty? Say hello to healthy jelly — a refreshing, sugar-free dessert that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re whipping it up for your little guy, packing some extra protein into your diet, or just love a good jelly recipe, you’re in the right place.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make jelly from scratch (the healthy way), why jelly can actually be good for you, and share two no-fuss, delicious recipes using our very own Dreamy Jelly range from Botanika Blends. Let’s get wobbly!

Why Choose Healthy Jelly Over The Sugary Stuff?

Jelly’s often seen as a kids’ party snack loaded with sugar and artificial colours. But not anymore. When you use ingredients like Great Lakes Gelatin, jelly crystals (sugar-free), and cold water, you can enjoy jelly that’s actually nutritious, gut-friendly, and packed with amino acids.

Here are just a few health benefits of making your own jelly:

• No added sugar – swap it out for natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit

• Supports digestion and skin – thanks to gelatin or collagen

• A great way to sneak in extra protein

• Easy to customise with your favourite fruit, juice, and even yoghurt

• The perfect treat for kids, post-dinner cravings, or a chilled snack on a hot day

Healthy Jelly 101: Ingredients & Method

You don’t need much to get started — and yes, you can totally make it with your Thermomix bowl or just a classic saucepan. Here’s your go-to base jelly recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold water

• 1–2 tbsp Great Lakes gelatin (or agar agar for a vegan version)

• 1 cup juice (apple, lime, orange, mango, pineapple…)

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp sweetener (optional)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: chopped berries, raspberries, strawberries, pear, or blueberries

• Optional: protein powder, or a spoonful of yoghurt

Method:

1. Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture starts to firm up.

2. In a small saucepan, gently heat the juice until warm (don’t let it boil).

3. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until fully melted and smooth.

4. Stir in lime juice, sweetener, and a pinch of salt.

5. Let it cool slightly before pouring it into a bowl or individual cups.

6. Sprinkle in your fruit, pop it in the fridge, and let it rest for 3–6 hours until set.

7. Eat and enjoy! Perfect on its own or served with a dollop of yoghurt or some marshmallows on top.

Vegan Grape Jelly Panna Cotta Recipe

This dreamy dessert layers our Grape Bubblegum Dreamy Jelly with creamy vanilla panna cotta — a stunning vegan treat that’s perfect for impressing guests (or yourself).

🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins | Chill Time: 6 hours

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 serves Dreamy Jelly Grape Bubblegum

• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk

• 1 tsp agar agar powder

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Method:

1. Prepare the Jelly Base

Make the jelly following the pack directions. Let it cool, pour into 4 glasses, and chill in the fridge for 3 hours.

2. Make the Panna Cotta

In a pan over medium heat, combine coconut milk and maple syrup. Sprinkle in agar agar and whisk constantly. Let it boil gently for 5 minutes.

3. Flavour & Layer

Remove from heat, stir through vanilla, and let it cool just enough so it doesn’t melt the jelly. Then pour over the set jelly layers.

4. Chill Again & Serve

Pop back in the fridge for another 3 hours or until set. Top with edible flowers, berries, or whatever great things you’ve got lying around. Yum!

Peanut Butter & Jelly White Chocolate Cups

Yep — these are just as good as they sound. Dairy-free white chocolate, melty peanut butter, and layers of our luscious Dreamy Jelly. They’re the ultimate yummy treat!

🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins | Chill Time: 90 mins

🍽️ Serves: 4

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 packet dairy-free white chocolate

• 1/3 cup cacao butter

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 4 serves Dreamy Jelly (Berry Good or Grape Bubblegum)

👩🍳 Method:

1. Melt cacao butter and white choc. Mix until smooth. Let it cool a bit.

2. Pour ¾ of it into a silicone muffin tray. Chill 30 mins.

3. Melt peanut butter and spread over the choc layer. Chill 25 mins.

4. Prepare jelly. Pour on top. Chill 35 mins.

5. Top with remaining white choc. Chill another 30 mins.

6. Pop them out and consume immediately — trust us.

The Dreamy Jelly Range: Sweet With Benefits

Whether you love the nostalgic hit of Grape Bubblegum or prefer the calming sweetness of Berry Good, our Dreamy Jelly range is more than just delicious — it’s functional.

DREAMY JELLY – BERRY GOOD

👉 Check our vegan jelly powder

• Strawberry flavour

• With probiotics, amino acids, and digestive enzymes

• Naturally sugar free and dairy free

• Promotes calm, supports gut health, and sleep

DREAMY JELLY – GRAPE BUBBLEGUM

👉 Check our Dreamy Jelly Grape

• Tastes like your childhood fave

• Includes L-theanine, magnesium, and L-tryptophan

• Ideal for bedtime rituals — helps you rest, reset, and dream on

• Still only 22 calories per serve!