With three simple ingredients, these Bedtime Gummies are sweetened with raw honey for extra nutrition and are overall a great Paleo & GAPS treat.
There isn't a mom out there who hasn't had the struggle of wrangling her children to bed. It's almost like a badge of honor that we moms wear.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to make bedtime routine a smidge easier. These Bedtime Gummies call for only 3 simple ingredients and they are wholesome and nutritious.
Note: For gelly-type recipes, we use grass-fed bovine gelatin and collagen products from Perfect Supplements. They carry high-quality collagen products and are leaders in the industry. Click to see what my favorite gelatin products and how you can save with a special discount code.
3 Ingredient Bedtime Gummies
Let's talk about the ingredients. Super easy. Super simple. Just three of them.
Tart Cherry Juice
Studies show that tart cherry juice (read: not regular cherry juice!) is rich in phytochemicals such as melatonin, the natural sleep hormone. (source) The consumption of tart cherry juice before bed enhances overall sleep quality. I love this brand that does not have added sugar and Trader Joe's Tart Cherry Juice is also a good choice. As always, check the ingredients to make sure there's no added sugar or preservatives.
Related: My Favorite Gelatin Products
Unflavored Grass-fed Gelatin
Would you believe me if I said that grass-fed gelatin is a superfood?
It's rich in amino acids, minerals and is 98% protein. Gelatin is also naturally gluten free and has zero fat. Gelatin is sister to collagen which is the only thing I use to up the protein in bars, shakes and smoothies. They're nearly identical in amino acid profile, the only difference is gelatin "gels" and collagen does not.
That's why I love adding a few scoops of collagen to my coffee every morning (it's tasteless and does not gel - I promise!).
We use Perfect Supplements for all our collagen and gelatin needs. It is exclusively sourced from pastured cows, is non-GMO and is free from hormones and pesticides. Truly a product you'll feel good about.
Perfect Supplements has kindly given P+N readers a 10% discount. Enter PREPARE10 at checkout and get your grass-fed, non-GMO gelatin today!
Raw Honey for Bedtime
I like to preserve the nutritional benefits of using raw honey whenever I can so I avoid heating it whenever I can. I used THIS brand of honey in this recipe since it's easier to dissolve than one that is solid and has been crystalized already.
When adding honey, make sure the gelatin mixture has cooled down enough to not destroy the live enzymes in the honey but you also want it to be warm enough to dissolve the sweetener easily. You want to keep it under 98F degrees to avoid denaturing the honey.
Healthy 3-Ingredient Bedtime Gummies
Printable Recipe
3 Ingredient Bedtime Gummies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup tart cherry juice
- ½ cup unflavored grass-fed gelatin
- ¼ cup raw unfiltered honey
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, pour half of the juice and sprinkle gelatin over the juice to "bloom." Whisk to combine and set aside. It will become very thick - that's a sign that the gelatin is blooming.
- Set the saucepan on medium heat, add the remaining juice. Bring to a gentle simmer, while consistently stirring to make sure all gelatin is dissolved. Set aside for a few minutes to cool.*
- When gelatin and juice is slightly warm to the touch, add honey and stir well.
- Pour in silicone molds or in a shallow dish. Set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator for 2 hours to set.
- Invert the silicone molds to remove the gummies. If using shallow dish, simply cut the gummies into small cubes. Store in air-tight container for up to 2 weeks. Best be kept in refrigerator but not necessary.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.
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Michala says
I did not know that tart cherry juice is a natural melatonin source, thanks for the great info and recipe!
Anya says
It's pretty awesome! Thanks Michala. 🙂
Diana says
This brand of tart cherry juice has also apple juice, do u happen to know another brand that has only tart cherry juice as the only ingredient?
Anya says
Hi Diana,
Trader Joe's has one that is strictly 100% cherry juice. I would probably up the honey though to add a bit more sweetness. Enjoy!
Kelly says
Mine came out foamy and tasted like rubber. What did I do wrong?
Anya says
Hi Kelly,
Did you whisk vigorously? Mine does have a little foam on the open surface of the gummies but not excessive. Have you seen the FB video of how I make them? (https://www.facebook.com/PrepareAndNourish/videos/1747783882190239/) Perhaps that'll be helpful.
Christine says
Hi Anya. I'm excited to try these gummies. My husband says I have an excess of "animal spirits", which causes me to not be tired until about 2am and only need about 6 hours of sleep (I'm 61 but this pattern started around menopause). Hoping these gummies will help tamp that down. Question: have you ever added magnesium (like the powder called "Calm") to these or other gummies intended to ease one into sleep? Thanks for the recipe!
Anya says
Hi Christine,
I have not tried adding Calm to these gummies - that's worth a shot though. I'll try to remember to add it next time I make these. Thanks for your comment. 🙂
Jennifer says
Mine turned out perfect and they seem to work only problem is there was no direction on how to store them. I placed mine in a Mason jar and in less than a week they were moldy. Not really happy about that. I'm going to try again, cutting down the recipe and keep them stored in the frig to see if that works.
Anya says
Hi Jennifer,
I'm sorry to hear about the mold. In all the times I've made them - not once have they gotten moldy. Perhaps there was some contamination or condensation in the jar? Regardless, maybe keeping them in the refrigerator will keep them mold-free. Also, I do have suggestions on how to store them in the recipe card. 🙂
Amber says
How many gummies are in a serving?
Samantha says
How many do u eat each night? I did little gummie Bears.
Anya says
Hi Samantha, It's up to you - I used to eat 2-3 at a time. 🙂
Brandi says
How many would I need to give my toddler? She has a very hard time going to sleep at night.
Anya says
You can start with 2 and go up from here. As long as she is good with honey. 🙂
Janet K says
Hi Anya,
I made these yesterday and they came out more rubbery than gummy. Did I do something wrong? They also are dark cherry looking on the bottom and pinkish on top. I made in a glass dish since I didn't have the molds. Any suggestions so I can remake? Thank you!
Anya says
Hi Janet,
Gummies coming out more rubbery would indicate too much gelatin. I'd suggest cutting back a bit. As far as color, I find if I stir vigorously, it may create more pink on the top. Try gently stirring just enough to combine. It's happened to me before and that seems to help. Hope this helps. <3
Sunshine Metschke says
Hello! I am looking forward to trying these! Can you share a link to your silicone heart molds (and do I see a fish in that picture?)? I love the size and depth of those! Thanks!
Anya says
Hi Sunshine,
I don't remember where I purchased my molds as it has been a very long time. Here's something comparable though that you can purchase on Amazon: heart mold and the fish mold. If you have an Ikea nearby - they have a great selection.
https://customcollegeessays.com/blog/interesting-essay says
You always share with us very useful knowledge of how you can use a variety of ingredients for a positive effect on the body giving it health.
Ed says
Instead of Cherry juice could you you use other juices like pomegranate?
Anya says
Yes, it should work, Ed.
Katie says
It seems like this would be great for helping to sleep. I'd love to make this recipe, but I can't find cherry juice locally. However, a store carries bags of dried tart cherries, and I'm wondering if there's some way to use them to make juice for gummies. Or perhaps the whole cherries could be used somehow?
Anya says
Hi Katie,
You can pit the cherries and try to make juice out of those but that seems like awfully a lot of work. Have you considered purchasing cherry juice online? This is the one I buy: https://amzn.to/3iG0PL5
Coralie says
As a Mom, my kids love gummy candy and I have pinned recipes for candy to make for them. This may be a yummy recipe but I have to give it a lower rating because it is being recommended for BEDTIME.
As a Dental Hygienist of 25+ years experience, I am concerned that this recipe is being promoted as a bedtime snack. Hygienists and Dentists see too many little people with primary tooth decay. For years the Dental Field has tried to educate parents about the risk of sugars causing tooth decay in children especially at nighttime. WHEN WE EAT SUGAR PLAYS A BIG ROLE IN HOW MUCH DAMAGE IT CAN CAUSE TEETH. LET ME TRY TO EXPLAIN WHY.
While honey is natural and real fruit juices are natural, they are still sugars. Bedtime is NOT the time to give children sugar or juice as both are very acidic and become fuel for bacteria which then makes more acid. Our body's saliva buffers (neutralizes) acids but while we sleep, our saliva flow naturally decreases and cannot neutralize acids well. THEREFORE, MOST DAMAGE TO OUR TEETH OCCURS AT NIGHT. This means giving kids ANY candy or juice at night increases their chances of getting cavities and therefore is not recommended. (Even milk during the night increases the risk of decay (Baby Bottle Caries) since milk contains lactose--a natural sugar but a sugar none the less. ) Please reconsider when you give these to your children. If any sugar substance is given in the evening please make sure it is followed by a drink of water and assist little ones with thorough tooth brushing. Permanent teeth begin to erupt at about age 6. These have to last a lifetime. The habits we teach them when they are young are the ones they will likely follow when they are older.
Anya says
Hi Coralie,
Thank you for your insightful comment. I trust parents who visit my site recognize the importance of proper dental hygiene and encourage their kids to practice that, especially after consuming sweets, even with natural sweeteners. It is not my place to teach parents what seems to be very fundamental. After all, this is just a food blog with food recipes. As such, I deleted your low star rating because it was not pertaining to the recipe itself. I left your comment in the event that other people find it helpful. Thanks again for your comment.
Keri says
Do you add all of the gelatin to the first half of the cherry juice? It’s not clear what happens in the pan when you add the second half of the cherry juice. Can you please clarify how much collagen in which batch of cherry juice to add.
Anya says
Hi Keri,
You add all the gelatin to the first half of the juice as it needs time to "bloom". Hope that helps.
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a simple way to get kids motivated for bed and to make it happen!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Anya says
It doesn't last more than a few days in our home but I think you're safe with up to a week in the refrigerator.
Kimberly says
I just made these. I have small moulds but my 5 year old loves them! She just had 3. I’m waiting a little more to take them out of fridge. Will they stick together? What can I do to prevent that? I’ll be keeping in fridge
Anya says
They may slightly stick but not terribly. It should be easy to take them apart.But you can keep them in single layer in a container and separate the layers with parchment paper.
Mandy says
Hi! Have you tried these with vegetarian/vegan gelatin like agar agar?
Anya says
Hi Mandy,
I have not tried with agar agar but if you do - please let us know how it turns out. 🙂
Christina M says
I just made them with agar agar and I was really nervous but they turned out great and my grandson loves them. There is different information online about how to use it but I found that if you use half the amount as you would gelatin it works nicely.
Anya says
That is great to know. Thank you Christina for sharing with us.
Sophia says
Have you tried any other sweeteners? I'm wondering how coconut sugar or maple syrup would work.
Anya says
I haven't tried other sweeteners but honey is known to have calming benefits, which may help during bedtime.
Jackie says
Do you think I could add turmeric and ginger to this?
Anya says
Hmm...not sure. I wouldn't because the flavors would clash but it could work with orange juice or even lemon juice (up the honey if using lemon).
Jan says
Unfortunately they did not help me sleep. I wonder if u couldn’t mix in another ingredient such as valerian root??