Have you been looking for a way to make vegan jello? This is a simple and easy jello recipe that can be made in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. With only fruit juice, agar agar (vegan gelatin) and some sugar (optional), you can make your own delicious homemade jello!
You’ll LOVE this vegan jello because it’s…
- quick and easy to make.
- free of all major allergens so everyone can enjoy it!
- made with real fruit juice.
- can easily be made refined sugar free.
- kid-friendly!
What you will need for homemade vegan jello…
- Fruit Juice – most fruit juices will work. Apple, grape, and cranberry juice work the best. Orange will work as well, but it tends to come out firmer than the other juices. Lemon, lime, pineapple, kiwi, and papaya juices will not set correctly.
- Agar Agar powder – this is a white powder made from seaweed. It comes in powder or flakes, but the powder works better. If you can only find the flakes, you will need to triple the amount of flakes. (The best deals on agar agar are usually on Amazon or at your local Asian market. It tends to be very expensive at natural food stores). Note: you can also use kappa-carrageenan instead of agar agar in equal amounts. It is also derived from seaweed and works the same as agar agar, but tends to be more expensive and harder to find.
- Sugar – to sweeten the jello. Sugar is optional, but if you want it to taste like traditional jello that you remember, it will require an added sweetener. You can use any type of sugar or sweetener that you would like.
How do I make jello that’s vegan?
- Pour juice, sugar and agar agar into a medium-sized saucepan and stir.
- Turn on heat to medium and stir frequently with a whisk.
- When the mixture begins to boil, turn the heat down and let it boil slowly for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Pour the jello mixture into individual serving glasses.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
Can I make a jello mold?
Yes! You can use this jello in a mold and even add fruit! However, vegan jello is not quite as jiggly and pliable as traditional jello. I have found that if you double the agar agar add 1 tsp of tapioca starch to the mixture before cooking, it makes it firm enough and gives it a little more stretch to set in a jello mold and get it out again without breaking.
Can I add fruit to the jello?
Yes, you can add fruit to the jello once it starts to cool. If you want it to be suspended in the jello, you need to watch the jello carefully once it starts to cool. After about 10-15 minutes, it will cool enough that it will start to become thick, but still a liquid. It is at this point that you will want to add fruit or berries to the jello. This way they will stay suspended in the jello and not sink to the bottom.
Note: Don’t use pineapple, papaya, or kiwi to the jello. The enzymes in these fruits cause the jello not to set. (You will also want to avoid using these fruit juices for the jello).
What else can I make with agar agar?
Don’t be afraid to buy a container of agar agar, you can use it to make lots of vegan treats like homemade vegan marshmallows, a firm meringue on a Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie or a Vegan S’mores Pie, or you can use it to make your own Homemade Vegan Cheese.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram for daily vegan recipe ideas and tag #thehiddenveggies so I can see yours too!
A quick and easy recipe for vegan jello made with fruit juice and agar agar.
- 2 cups fruit juice like apple, grape, or cranberry
- 1/2 tsp agar agar or kappa carrageenan
- 1/3 cup sugar (optional)
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Pour juice, sugar and agar agar into a medium-sized saucepan and stir.
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Turn on heat to medium and stir frequently with a whisk.
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When the mixture begins to boil, turn the heat down and let it boil slowly for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
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Pour the jello mixture into individual serving glasses.
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Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
To make jello in a mold:
- Double the amount of agar agar and add 1 tsp of tapioca starch to the mixture before cooking. (This makes it firmer and stretchier to allow it to set in a jello mold and so that it can be removed without breaking).
- Use a silicone mold or spray the inside of a metal mold with a little oil to help it come out after it sets.
- Allow it to sit for 2 hours in the refrigerator before taking out of the mold.
Adding Fruit:
- If you fruit to be suspended in the jello, you need to watch the jello carefully once it starts to cool. After about 10-15 minutes, it will cool enough that it will start to thicken, but will still be a liquid. It is at this point that you will want to add fruit or berries to the jello. This way they will stay suspended in the jello and not sink to the bottom.
Note: Don't use pineapple, papaya, or kiwi to the jello. The enzymes in these fruits cause the jello not to set. (You will also want to avoid using these fruit juices for the jello).
My jello didn’t form overnight. Still liquidy. I made molds with 1tsp agar and 1tsp tapioca What did I do wrong?? TIA
I have found that some agar agar is not as strong as others. If you use flakes instead of powder you will need 3 times as much. Agar agar that is sold in Europe also seems to take more to set properly. Did you add fruit to it? If not you can cook it again and add more another teaspoon of agar agar.
This is what I did. I think it’s looking better this time around. Thanks!
Can one use a fruit puree instead of juice? I live in Ecuador and we can easily get fruit puree but it is difficult to get juice.
I think that it would work, but I have never tried it. Please let me know how it works if you try it.
Jello! I haven’t had it for so long. This version is easy and tastes awesome. Good flavor and texture.
Thanks for all of your amazing recipes!
Thanks so much, Julie! I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂