Healthy Gummy Candy that are High in Protein instead of Sugar (Low Calorie Gummies)
Healthy Gummy Candy that are High in Protein instead of Sugar (Low Calorie Gummies) is a medium American (Fitness/Healthy Snack) recipe that serves 20. 507 calories per serving. Recipe by Felu - Fit by cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 41 min
Cost: $5.10 total, $0.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh Strawberries (washed, stems removed; frozen berries do not blend well)
- 1 Tbsp Liquid Stevia (pure liquid stevia; dissolves easily)
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed; strain to remove seeds)
- 60 g Vanilla Whey Protein Powder (unflavored or vanilla; provides 53 g protein for the batch)
- 50 g Unflavored Gelatin Powder (approximately 5 Tbsp; ensures firm set)
Instructions
Prepare Strawberries
Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and pat dry.
Time: PT5M
Blend Strawberries
Place all strawberries in the blender (or food processor) and blend for 60–90 seconds until completely smooth.
Time: PT2M
Strain Puree
Pour the strawberry puree into a fine‑mesh strainer over a bowl and press with a small spoon to extract as much liquid as possible, leaving seeds behind.
Time: PT3M
Add Sweetener & Lemon
Stir in 1 Tbsp liquid stevia and 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice until fully incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Whey Protein
Add 60 g vanilla whey protein powder and whisk until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
Time: PT2M
Add Gelatin
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan, sprinkle 50 g gelatin powder over the surface, and whisk quickly to dissolve the gelatin.
Time: PT2M
Cook Gently
Place the saucepan over very low heat. Continuously whisk for 10–15 minutes (≈12 min) until the color lightens, bubbles appear, and the mixture thickens slightly.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: low heat
Fill Molds
Remove the pan from heat. Using a spoon (or spatula), pour the warm mixture into silicone ice‑cube trays, gummy‑bear molds, or donut‑shaped molds. Smooth the surface if desired.
Time: PT5M
Set in Refrigerator
Place the filled molds in the refrigerator and let them set for at least 12 hours before unmolding.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 507
- Protein
- 53 g
- Carbohydrates
- 59 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free, Sugar‑free (stevia sweetened), Low‑sugar
Allergens: Milk (whey protein), Gelatin (animal source)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: Blueberries, Raspberries
- Instead of Liquid Stevia: Erythritol liquid, Monk fruit liquid sweetener
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice, Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Vanilla Whey Protein Powder: Plant‑based vanilla protein powder, Collagen peptides (will change texture)
- Instead of Unflavored Gelatin Powder: Agar‑agar (use 1 g per 1 g gelatin, adjust liquid), Pectin (will give a softer set)
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Spoon
- Whisk
- Saucepan (big pan)
- Silicone Ice Cube Tray or Gummy Bear Mold
- Spatula (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Straining the strawberry puree to remove seeds and achieve a smooth texture.
- Fully dissolving gelatin before heating.
- Cooking on very low heat while whisking constantly to avoid curdling the whey protein.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a brighter color, add a few drops of natural red beet juice after blending.
- If you prefer a softer chew, reduce gelatin to 40 g.
- Use a silicone donut mold for fun, donut‑shaped protein gummies.
Troubleshooting
Gummies are too soft and do not hold shape.
Increase gelatin by 10 g or extend refrigeration time; ensure the mixture was fully heated and gelatin dissolved.
Gummies have a grainy texture.
Make sure to strain the puree thoroughly and whisk continuously while cooking to avoid protein curdling.
Gummies taste overly sour.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice or add a little more stevia to balance acidity.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store unmolded gummies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before eating.
Room temperature: Not recommended; gummies may become sticky and lose shape.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the gummies up to step 8 and refrigerate overnight; they will set perfectly the next day.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container; they keep well for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of protein gummy bears in the fitness community?
Protein‑enhanced gummy bears emerged in the early 2010s as a convenient, portable snack for athletes and gym‑goers seeking a sweet treat without the sugar crash. They combine the fun of traditional gummy candy with the nutritional benefits of whey protein, reflecting the modern health‑focused snack trend.
What are the traditional regional variations of gummy‑type snacks in American cuisine?
In the United States, gummy‑type snacks originally came from European gelatin candies like gummy bears and jelly beans. Modern variations include sour gummies, vitamin‑infused gummies, and now high‑protein versions like this strawberry recipe, showing how classic candy has been adapted for health‑conscious consumers.
How is the authentic traditional way of serving strawberry gummies different from this protein version?
Traditional strawberry gummies are made with sugar, corn syrup, and no added protein, resulting in a sweet, chewy candy. The protein version replaces most of the sugar with stevia and adds whey protein, giving a milder sweetness and a nutritional boost while maintaining the familiar gummy texture.
What occasions or celebrations are protein gummy bears traditionally associated with in fitness culture?
Fitness enthusiasts often enjoy protein gummy bears as post‑workout recovery snacks, pre‑workout energy bites, or as a fun treat during competition days and training camps where quick protein intake is valuable.
What other high‑protein snacks pair well with these strawberry protein gummy bears?
Pair them with Greek yogurt, a handful of nuts, or a protein‑rich smoothie for a balanced snack. They also complement a bowl of cottage cheese or a slice of whole‑grain toast with almond butter for a mini‑meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making protein strawberry gummy bears?
Common errors include overheating the mixture, which causes whey to curdle; not fully dissolving gelatin before heating; and skipping the straining step, leading to a grainy texture. Follow the low‑heat, constant‑whisk method and strain the puree for best results.
Why does this recipe use low heat instead of boiling the gelatin mixture?
Low heat prevents the whey protein from denaturing and curdling, which would create a gritty texture. Gentle heating allows the gelatin to dissolve smoothly while keeping the protein intact for a soft, uniform gummy.
Can I make these protein gummy bears ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, after the gummies have set in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to one month and thaw in the refrigerator before eating.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the protein gummy bears are done cooking?
The mixture should turn slightly lighter in color, develop small bubbles on the surface, and have a thickened but still pourable consistency. Once poured into molds and chilled, the gummies will be firm yet slightly bouncy to the bite.
What does the YouTube channel Felu - Fit by cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Felu - Fit by cooking focuses on nutritious, high‑protein recipes that are easy to prepare at home, catering to fitness enthusiasts and health‑conscious cooks looking for tasty, macro‑friendly meals and snacks.
How does the YouTube channel Felu - Fit by cooking's approach to healthy snack recipes differ from other fitness cooking channels?
Felu - Fit by cooking emphasizes whole‑food ingredients, minimal added sugars, and clear step‑by‑step demonstrations, often using everyday kitchen tools. The channel also provides detailed macro breakdowns for each recipe, helping viewers track nutrition more precisely than many generic fitness channels.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
