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Easy Low-Sugar Cannabis Gummies Made With Fruit Juice

This recipe was updated and revised in September 2023.

No jello boxes! No corn syrup!

These keto friendly edibles are an all-natural cannabis-infused gummy recipe made with fruit juice.

They are simple to infuse with THC, CBD, or any combination of cannabis cannabinoids.

Skip the artificial colors and flavors to step up your edible medicine making.

Making my own cannabis-infused natural fruit juice gummies was always high on my bucket list, and I’m excited that I finally took the time to create this recipe.

This is now my personal favorite. I treat chronic pain and need to avoid high sugar, artificial ingredients, and corn syrup.

Doing so may help reduce inflammation in your body, which may help alleviate pain.

If you’ve been frustrated in the past with gummies being too candy-like and high in sugar, here is the low-sugar recipe you’ve been waiting for!

Read through all of the steps and notes before you begin.

Whether you’re interested in eliminating artificial ingredients or need a low-sugar alternative, this recipe will guide you toward success.

Why is This a Keto Friendly Recipe?

A “keto-friendly” recipe is one that fits the keto diet, meaning it’s low in carbs and high in fats, helping your body burn fat for energy.

You can control the amount and type of sweeteners in this recipe.

You may also choose to make this recipe with cannabis-infused butter or oils.

Equipment Needed For Making Low-Sugar Weed Gummies

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Keto Cannabis-Infused Gummies

This recipe makes approximately 96 square gummies from the blue silicone mold in the equipment link.

1. 100% fruit juice: A great natural option for sweetness and flavor. Ensure it’s 100% juice with no added sugars to maintain a healthier recipe.
   
   
2. Plain “knox” gelatin: This is a type of protein derived from collagen. Do not confuse it with flavored gelatin found in jello boxes, as they contain added sugars and flavors.
   
   
3. “Liquid syrup” sweetener: Options include honey, agave, brown rice syrup, or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners can vary in sweetness and flavor, so choose one that suits your taste.
   
   You may want to try this KETO CORN SYRUP alternative recipe.
   
   
4. Additional sweetener: Optional, but cane sugar, monk fruit, or a stevia blend can be used to add extra sweetness if desired.
   
   
5. Citric acid: This is used to add tartness and act as a preservative. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute but may alter the flavor.
   
   
6. Natural food color: Completely optional but can be used to add color to your gummies. Ube powder, for example, will give a purple hue. Matcha would add a green look.
   
   
7. LorAnn Mold Inhibitor (potassium sorbate): Optional but recommended to increase the shelf life of your gummies by preventing mold growth.
   
   
8. Cannabis-infused oil: You can use RSO, FECO, cannabis-infused coconut oil, other canna oils, cannabutter, tincture or concentrates, but make sure to read the notes for proper measurements and adjustments.
   
   
9. Lecithin powder or liquid: Optional, but it helps to emulsify the mixture and improve the texture of the gummies.
   
   
10. Natural flavors: These are optional but can enhance the flavor of your gummies. Essential oils, extracts, or fruit purees can be used but be sure to read the notes for recommendations and adjustments.
    

Steps to Make Low-Sugar Cannabis-Infused Gummies Made With Fruit Juice

Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of 100% fruit juice and 2-4 tablespoons of your desired “syrup” sweetener and or additional cane sugar, monk fruit, or stevia blends, etc.

If you’re using powdered granular lecithin, add it now to your juice and blend it with an immersion blender or whisk.

Use the liquid as instructed. (For liquid lecithin, see Step 7)

Step 2: Once the sweetener has been dissolved, add 1 teaspoon citric acid or more to taste. If you don’t have citric acid, you can substitute lemon juice.

The acidic addition enhances and brings out the flavor of your fruit. Mix well.

Step 3: Optional: Add any form of natural food color you choose. Mix well.

Step 4: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of plain “Knox” gelatin over the juice mixture and let set to bloom.

Continue stirring until there are no lumps.

Step 5: Optional: Add ½ teaspoon of Lorann mold inhibitor (potassium sorbate) to the mixture and stir well.

Step 6: Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes hot and smooth.

Step 7: Remove the mixture from the heat. (If you are using liquid lecithin, add it now to your cannabis oil and blend it with a mini immersion blender along with any additional cannabinoids.)

Create a vortex in your juice/gelatin mixture with an immersion blender or whisk, then slowly add your oil to create the emulsion.

Adding slowly and steadily will keep the emulsion from breaking and separating.

Mixing can take a while, depending on the amount of cannabis oil you add.

Be patient.  Add ¼ cups of cannabis-infused oil or less.

You can use oils, butter, or concentrates, depending on your preference. Mix extremely well!

Step 8: Once everything is mixed, pour the mixture into silicone molds of your choice. 

Step 9: Let the gummies set until they are stable enough to move into the refrigerator. Leave until firm. This can take a few hours.

Step 10: Congratulations!

Once the gummies are firm, gently remove them from the molds and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

You can keep them in the fridge or freezer to make them last longer. But be sure to label them and keep them out of reach of children or pets.

Jump to Recipe

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Quick Tips on Making the Perfect Cannabis-Infused Gummies

• Try making this recipe without any cannabis first. Use a neutral oil or sweetener as a carrier, as if you were adding cannabis, to get a feel for the process. 
  
• Experiment with different types of fruit juice blends. Berry blends offer a great flavor. Cherry and pomegranate are some of our favorites. Try orange juice or a lemonade for a citrus treat.
  
• You don’t have to stick to THC-dominant “strains.”
  
• Properly label and package gummies to avoid accidental consumption. (mylar bags & stickers are a huge help)
  
• Refrigerate or freeze gummies to preserve potency and shelf life. They will mold if not kept cold or if you choose not to add a mold inhibitor.
  
• Once you are confident, you can begin with the real deal.
  
• This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable, so take notes on what you tried, and don’t be afraid to be creative as you get more comfortable. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Improve the Flavor of My Keto Friendly Edibles Fruit Juice Gummies?

There’s no sense in going through the effort to make your own cannabis-infused edibles if you don’t like the flavor.

We’ve eliminated the artificial colors and flavors, so how can we add all-natural flavors? 

Food-grade essential oils

Food-grade essential oils are a great way to add flavor to candy-making and baking.

My favorite essential oils to cook with are Vitality Dietary Oils from Young Living.

Lemon, orange, tangerine, and lime are the most common fruit flavors.

These are incredibly strong and 100% pure food grade essential oils. Use 1-5 drops to test the flavor.

Be sure to only use food-grade essential oils. 

Add essential oils during step 7

Extracts

Extracts are also commonly used in baking and cooking. Vanilla extract is the most obvious.

To find 100% pure extracts that are not artificial, you must read the label carefully. Lemon, orange, and lime should be fairly easy to come by.

Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust. 

Add extracts during step 7.

Juice Concentrates

Consider using natural fruit juices or concentrates if you’re looking for vibrant fruity flavors. These can be added to the mixture to replace some of the liquid.

Adjust the amount to your preference. The simplest option would be frozen juice concentrates.

Keep in mind that these concentrates also mean that the sugar will be concentrated.

If you’re making low-sugar edibles, adjust accordingly. 

Add juice concentrates during step 1.

Fruit Purees

Make your own natural fruit or vegetable purees for your cannabis-infused gummies. Blend fresh or frozen fruits (for example, berries, mangoes, and peaches) until smooth.

Remove any solids from the puree before adding it to the mixture to replace some of the liquid.  

Add purees during step 1.

How do I replace Corn Syrup in Recipes, and Why?

Corn syrup is a sweetener that is made from corn starch.

While corn syrup may appear to be a harmless ingredient, consuming too much of it can be harmful to your health.

Fructose is processed in the liver and, in excess, can cause insulin resistance, obesity, and other health problems.  

While corn syrup may taste sweet and appear harmless, limiting your intake and choosing healthier, whole foods whenever possible to maintain good health is important.

If you want a low-sugar, healthier recipe, eliminating corn syrup is the first step.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to corn syrup, here are some options:

1. Honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that is high in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and has a lower glycemic index than corn syrup.
   
   It is still high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
   
   
2. Maple syrup: Maple syrup is another natural sweetener that is high in antioxidants and minerals such as zinc and manganese. It has a lower glycemic index than corn syrup.
   
   
3. Brown rice syrup: Brown rice syrup is a sweetener made from brown rice that is high in complex carbohydrates and has a lower glycemic index than corn syrup.
   
   Keep in mind that it’s not as sweet as corn syrup, so you may need to adjust the quantity in your recipe accordingly.
   
   
4. Agave: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener derived from the agave plant. It has a low glycemic index and is sweeter than sugar, so you can use less of it in your recipe.
   
   However, it is important to note that agave nectar is high in fructose, so it should be consumed in moderation.
   
   
5. Vegetable glycerin: Vegetable glycerin is a sweet, clear liquid that comes from vegetable oils. Vegetable glycerin is great as a carrier for cannabis concentrates such as RSO.
   
   The glycemic index of vegetable glycerin is considered to be very low.
   
   
   However, it’s important to note that vegetable glycerin is not metabolized like other sweeteners and does not significantly impact blood sugar levels.
   
   As a result, it is often excluded from glycemic index tables since it does not fit into the traditional classification of high, medium, or low GI values.
   
   

Let’s Talk About Glycemic Index

When compared to pure glucose, the glycemic index (GI) of sweeteners refers to how quickly they raise blood sugar levels.

High GI foods digest quickly and cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, whereas low GI foods digest slowly and cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

Choosing low-GI sweeteners can aid in blood sugar regulation and provide long-lasting energy.

It is important to remember that the glycemic index is only one factor to consider when selecting sweeteners.

It is also important to consider additional elements, such as the overall nutritional value, serving sizes, and individual health conditions.

In comparison, here are approximate glycemic index values for equal amounts of other sweeteners:

1. Corn syrup: High GI (around 75 or higher)
   
   
2. Honey: Medium GI (around 55-70, depending on the type)
   
   
3. Agave nectar: Medium to high GI (around 30-55, depending on the type)
   
   
4. Brown rice syrup: Medium GI (around 50)

How do I make keto friendly Weed Gummies with Natural Food coloring?

These gummies won’t be as bright and colorful as store-bought gummies or traditional “jello box” recipes.

If you want to improve the color, consider purchasing some natural alternatives.

There’s no reason to add more color. This is totally up to you. 

Various forms of natural food colors include powders, liquids, and pastes.

Powders are usually the easiest to use; they are concentrated and can be added directly to the mixture.

Some common natural powder food colors include turmeric, beetroot, spirulina, and matcha powder.

Liquids are also a popular form of natural food coloring and

are ideal for mixing with other liquids. Fruits and vegetables, such as berries, carrots, and spinach, are frequently used to make them.

Common natural liquid food colors include annatto and saffron.

Pastes are a type of natural food coloring made by combining concentrated fruit or vegetable extracts with a thickening agent like glycerin or corn syrup.

They have a thicker consistency and are more concentrated than liquid food colors.

Blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry are some common natural paste food colors.

Powder food colors may be the easiest to use when making gummy bears because they mix well with the gelatin mixture without changing its texture.

It’s important to note that some natural food colors may impart a distinct flavor or aroma to the gummies, so pick a flavor that complements the natural food color.

Use sparingly at first until you understand how they affect your recipe. This will require your research and development. 

Read: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Making Cannabis-Infused Oil

What Types of Cannabis Oil Can Be Used To Make Infused Gummies?

You may add up to 1/4 cup of cannabis oil or cannabutter to infuse

Any neutral-flavored, infused oil will work in this recipe. Here are some examples:

• Cannabis-infused coconut oil, sometimes called canna-oil.
  
• Cannabis-Infused MCT oil
  
• Dispensary oil “tinctures,” including any cannabinoid combination. THC, CBD, CBN, CBG etc.
  
• Cannabis-infused Butter, aka canna-budder or cannabutter.
  
• Cannabis Concentrates

Mix and match to combine cannabinoid ratios or purchase your favorite ready-made tincture.

Many come in fruit flavors to complement your flavor choice of gummies.

Can I use RSO or FECO to make Cannabis-Infused Fruit Juice Gummies?

Yes. In fact, it’s one of the best methods to make potent medicated edibles. 

Warm and combine:

1. ⅛ cup Glycerin or you can use any corn syrup replacement listed such as agave or honey or a neutral oil.
   
   
2. 1/2 tsp Sunflower or Soy Lecithin (liquid) or omit if adding granules to the juice mixture.
   
   
3. Add desired amount of RSO or FECO. Choose THC, CBD or any cannabinoid your dispensary offers. You can make your own combinations or ratios!
   
   
4. To combine these ingredients, use an electric mug warmer with a measuring cup made of glass or metal.
   
   
   Heat and stir often until the mixture is well combined. Do not boil. If you don’t have one of these handy warmers, use a small saucepan and stir the mixture constantly until you’re satisfied.
   
   
5. I prefer to heat these ingredients separately to limit my cannabis from extra heat, and this step helps to emulsify the oils into the main mixture.
   
   You don’t want to overheat and degrade any of the cannabinoids! So keep the heat low.
   

Tip: A mug warmer or candle warmer, as they are called, is amazingly handy for mixing cannabis oils at home.

They are inexpensive, and I can usually find them in thrift stores! 

Can I Use a Cannabis Alcohol Tincture To Make Cannabis-Infused Fruit Juice Gummies?

Yes. If you choose to use an alcohol tincture, you can omit the lecithin. Add the desired amount of tincture during step 7. 

Pro Tip

Before adding your tincture, you might want to let some of the alcohol evaporate.

This will enhance the potency of your tincture and lessen the taste of alcohol.

The less you need to use, the less you will taste. 

Use a warming plate or mug warmer to help speed up the evaporation.

Never try to heat the alcohol near or with an open flame. 

Why Do Recipes for Cannabis-Infused Oils Call For Lecithin and What Does It Do?

Lecithin is used in commercial baking, but you often don’t hear it used in home baking. Lecithin comes in granules or liquid forms.

According to WebMD, “lecithin is a mixture of fats that are essential to cells in the human body.

It can be found in many foods, including soybeans and egg yolks.” 

Lecithin is an emulsifier, which is an ingredient that will help other ingredients not only mix well but remain mixed.

Since oil and water don’t like to stay mixed, we add lecithin to our cannabis oil-infused gummy recipe.

Lecithin is commonly made from soy or sunflower.

Soy-derived lecithin is known to be an allergen to some and is avoided.

This recipe is very forgiving, so use the amount and type you are comfortable with. 

Pro Tip

If you use liquid lecithin, add it to your oil and blend it with a mini immersion blender and your cannabinoids.

Use oil as instructed.

Add lecithin to your juice or water for powdered granules, and blend with an immersion blender.

Use the liquid as instructed.

Why Make Your Own Cannabis-Infused Gummies?

Making your own cannabis-infused gummies can have several benefits. Here are a few of them:

1. Control over ingredients: When you make your own edible gummies, you have control over the ingredients that go into them.
   
   You can choose high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
   
   This can help ensure that your edibles are healthy and beneficial to your body.
   
   
2. Customization: Making your own edibles also allows you to customize the dosage and combination of cannabinoids to suit your specific needs.
   
   You can choose the ingredients that are best suited to address your individual health concerns.
   
   
3. Convenience: Gummy supplements are a convenient and discreet way to medicate.
   
   They can be easily made in advance and taken on the go, making it easy to stay on top of your health regimen.
   
   
4. You’ll save money!

What Are the Advantages of Making Keto Cannabis-Infused Gummies Made With Fruit Juice?

Artificial colors and flavors are synthetic substances added to food products to enhance their visual appearance, taste, and aroma.

While they are generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory agencies, there are concerns about their potentially harmful effects on human health.

Here are some reasons why eating artificial colors and flavors may be harmful:

1. Allergies and Sensitivities: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to specific artificial colors and flavors, causing adverse reactions such as skin rashes, breathing difficulties, or digestive problems.
   
   
2. Hyperactivity: Some studies have suggested that certain artificial colors, such as tartrazine (yellow #5), may increase hyperactivity in children, leading to behavioral problems.
   
   
3. Disrupting Gut Microbiome: There is also evidence that some artificial colors and flavors can disrupt the gut microbiome’s balance, leading to a range of health problems, including inflammation and immune system dysfunction.

Cannabis Safety Disclaimers:

1. Dosing: Start low, go slow. Effects can be delayed with edibles.
   
2. Legal Age: For legal-age adults only. Follow local laws.
   
3. Impairment: Cannabis can impair driving and machinery operation.
   
4. Storage: Keep out of reach from children and pets. Clearly label cannabis products.
   
5. Medical Concerns: Consult a doctor if pregnant, nursing, or if you have medical conditions.
   
6. Potency Variability: Homemade cannabis items can have varied potencies. Consume with caution.
   
7. Allergies: Check ingredients for allergens. Beware of potential cross-contamination.

How Did It Go?

All of us here at The Cannabis Community would love to hear how you chose to customize these all-natural cannabis-infused gummies to your tastes.

Drop your recipe notes in the comments! And if you have questions, I’ll do my best to back to you.