Keto Gummy Worms
Published September 2, 2021 • Updated February 24, 2026
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Zero carbs and sugar free, these keto gummy worms are a sweet treat that doubles as an electrolyte boost.
I’ve been making these keto gummy worms for a couple of years now, and the trick that changed everything was using electrolyte powder instead of flavored gelatin. Instead of sugar-free Jello mixes, you use unflavored gelatin as the base and let the electrolyte powder handle all the flavor. You get grape, orange, raspberry, watermelon (whatever your packet is) with zero carbs and a built-in dose of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
I’ve tested both grass-fed gelatin and the unflavored Knox packs. Grass-fed gives you a slightly softer chew, but both set up the same. And the electrolyte powder completely covers any beefy gelatin taste, so don’t worry about that if you’re new to working with unflavored gelatin.
The mold situation is more flexible than you’d think. I use a gummy worm mold, but reader Christy made these in peanut butter cup molds, hearts, and whatever else she had on hand. The gelatin ratio is forgiving enough that any silicone mold works. If you want two-color layers, pour your first color and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes until it’s tacky but not fully set. Then pour the second color on top. If you wait too long and the first layer firms up completely, they’ll split apart when you pop them out.
For a sour version, I toss the finished gummies in a mix of citric acid and powdered sweetener. The coating sticks best when the gummies are slightly tacky right out of the mold. If you like sour candy, this is worth the extra step.
These keep in the fridge for about two weeks. But they also freeze well for up to three months. I lay them flat on parchment paper first so they don’t clump, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They thaw in about 10 minutes at room temperature, and the texture holds up.
If you’re into low carb candy and sweet treats, I have a bunch worth trying. My keto candy roundup covers everything from keto toffee to keto caramel candy. For frozen treats, try my sugar free bomb pops or keto fudge. And if you love the gelatin texture, my jello whip and stained glass cake both use it in completely different ways.
Explore 683+ keto recipe videos with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to make keto easy.
Ingredients
1 cup water -
3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
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1 packet sugar free flavored electrolytes
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1/2 teaspoon powdered erythritol sweetener
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food coloring, optional
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gummy worm mold
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Mix gelatin
To a small microwave safe bowl, combine water, gelatin, electrolyte powder and sweetener. Whisk until mixed.
Heat to dissolve gelatin
Heat mixture in the microwave until dissolved (1-3 minutes) or heat on the stovetop until boiling. Remove from heat.
Color it
Add 2-3 drops of food coloring if using. You can separate the mixture into multiple bowls to do different colors.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros + Recipes →Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make these gummy worms sour?
I mix citric acid with powdered sweetener and toss the gummies in it right after they come out of the mold. The coating sticks best when they're still slightly tacky. I use about 1 teaspoon of citric acid to 2 teaspoons of powdered erythritol. It gives you that sour-punch flavor without adding carbs.
Why aren't my gummies setting up?
I've had this happen twice, and both times it was the same issue: the gelatin didn't fully dissolve before I poured the molds. Make sure you heat the mixture until it's completely clear with no granules floating around. If you're microwaving, stir it halfway through and check. Too little gelatin can also cause it. I use 3 tablespoons per cup of water, and that ratio sets up firm every time.
Can you freeze keto gummy worms?
I freeze these all the time. Lay them flat on parchment paper in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep for up to three months. I thaw them at room temperature for about 10 minutes, and the texture is the same as fresh.
What if I don't have a gummy worm mold?
Any silicone mold works. I've used bear molds, and reader Christy made these in peanut butter cup molds, hearts, and whatever else she had in her drawer. The gelatin ratio is forgiving, so the shape doesn't change the outcome. You just get different candy shapes instead of worms.
How do I get a stronger fruit flavor without more saltiness?
When I use LMNT, I only add half a packet and bump up the sweetener slightly. That gives me the fruit flavor without the sodium hitting too hard. Ultima has less sodium per serving, so a full packet works. I've also tried mixing two different flavors in one batch, and that intensifies the overall taste.
Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
I stick with unflavored gelatin and add my own flavoring through electrolyte powder, but flavored gelatin works if that's what you have. Just check the carb count on the packet, because some brands add sugar. Sugar-free Jello mix is the closest swap I've tested, and it sets up the same way.
How should I store these?
I keep mine in an airtight container in the fridge, and they last about two weeks. For longer storage, I freeze them on parchment paper and transfer to a bag once solid. Don't leave them at room temperature for more than an hour or two, because gelatin softens and they'll get sticky.
Can I make these with agar agar instead of gelatin?
I've experimented with agar agar, and the texture is noticeably different. Agar sets firmer and more brittle, like a hard jelly rather than a chewy gummy. If you're avoiding animal products, it works as a substitute, but don't expect the same soft, wiggly chew. I'd use about half the amount of agar agar compared to gelatin and adjust from there.
Made these for a spring get-together and the kids kept sneaking back for more, no idea they were getting electrolytes. Two adults grabbed some thinking they were store-bought gummies.
I've made other gelatin desserts but never homemade gummies. With 3 tablespoons to 1 cup of water, do these come out firm and snappy or soft and chewy like storebought? Trying to decide if a gummy mold is worth it.
They come out chewy and snappy, closer to storebought than you'd expect. 3 tablespoons is the sweet spot for that texture. Get the mold.
I've been eyeing gummy candy molds for months but kept assuming the gelatin wouldn't set up properly in something that small. The electrolyte packet as the flavoring was the part I didn't expect, and watching the mixture go from liquid to actual candy texture in those little molds was genuinely satisfying. Already have a second batch planned to try a different flavor.
Watching them set never gets old. Cherry LMNT for batch two.
My kids are dying to make these and we have a ton of different electrolyte flavors. If I split the mixture into two colors and layer them in the mold, will they stick together once set, or will the top layer just slide off when you pop them out?
Yes! Just let the first layer get tacky (20-30 min in the fridge) before pouring the second -- if it goes fully firm the layers will split. Different flavors for each color means you get two flavors in one worm, which is such a fun bonus.
We thought these were awesome! I am now expanding my gummy-making skills to try to get a stronger flavor, and possibly less salty from the LMNT. Thanks for the recipe!!
Half a packet of LMNT with a touch more sweetener cuts the saltiness without losing the fruit flavor. Ultima is another option if you want to use a full packet, less sodium per serving so it doesn't hit as hard.
Loves these. Yummy... I use citrus, orange and watermelon. I didn't add any color. I like the mystery of what you're gonna get next. I didn't have a gummy worm molds, instead I used peanut butter cup molds, hearts any molds I had on hand. A treat when I have craving.
Thank you,
The no-color mystery game is kind of genius. And you're already in the gummy worm FAQ (peanut butter cup molds are a great call).