Homemade Gummy Worms

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Easy

Chewy gelatin candy set inside bendy straws so it comes out as long, ridged worms. Optionally roll them in sour sugar. Makes 24 worms in about 5 hr 35 min.

Prep 25 min

Cook 10 min

Cooling 5 hr

Total 5 hr 35 min

Yield 24 worms

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

worms

3 tbsp (28 g)unflavored gelatin
¼ cup (60 ml)cold water
½ cup (120 ml)fruit juice
½ cup (100 g)granulated sugar, for the worms
3 tbsp (60 g)light corn syrup
¼ tsp (1 ml)food coloring
3 tbsp (40 g)granulated sugar, optional, for rolling, for the coating
½ tsp (2 g)citric acid, optional, mixed into the sugar

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Instructions

Gather about 24 bendy straws, straighten them and stand them upright in a tall glass or jar, held snug with a rubber band so they stay upright.
Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom 5 minutes.
Warm the juice, sugar and corn syrup over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
Remove from heat, stir in the bloomed gelatin until smooth, and add the coloring.
Use a funnel or squeeze bottle to fill each straw nearly to the top with the warm liquid.
Refrigerate upright for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely firm.
Run a skewer along each straw to loosen the worm, then squeeze the straw gently from end to end to push the worm out.
Roll the worms in the sugar and citric acid, if using.

Tips

Make half the batch in a second color for two-tone worms.
Keep the gelatin warm while filling or it will clog the straws.
Worms get chewier if air-dried for a few hours on a rack.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make homemade gummy worms?

Plan on 25 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, plus 5 hours to chill. The recipe makes 24 worms.

How should I store homemade gummy worms?

Refrigerate airtight up to 1 week; dry in the open for a firmer texture.

Can I make homemade gummy worms ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 24 servings this recipe makes.

30 Calories / serving

0.0g Fat

6.7g Carbs

1.0g Protein

5.4g Sugar

Whole recipe (24 servings): ~720 cal · 0g fat · 161g carbs · 24g protein · 130g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.