These zero sugar gummy protein bars are made with hot water, beef gelatin, and a zero sugar drink packet. That is it.
I wanted a simple way to make a high-protein gummy snack without using protein powder, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or a bunch of extra ingredients. Beef gelatin works perfectly here because it sets firm, adds protein, and gives the bars that chewy gummy texture.
The version I made uses a Skittles zero sugar drink packet, but you can use almost any zero sugar drink mix packet. Lemonade, fruit punch, blue raspberry, orange, tropical punch, or cherry would all work.
The full batch has about 36g of protein from the gelatin if your beef gelatin has 9g protein per tablespoon. I like making this into 2 large gummy bars, which gives you about 18g protein per bar.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 Ingredients: Hot water, drink mix, and beef gelatin.
- No Protein Powder: The protein comes from gelatin.
- Zero Sugar: Use any zero sugar drink packet you like.
- Gummy Texture: These set firm and chewy, not loose like Jell-O.
- Easy to Customize: Change the flavor by changing the drink packet.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch and keep the bars in the fridge.
The Beef Gelatin Strategy
The beef gelatin is what turns this from flavored water into a high-protein gummy bar.
For this recipe, I use 4 tablespoons of beef gelatin with 2 cups of hot water. That makes a firm gummy texture that can be removed from silicone molds and eaten like a bar.
If you want a softer texture, you can use 3 tablespoons of gelatin. If you want a very firm gummy, keep the full 4 tablespoons.
The biggest tip is to add the gelatin slowly while whisking. If you dump it in all at once, it can clump.
Key Equipment
This is one of those recipes where the equipment really does make it easier.
Silicone Protein Bahttps://amzn.to/4w6BSxYr Molds: Silicone molds make it easy to pop the gummy bars out once they set.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Hot Water: Hot water helps dissolve the drink packet and gelatin. It does not need to be aggressively boiling, but it should be hot enough to dissolve the gelatin smoothly.
Zero Sugar Drink Packet: This gives the gummy bars their flavor and sweetness. I used a Skittles packet, but any drink packet should work.
Beef Gelatin: This is the protein source and the ingredient that makes the bars set. My gelatin has 9g protein per tablespoon, so 4 tablespoons adds about 36g protein to the full batch.
How To Make Zero Sugar Gummy Protein Bars
1. Heat the water
Add 2 cups of water to a microwave-safe glass measuring cup.
Microwave until the water is hot. It does not need to be boiling hard.
2. Add the drink packet
Whisk in 1 zero sugar drink packet until fully dissolved.
3. Add the beef gelatin
Slowly sprinkle in 4 tablespoons beef gelatin, whisking constantly as you add it.
Do not dump it in all at once. Adding it slowly helps prevent clumps.
4. Whisk until smooth
Keep whisking until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture looks smooth.
If you see foam on top, you can skim it off with a spoon for a cleaner look.
5. Fill the molds
Place your silicone molds on a baking sheet or tray.
Carefully pour the mixture into the molds.
6. Chill until set
Transfer the molds to the fridge.
Chill for 2 to 3 hours, or until the gummy bars are fully firm.
7. Remove and store
Pop the gummy protein bars out of the molds.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Texture Tips
These are firmer than regular Jell-O because they use more gelatin.
For best results:
- Use hot water.
- Add the gelatin slowly.
- Whisk constantly.
- Chill until fully set.
- Use silicone molds for easy removal.
- Store cold for the best texture.
If the bars are too firm, use less gelatin next time. If they are too soft, use a little more gelatin.
Flavor Ideas
You can change the flavor just by changing the drink packet.
Good options include:
- Skittles
- Fruit punch
- Blue raspberry
- Lemonade
- Orange
- Cherry
- Tropical punch
- Strawberry watermelon
- Grape
You can also add a little citric acid or lemon juice if you want them more sour, but too much acid can affect how gelatin sets, so start small.
Protein Estimate
If your beef gelatin has 9g protein per tablespoon, the full batch has about 36g protein.
If you make 2 large gummy bars:
- About 18g protein per bar
If you make 4 smaller gummies or bars:
- About 9g protein each
If you want each bar closer to 20g protein, divide the batch into 2 bars and use slightly rounded tablespoons of gelatin.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Why did my gelatin clump?
The gelatin was probably added too quickly. Sprinkle it in slowly while whisking the hot water.
Do I need to bloom the gelatin first?
Some gelatin brands recommend blooming, but mine dissolves directly into hot liquid. Check your specific gelatin container. If your brand clumps, bloom it first in a small amount of cool water, then whisk it into the hot flavored water.
Can I use collagen peptides instead of beef gelatin?
No. Collagen peptides do not set the same way gelatin does. You need gelatin for the gummy texture.
Can I use regular Jell-O mix?
You can, but the macros and sugar will change depending on the mix. This recipe is built around zero sugar drink packets and beef gelatin.
Can I make these sour?
Yes. Add a tiny pinch of citric acid or a small splash of lemon juice. Start small because too much acid can make the gelatin set weaker.
Why are my gummies too soft?
They may need more chill time, or you may need more gelatin. Use the full 4 tablespoons for firm gummy bars.
Why are my gummies too firm?
Use 3 tablespoons gelatin next time for a softer gummy texture.
Do these taste like beef gelatin?
The drink packet does most of the flavor work. If you are sensitive to gelatin flavor, use a stronger drink packet flavor like fruit punch, Skittles, blue raspberry, or lemonade.
Storage
Store the gummy protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keep them cold for the best texture.
I would not leave them out at room temperature for long, especially if your kitchen is warm.
You Might Also Like
If you like easy high-protein snacks, try these next:
- Protein Gummies
- Monster Cookie Protein Balls
- High Protein No Bake Cookie Dough
The Final Verdict & Share
These zero sugar gummy protein bars are simple, chewy, and a fun way to use beef gelatin. You only need hot water, a drink packet, and gelatin to make a high-protein gummy snack that sets right in the fridge. Make them once, try different flavors, and tag me if you try them.
Zero Sugar Gummy Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups Hot water
- 1 packet Zero sugar drink mix Any flavor
- 4.5 tbsp Beef gelatin Unflavored
Method
- Add 2 cups of water to a microwave-safe glass measuring cup and microwave until hot.
- Whisk in 1 zero sugar drink packet until fully dissolved.
- Slowly sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of beef gelatin, whisking constantly to prevent clumps.
- Keep whisking until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Place a silicone mold on a baking tray, then carefully pour the mixture into the mold cavities.
- Transfer to the fridge and chill for 2 to 3 hours until completely firm.
- Pop the bars out of the molds and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
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