Healthy Homemade Orange Jello {Naturally Sweetened}

Published: Feb 15, 2015 · Modified: Aug 20, 2019 by Emily Criswell · I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article · 56 Comments

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Have you ever made REAL + healthy jello? It's so easy! Skip those box mixes and whip up a batch of your own delicious, naturally sweetened, Homemade Orange Jello in minutes.

Healthy homemade orange Jello is fun food!

Seriously ... who doesn't like jello? But lets face it, the commercial stuff in the box {that I grew up eating} is bad news. Have you read the ingredient list? Refined Sugar, Artificial Flavor, Yellow 6, Red 40, BHA ...no thanks!

Jello is supposed to be afun, delicious snack plus a healing remedy when you're sick. But folks, there is nothing healing about the commercialized jello. There is another option ... make your own!

Trust me on this one, it's super easy to make + only takes minutes to prepare.All you need is some nourishinggelatin + some fresh juice and a little honey and you're good to go.

Did you have a favorite jello flavor as a kid? I loved lime, strawberry and cherry ... but my mom's favorite flavor was orange. She's been on my mind a lot lately {she is every day} and I've really been missing her. I wanted to make some jello for my family and it just seemed fitting to make orange flavored jello. I wish I could have made this delicious jello for her, she would have loved it.

The good news is I can make this for my family now. Tiny Love saw me cutting slices of the jello on the counter and stood on her tippy toes to reach up and grab a square. She took a bite and reached up for another square. I had some and was blown away by how good it was. I told my husband, "You have to try this" and he said, "This is the best jello I've ever had." Made this real food mommy's day.

So get yourself some healthy gelatin ... please, not the commercial kind fromthe store. Knox and other commercial brands are not going to give you any healing benefits. You're probably going to have to buy grass-fed gelatinonline {that's where I buy it}.

Benefits of Gelatin:

It's known for helping restore gut lining.
Known to helping to build stronger bones, build stronger nails + improve dental health.
Helps hair grow strong.
It's known to help reduce joint pain.
Known to help soothe the intestinal tract. This is one of the reasons it's helpful to consume when you're sick. It's very gentle on the stomach.

Whip up a batch of this natural, healthy, homemade orange jello. It's so good, you're going to keep going back for more.

Homemade Orange Jello

Yield: 12-15 squares (varies)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Inactive Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 17 minutes

Have you ever made REAL + healthy jello? It's so easy! Skip those box mixes and whip up a batch of your own delicious, naturally sweetened, Homemade Orange Jello in minutes.

Ingredients

2 cups freshly squeezed organic orange juice {approx. 4 medium oranges}
2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin (<-- recommend)
2 tablespoons light colored honey {like clover honey}

Instructions

Wash and cut oranges in half. Place a fine mesh strainer over a measuring cup or mixing bowl. Squeeze oranges until you have 2 cups of juice {see Notes below}.
Pour juice into saucepan.
Sprinklegelatinon the surface of the orange juice. This is called "blooming" ... basically it just means that it helps prevent lumps from forming.
Using a fork or whisk, stir the mixture and let sit for about 2-3 minutes.
Heat the gelatin-juice mixture over medium heat until gelatin is dissolved, about 5-7 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and add the honey stirring until the honey is completely dissolved.
Remove from heat and immediately pour into glass dish, Jello mold, ice cube tray, ramekins ... whatever you would like.
Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours or until completely set.
Enjoy!

Notes

YOU WILL NEED:Fine Mesh Strainer,Glass Measuring Cupor Large Mixing Bowl,Medium Saucepan, Measuring Spoon, Whisk or Fork, Glass Bowl/Glass Dish/Jello Molds/Ice Cube Trays

You can also add filtered water if you juice your oranges and don't quite have enough to make 2 cups. I have used 1 ½ cups fresh orange juice and ½ cup filtered water and it still tastes delicious.
I like to pour the Jello mixture into a rectangle glass dish and cut the Jello into square slices. You can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for your littles.

INGREDIENTS I USED:I usedgrass-fed Gelatinto make this Jello. I only recommend using a lighter colored honey. Wildflower honey will overpower the flavor ... just trust me on this, it won't taste good. I use a local creamed clover honey. I have also used thislight colored raw honey+ thishoneyis great too.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 34Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 6gProtein: 1g

This nutritional information was auto-generated based on serving size, number of servings, and typical information for the ingredients listed. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circ*mstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Are you onPinterest? I pinlots of yummy real food recipes + more there. I have a board just for Gluten Free Treats + Snacks and Small Bites too! Come follow along.

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About Emily Criswell

Emily Criswell is a chocolate- and sweet treat-loving, holistic-minded mom of 4. She's a 4-time cookbook author -The Art of Great Cooking withYour Instant Pot {ranked in Amazon's top 10 new releases - gluten free recipes}, Amazing Mexican Favorites with Your Instant Pot{ranked as a #1 New Release BEST SELLER!}, Low-Carb Cooking with Your Instant Pot, The Big Book of Instant Pot Recipes, food photographer, homeschooler and the founder of Recipes to Nourish, a gluten-free blog focusing on real food and natural living. She works to empower her readers by showing them that there is a healthier way to eat and live. Her passion is to make healthy, natural living as uncomplicated and enjoyable as possible.Find Emily’s latest recipes and natural living tips atRecipes to Nourish. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram,Pinterest, Twitterand YouTube plus grab her free eBookHolistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy. Read more >>About Emily.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Renee Kohley
February 16, 2015 at 8:06 am

Great idea Emily! I have some juicing oranges that i need to use up so I think I will make these!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 16, 2015 at 2:01 pm
  
  Thanks! I'm sure the girls would love it 🙂
  Reply
Raine Saunders
February 16, 2015 at 9:03 am

You are definitely getting at my orange craving, Emily! This looks great! Pinning! 🙂
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 16, 2015 at 2:01 pm
  
  I think we're both enjoying oranges this time of year 😉
  Reply
Anna
February 17, 2015 at 11:38 am

I have to say that I have cooked with gelatin before. I need to pop to a health shop tomorrow and see if they have some in stock so I can experiment with it. Number 1 think I will use it for is your orange jello. It sounds sooo good I must try making it! Pinned!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 17, 2015 at 4:10 pm
  
  Thanks for pinning it! I hope you get to make it 🙂
  See Also
  Arthur Schwartz's Homemade Kosher Dill Pickle Recipe - David Lebovitz 30+ of the Best Football Party Food - Crowd Favorites - Top Rated Recipes.Old Fashioned Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe Joe's Stone Crab Mustard Sauce Recipe - Joe's Stone Crab Recipes
  Reply
Krystal
February 17, 2015 at 11:45 am

Emily this looks like the perfect treat! If only I could get my hands on some grassfed gelatin..:)
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 17, 2015 at 4:10 pm
  
  Thanks Krystal! I hope you can find some.
  Reply
Jessica @ConveyAwareness
February 17, 2015 at 11:50 am

Would you say that adding some zest from the oranges would be good too? I have made a similar recipe with oranges and another fruit with the grass fed gelatin and they didn't come out. The gelatin overpowered the juice. Thanks.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 17, 2015 at 4:15 pm
  
  I bet you could add some zest, there's so much lovely flavor in citrus zest. Hmm that's interesting, did you use a similar ratio with the recipe you tried before? I have never found the gelatin to be overpowering at all. So far I have only made strawberry, cherry and citrus ones and they all have been amazing.
  Reply
Rama
February 17, 2015 at 12:07 pm

My oldest turns 6 today and Grandma brought oranges up to Portland from Cali,,,we might just be making these today! Thanks for the recipe. -Rama
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 17, 2015 at 4:16 pm
  
  How fun! Happy Birthday day to your little one and Happy BIRTH day to you. I hope you get to make some.
  Reply
Anna @Green Talk
February 17, 2015 at 1:02 pm

I shared this recipe because who doesn't love jello--especially healthy jello.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 17, 2015 at 4:17 pm
  
  🙂 thanks Anna! I agree, it's such a fun + yummy food.
  Reply
Megan Stevens
February 17, 2015 at 1:58 pm

Love that you use freshly squeezed orange juice. What a beautiful 3-ingredient recipe. Mmmm!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 17, 2015 at 4:17 pm
  
  Thanks Megan! It's so yummy.
  Reply
Karen
February 17, 2015 at 6:32 pm

Perfect snack using REAL fruit juice and my favorite gelatin! Great way to get some of those collagen into kids (of all ages)! And no added sugar! Sharing on my FB page tomorrow!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 18, 2015 at 11:29 am
  
  Thanks so much Karen!
  Reply
Julia
February 21, 2015 at 6:43 am

I have had some sick kiddos this week, and am so thankful for the reminder to make jello for them. I used to drink Jello juice whenever I was sick as a child. Now I can make it healthier with juice!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2015 at 5:35 pm
  
  So sorry to hear they're sick. Hope they enjoy the Jello.
  Reply
Raia
February 26, 2015 at 3:04 pm

Delicious! I can't wait to try them out! Thanks for sharing them at Savoring Saturdays, Emily! Hope to see you back this weekend. 🙂
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 26, 2015 at 9:41 pm
  
  Thanks Raia!
  Reply
Rachel @ day2dayjoys
March 04, 2015 at 10:25 am
See Also
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When my kids see Jello part of them is like "What is this" and the other part is like "I want to try it"... which is totally understandable, I should make them some of this so they can try it and know there are real food versions, besides, I would never buy them the fake stuff... 🙂
Reply
Anna
June 03, 2015 at 2:43 pm

Can We Try W/Other Fruits? Have U Tried W/Other Fruits??
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  June 04, 2015 at 10:01 pm
  
  I make homemade jello with all kinds of juices and fruits 🙂 This one is made with juice though, not the actual fruit.
  Reply
Joni Gomes
January 29, 2018 at 8:45 am

I need to make this ASAP! I'm a sucker for jello and gummies!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:35 pm
  
  Me too! I hope you get to make some 🙂
  Reply
Yang
January 29, 2018 at 8:53 am

Absolutely, I had resorted to making my own, so that my kids wouldn't complain about me never buying them jello. I haven't done it for a while, so I will really have to start again! This recipe is the best reminder. Kids are picky, they don't like all the complex flavours us as adults enjoy. Well, I don't know why I haven't thought of making just straight orange juice jello. Great idea, simple, and I have a feeling the kids will love! Thank you <3
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:35 pm
  
  I hope you get to make some for your kids soon 🙂
  Reply
Tessa
January 29, 2018 at 9:53 am

now here is some jello I'd actually be willing to give my kids!! Fun idea!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:35 pm
  
  It's such a fun snack (or treat)! 🙂
  Reply
Jean
January 29, 2018 at 10:24 am

Mmm love homemade jello and I love this orange flavor!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:36 pm
  
  Isn't homemade the best? 🙂
  Reply
Yvonne
January 29, 2018 at 3:24 pm

Great way to get the kids to eat more collagen! This is a healthy treat that I can give my kids without feeling guitly.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:36 pm
  
  Yes! Such a fun treat! 🙂
  Reply
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats
January 29, 2018 at 7:27 pm

Such a great idea! I loathe the idea of "jello" because of the food color and artificial flavorings. This is such a clean idea for a snack!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:36 pm
  
  Yes! All of those store-bought ones are so terrible 🙁
  Reply
linda spiker
January 30, 2018 at 7:42 am

I wish I had this recipe when my kids were younger. They loved Jello and I would never make it for them so my mom would lol. They still talk about it.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:37 pm
  
  LOL I'm sure it's a fun memory for them that your mom made it for them. I grew up with that boxed stuff, but I'm glad my kids don't know what it is.
  Reply
Betty
January 30, 2018 at 8:26 am

I love jello! This looks so easy to make - it's on my list!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:37 pm
  
  I hope you get to make some! 🙂
  Reply
Monique
January 30, 2018 at 5:04 pm

Gorgeous, nourishing and simple. Isn't it crazy how commercial brands have ruined such perfectly good ideas. Thank goodness we can make them at home!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:38 pm
  
  It really is crazy isn't it?
  Reply
20 Dishes
January 31, 2018 at 5:20 am

This looks great. I love orange flavored treats and desserts.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:38 pm
  
  Thanks! 😉
  Reply
Danielle
February 04, 2018 at 3:43 pm

These are adorable, and such a great way to use up oranges and squeeze in a bunch of vitamin C.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:32 pm
  
  It's such a fun way to enjoy fresh orange juice 🙂
  Reply
Christina Shoemaker
February 04, 2018 at 4:13 pm

My kids would LOVE THIS!! And major props for sweetening with honey! ❤️
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:31 pm
  
  It's so yummy! 🙂
  Reply
Leslie-Anne
February 04, 2018 at 5:08 pm

Yum! My kids would love this, and I think they'd enjoy helping to make it too! Thanks for giving the heads up about the honey choice, I usually have wildflower honey, so glad you've let us know to try a lighter flavoured one!
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:30 pm
  
  Trust me lol I've tried it with wildflower and it's just not as good lol ... although there is one wildflower honey that tastes like marshmallows, I wish I could remember what flower variety it is, but I bet that one would be good.
  Reply
Tatiana
February 04, 2018 at 11:23 pm

This is exactly how i was making jello back in Russia, we call it Marmalade. So delicious , easy and free of bad stuff.
Reply
- Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri
  February 22, 2018 at 2:29 pm
  
  How fun! I didn't know that it's called Marmalade. 🙂
  Reply
paws
March 31, 2019 at 4:05 pm

This turned out well for us. We used pure orange juice from Kroger. Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
Carol Jean
September 11, 2022 at 7:09 pm

I wonder if this would work with cottage cheese, crushed pineapple and cool whip, or would that combination of flavors would not work?
Reply
- Emily Vidaurri
  September 20, 2022 at 4:43 pm
  
  Hi Carol, I honestly have no idea, I've never made it like that. That reminds me of the jello salads I grew up with though 😊 I wish I had the exact answer for you, but I've never tried it, so I can't say for sure.
  Reply

Healthy Homemade Orange Jello {Naturally Sweetened} | Recipes to Nourish (2024)