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Looking for a fun Halloween treat that's a little healthier than traditional candy? These homemade glow-in-the-dark gummy bears are made with real orange juice, honey, and a secret ingredient that makes them glow under a black light!
Everything you need HERE
The secret? Turmeric! Just a little bit of this pantry staple gives these gummies a bright yellow-orange color and a fun fluorescent glow under UV black light. It's such a fun Halloween surprise for kids, and you only need four simple ingredients to make them.
These gummies are naturally sweetened, easy to make, and perfect for Halloween parties, spooky lunchboxes, or a fun kitchen activity with the kids.
The Secret to Glow-in-the-Dark Gummies
You might be surprised to learn that turmeric naturally fluoresces under UV light! It contains a compound called curcumin that can give off a bright yellow-green glow when exposed to certain types of ultraviolet light.
For this recipe, I recommend using ¼ teaspoon of turmeric. You can increase it to ½ teaspoon for a stronger glow, but keep in mind that the turmeric flavor becomes more noticeable. I think ¼ teaspoon is the sweet spot for gummies that still taste like orange!
One important thing to know: These gummies don't glow on their own in the dark. You'll need a UV black light to see the effect!
Homemade Glow-in-the-Dark Gummy Bears
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours
Ingredients
½ cup orange juice, divided
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
3–4 tablespoons honey, depending on how sweet you like them
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (up to ½ teaspoon for a stronger glow)
Instructions
Bloom the gelatin. Pour ¼ cup of the orange juice into a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the juice and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
Warm the orange juice. Meanwhile, pour the remaining ¼ cup orange juice into a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently without bringing it to a boil.
Combine the ingredients. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture, honey, and turmeric to the warm orange juice. Stir until everything is completely dissolved and smooth.
Fill the molds. Carefully transfer the mixture into silicone gummy bear molds using a dropper or small spoon.
Refrigerate. Place the molds in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours, or until the gummies are completely firm.
Make them glow! Gently remove the gummies from the molds, turn off the lights, and shine a UV black light over them to reveal their spooky glow!
Tips for the Best Glow-in-the-Dark Gummies
Start with less turmeric. I recommend ¼ teaspoon for the best balance of flavor and glow. Adding ½ teaspoon can make the fluorescence more noticeable, but you'll also taste more turmeric.
Use a UV black light. A regular flashlight won't create the same effect. The glow is easiest to see in a dark room with a UV black light.
Use silicone molds. Gummy bear molds are perfect for this recipe, but you can also use Halloween-themed molds like pumpkins, bats, or ghosts.
Keep them refrigerated. Since these gummies are homemade without preservatives, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within about 5 days.
A Fun Halloween Treat for Kids
I love finding ways to make simple homemade snacks feel extra special for the holidays, and these glow-in-the-dark gummy bears are such a fun example!
They're made with just four ingredients, naturally sweetened with honey, and have a little Halloween magic thanks to turmeric.
Make a batch for your next Halloween party, add them to a spooky snack board, or surprise your kids with a glowing treat under a black light.
Happy Halloween! 🎃
Note: The glow depends on your UV light, turmeric, and other ingredients, so results may vary. These gummies are best enjoyed under adult supervision, especially with younger children.
