If you want a simple and more natural alternative to store-bought candies, this recipe is one of those that easily fits into your routine. Here, the base is real fruit juice and the gelling agent comes from agar agar, an algae rich in fiber and naturally vegan. The result is firm, refreshing candies with an authentic fruit flavor.

And there's an important bonus... they're an excellent option for children. Besides being naturally colorful and appealing, they help reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and avoid common ingredients found in industrially produced sweets, such as artificial colors, flavorings, and excess refined sugar. They work very well as a balanced treat for everyday life or for lunchboxes.

Healthy Fruit Candies

Yields: 25 to 40 small candies (standard silicone molds)

Ingredients:

• 400 ml of natural fruit juice of your choice.
• 1 tablespoon (20 ml) or about 4 g of agar agar (or as directed on the package)
• 1 tablespoon of molasses or other natural sweetener to taste (optional)

Preparation:

1️⃣ Preparing the juice (blender): Blend about 1 1/2 cups of the fruit with 1 cup of water. Adjust as needed. The more concentrated the juice, the more intense the final flavor. Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth for a smoother texture.

2️⃣ Alternative (cold press extractor): If you have a juicer, use the fruit directly, without water. This method better preserves the bioactive compounds and results in a richer juice.

3️⃣ Activating agar agar: Bring the juice to a boil with the agar agar. Stir constantly until it comes to a boil. As soon as it boils, turn off the heat (excessive boiling can reduce the gelling power).

4️⃣ Adjustments (if necessary): One advantage of agar is that it's easy to adjust. If the texture isn't ideal, return it to the pan, adjust the liquid or amount of agar, and repeat the process.

5️⃣ Molding: Pour into silicone molds or a shallow container. Wait about 30 minutes or until completely firm.

Suggested combinations:

🔸Orange + strawberry
Pear + kiwi
🔸Mango + orange

Storage:

🔹Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Although agar retains its structure outside the refrigerator, since it's based on natural juice, it's best to keep it refrigerated.

Why use agar agar?

Agar agar is a soluble fiber extracted from seaweed, which differs from traditional gelatin because:

🔸It's 100% plant-based.
🔸It has no aftertaste.
🔸Contributes to satiety
🔸Aids in intestinal function

Important tip: 

✦ Choose a good quality agar agar. Brands like Arcolor and Gelialgas Kanten usually perform better. Bulk versions may compromise texture and flavor.

Nutritional note:

These candies are an interesting way to include fruit in everyday life, especially for children who are more resistant to eating whole fruit. However, it's worth remembering that when you strain the juice, some of the fiber is lost. In other words, they are a better alternative within the world of sweets, but they don't completely replace the nutritional value of whole fruit. Here, the focus is on balance... a more natural sweet option, without ultra-processed ingredients, that satisfies moments of pleasure and offers practicality.

Chef's tips:

❖ Use very ripe fruit to avoid artificial sweeteners.
❖ Mix tart and sweet fruits to balance the flavor.
❖ Add lemon zest or ginger for added complexity.
❖ For a functional version, try including turmeric with black pepper in citrus flavors.

Nutritional information (serving size: 100 g of ready-made candy):

Calories: 60 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 0,5 g | Fat: 0 g | Natural sugars: 11 g | Fiber: 1 g

→ If you add molasses (1 tablespoon/entire recipe): it adds about 40-50 kcal in total, or 5 kcal per serving.

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Several factors, such as product types or brands purchased, may alter the nutritional information in any recipe.