Sugar Free Jello

There’s nothing like having to look for a zero sugar low calorie gelatin dessert mix, to really convince you to make your own. At least for me, anyway.

The sugar free jello desserts line has nowhere near the number of different flavours, and what they DO have is often hard to find.

I don’t have a problem with most artificial flavors, but when it comes to artificial sweeteners ... I tend to be more fussy. I hate the taste/texture of erythritol, and pretty much NO ONE like the aspartame and/or maltitol that tend to sweeten sugar free retail products.

Good news, though: You can indulge your sweet tooth *and* watch your sugar intake, with your choice of HOMEMADE sugar free Jello cups - in almost any flavour you can imagine.

Without all the added preservatives - and with full control over the dyes, flavors, and sweetener used - it’s a pretty healthy snack, too!

It’s a low carb / keto sweet treat that the whole family will love... and it only takes a few minutes of work!

What more could you ask for?

Well, directions, probably. Let’s look at what you’ll need, in order to throw on a batch of your own homemade sugar free jello!

Ingredients

This recipe uses a few really simple ingredients - you may even have them on hand!

As always, I have a few notes for you:

Keto Sweetener

This recipe was developed to use granulated Allulose.

It’s a fantastic sweetener - no weird aftertaste, no crystallization issues, and it won’t cause a blood sugar spike.

That said, it isn’t quite as sweet as sugar, so if you’re looking to substitute a different sweetener, keep that in mind. You’ll want to use a little less, if you’re using a cup-for-cup sugar alternative, like an Allulose-Monkfruit Blend.

I would start at about ⅓ cup, taste it, and add a little more if needed.

Unflavoured Beef Gelatin Powder

Most people know Knox brand gelatin, I tend to use Great Lakes Unflavored Beef Gelatin.

I use a LOT of this stuff, as it’s great both for making sugar free gummy candies like my Sugar Free Sour Jubes, Sugar Free Sour Peach Gummies, Salty Black Licorice Candies, and Sour Cherry Cola Gummies.

I also make homemade Protein Gummies, and use it to thicken things like Steak and Kidney Stew and Keto Beef Stew. It also adds a bit of protein and a nicer mouthfeel to my Instant Bone Broth.

If these things sound good to you, I definitely recommend buying it by the canister or the pound, rather than the little individual envelopes!

Flavouring

There are two ways you can go with the flavouring - a grocery store extract, or a flavour oil. This recipe was developed using flavour oil, so you’ll need to use a bit extra - probably more like 1 ½-2 teaspoon - if using another extract.

If you really want your keto Jello to taste like the real thing, though... I definitely recommend using Lorann Flavor Oil.

It comes in all kinds of different flavours, but I like to stick to the fruity ones for making homemade Jello:

Lorann Blue Raspberry Flavor Oil
Lorann Cherry Flavor Oil
Lorann Grape Flavor Oil
Lorann Green Apple Flavor Oil
Lorann Key Lime Flavor Oil
Lorann Lemon Flavor Oil
Lorann Mango Flavor Oil
Lorann Orange Flavor Oil
Lorann Peach Flavor Oil
Lorann Pineapple Flavor Oil
Lorann Raspberry Flavor Oil
Lorann Strawberry Flavor Oil
Lorann Strawberry Banana Flavor Oil
Lorann Strawberry Kiwi Flavor Oil

If you find a shop that carries the line - or browse Amazon - you’ll see there are a TON of flavours that would work wonderfully. Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch, Tutti-Fruitti, etc!

Food Colouring

If you’re not making your homemade Jello specifically to avoid artificial dyes, you’ll want to use a little food colouring to give it that bright visual appeal of the source material

I use Gel Food Coloring - found in craft stores and cake decorating supply shops - as that’s what I have on hand.

Really though, using grocery store liquid food colouring will work just fine in this recipe. Whichever of the food dyes you use, a little will go a long way in a clear liquid, so it really doesn’t matter that it’s not as intense as the gel stuff. Realistically, the liquid will mix in easier, too!

If you’re not into using artificial food colouring, feel free to use a natural dye of your choice. Clear Jello just sounds sad!

Citric Acid & Salt

Citric Acid - and salt - are technically optional, but also kind of ... not.

If you skip them, you’ll get a decent dessert that resembles Jello in texture and appearance. It’ll just taste a bit... flat.

Citric acid is not expensive, though, and it’s good to have around for other recipes, such as those aforementioned sour gummies.

How to Make Sugar Free Jello

The full recipe is in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here is the visual walk through:

In a small saucepan, whisk together the allulose, beef gelatin powder, and salt.

Add 1cup of water.

Bring just to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure nothing burns on the bottom of the pot.

Once the allulose and gelatin are completely dissolved, remove pot from heat.

Add remaining 1 cup cold water, whisk well to combine.

Pour jello mixture into serving cups, chill 3-4 hours, or until firm.

Serve immediately, garnished with sugar free whipped cream or some fresh fruit, if desired.

Leftovers

For best results - if you’re not serving the sugar free jello right away - cover each portion with plastic wrap.

If you have the plastic right against the top surface, it will prevent a skin from forming.

Best used within a few days of making it.

More Low Carb Dessert Recipes

Looking to indulge your sweet tooth with delicious keto desserts that won’t spike your blood sugar? Here are some of my favorite recipes!

Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chewy Lemon Bars
Chocolate Truffles
Raspberry Coconut Bars
Bananas Foster Truffles
Cheesecake
Fudgy Brownies
Lemon Tart
Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Biscotti
Sour Peach Gummies
Ladyfingers
Gluten-Free Rum Cake
Key Lime Cheesecake
Tiramisu
Cream Cheese Mints
Chocolate Mousse
Low Carb Holiday Desserts
Creme Brulee
Carrot Cake

Be sure to see our full menu of sugar free dessert recipes: Keto Dessert Recipes.