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Crystal Light Gelatin | A Yummy Sugar Free Jello Alternative


I’m a fan of Jello. I love how it feels on my throat (especially right now when I have a sore throat). I’m also a fan of Crystal Light. It’s one of my favorite afternoon, “I need something yummy right now” treats (at least it is when I have enough self-control to grab that instead of my usual pint of ice cream).

But I’m not the biggest fan of sugar free Gelatin. I’m not sure what it is, but the artificial sweetener does something funny to the natural flavor of the flavored Gelatin.

So I wondered if I could make my own. So I did!

And it’s YUMMY!

So, here’s what you need for this delicious diet-friendly, snack:

  • A package of Crystal Light pure drink mix (not the singles packet)
  • Five packages of Knox Gelatin (Agar Agar is a great vegan Gelatin alternative…from what I have heard)
  • 8 cups of water

You only need three easy ingredients to whip up this delicious homemade Jello recipe. The first thing you want to do is grab your favorite Crystal Light flavor. My favorite flavor so far is fruit punch. But they also have plenty of different flavors you can get at any grocery store, including Strawberry Orange Banana, Lime, Strawberry Watermelon, Pink Lemonade, Peach Mango, Cherry Pomegranate, Green Apple, Classic Orange, Tropical Coconut, Pineapple Orange, Lemon, Blue Raspberry, and Appletini. I’m sure they have a grape, too, but let’s be real. Grape flavored anything is disgusting. 

After you’ve chosen the flavor for your Jello low carb recipe, throw six cups of plain water on the stove to boil (put it in a pot first, it won’t boil without a pot). And while you’re waiting, whisk together the contents of both the Crystal Light flavors and the Gelatin powder in with the remaining two cups of cold water.  If you’re smart, you’ll use a container or Jello mold big enough for all eight cups of liquid and some stirring space for your Jello mixture.

As a side note, if you choose to use the ingredient Agar Agar as a vegan Jello alternative for traditional Gelatin, you’ll want to substitute the powdered Agar Agar for the Gelatin cup for cup, with a 1:1 ratio. The vegan or vegetarian substitute Agar Agar, which is derived from a kind of seaweed, can be used as a thickener and gelling agent in Jello, jelly, jams, Jello squares, panna cotta, a Jello shot, and Jello jigglers. Agar Agar Gelatin substitute is very versatile, and you can make it thicker or more liquidy by adding more Agar Agar powder or more water. You can also use carrageenan as a healthy collagen or Gelatin alternative and an excellent thickening agent in your Gelatin dessert.

So, what is collagen, and is it any different from Gelatin? Collagen is actually cooked gelatin, but cooking it gives it a different texture. Since gelatin and collagen are both entirely flavorless, so you can use them in plenty of different kinds of recipes. Gelatin can be used in place of eggs, or to thicken a sauce or soup. And of course, you can put it in Jello! Make sure you slowly add it to the hot liquids, so it doesn’t get clumpy. If you want to use collagen, be aware it won’t thicken the recipe, since it instantly dissolves in hot or cold liquid. Collagen is great to put in smoothies, juice, and tea.

Gelatin and collagen are also extremely healthy! Did you know, collagen and Gelatin can actually improve a leaky gut? Collagen is the “glue” that holds your body together. Since 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, you can improve a leaky gut and also help reverse autoimmunity by eating Gelatin and collagen. In addition to improving your gut health, Gelatin and collagen can strengthen your nails, hair, and skin, prevent joint pain, improve your heart and liver function, support bone repair, and even help with weight loss! 

But, back to the recipe 😉 If you’re like me, you’ll forget to get out extra Tuperwares beforehand and end up juggling multiple Tupperware containers before finding one that works for your Gelatin desserts.  Like many thickeners, adding your gel mixture to hot water will cause it to clump together rather than dissolve.  Powdered Gelatin is what gives the Jello its gummy texture and helps it keep its shape. And while that might work for Grandma’s lumpy gravy, not so much for this delicacy.

Once the powder mixture has completely dissolved, add the boiling water.  Gently mix the whole thing, cover, and stick it in the fridge for a really, really long time.

Too long.

Just make this at night before you go to bed.  You’ll thank me.

While we’re on the subject, my new family brings this fantastic pretzel, whipped cream, cream cheese, jello dessert to every family gathering.

I first partook when I went to Adam’s family’s Christmas Eve dinner.  Meeting the whole family of your future husband is a pretty nerve-racking experience.  Of course, at the time he wasn’t my future husband…he was just this super adorable dude I was dating who had the best red beard and the softest lips I’d…

Never mind.

Anyway, in addition to being socially awkward, about 10 pounds heavier than I was when we started dating (now I’m 20 😭) and feeling the pressure of wanting them to like me, I ALSO had to be careful about not binging on the jello dessert.

Suffice it to say, it’s not your basic jello salad recipe. There is something magical about it.  But that is a recipe for another day.

Print

Crystal Light Gelatin | A Yummy Sugar Free Jello Alternative

  • Author: Courtney Ahroon
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Total Time: 8 hours
  • Yield: 8 cups 1x
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package Crystal Light (Not the singles. You want the package that will make 2 qts of Crystal Light)
  • 5 packages Knox Gelatin (I like my Gelatin firm enough to cut into cubes. If you want it less firm, try it with 4 envelopes.)
  • 8 cups Water (Divided)

Instructions

  1. Measure 6 cups of water and put it on the stove to boil.
  2. Mix entire contents of Crystal Light and gelatin envelopes with 2 cups of cold water.
  3. Add to boiling water.
  4. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Put in container and chill for 6-8 hours.
  6. Enjoy your guilt free, delicious, low calorie, paleo, or keto diet snack!!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup

Keywords: Keto, Paleo, Jello, Gelatin, Crystal Light, crystal light ingredients

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