What Are Vegan Elderberry Gummies?
If you love the wellness benefits of elderberry syrup, you’ll love turning it into delicious, chewy vegan elderberry gummies made with agar agar.
They’re a fun, plant-based way to support your immune system and make it easy to enjoy a daily dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and natural wellness support.
This recipe walks you through how to make vegan elderberry gummies using agar agar, a seaweed-derived ingredient that creates a firm, chewy texture without any animal products.
Best of all, this version uses Popple Tree Creek Farms American elderberry syrup, giving you the purest immune-supporting goodness, never imported, never from concentrate.
*Important Note: Our syrups are all sweetened using raw unfiltered honey. If your vegan diet excludes honey, we have a recipe to make your own syrup using our freeze-dried elderberries and your choice of sweetener here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A plant-based alternative to traditional gummies
Made with real elderberry syrup
Easy to customize texture and flavor
Kid-friendly and easy to portion
A simple way to incorporate elderberry into your routine
Recipe Ingredients
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 ½ tsp agar agar powder (not flakes)
2 Tbsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
Why Make Agar Agar Elderberry Gummies?
Immune Support Made Easy: Gummies offer a simple, convenient way to add elderberry into your daily routine.
Kid-Friendly Format: Many kids prefer gummies over liquid syrup.
Fully Customizable: Adjust tartness, sweetness, or firmness to your preference.
Vegan-Friendly: Made without gelatin or animal products.
Vegan Elderberry Agar Agar Gummy Recipe (12 fl oz Syrup Batch)
This recipe makes about 120–140 small gummies, depending on mold size.
You can also pour the mixture into a sheet pan and cut into squares once set.
How to Make Vegan Elderberry Gummies
Ingredients
3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 ½ tsp agar agar powder (not flakes)
2 Tbsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
Equipment
Saucepan
Silicone molds or parchment-lined pan
Airtight container
Preparation
Combine elderberry syrup and lemon juice in a saucepan.
Whisk in agar agar powder and let sit for 2 minutes.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking constantly.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to activate the agar.
Remove from heat and stir in honey or maple syrup if using.
Quickly pour into molds or a lined pan (agar sets fast).
Let cool for 30–60 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Why This Recipe Works
Agar agar behaves very differently from gelatin.
It requires boiling to activate
It sets quickly at room temperature
It creates a firmer, more structured texture
That’s why timing and temperature matter more with this version.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Elderberry Gummies
Whisk constantly when heating to prevent clumping
Make sure the mixture reaches a gentle boil (this activates agar)
Work quickly when pouring becuase it sets fast
Use silicone molds for easiest removal
Adjust agar slightly for firmer or softer texture
Extra Tips for Perfect Elderberry Gummies
Boost Nutrition: Stir in 1 tsp vitamin C powder after heating
Texture Control: More agar = firmer (but can become brittle if overdone)
Kid-Friendly Shapes: Use fun molds (bears, stars, hearts)
Storage: Always refrigerate since they’re made with fresh syrup
Agar vs Gelatin Gummies (What’s the Difference?)
Gelatin gummies → softer, more elastic, chewy
Agar gummies → firmer, slightly more “set” texture
Both work — it just depends on your preference and dietary needs.
Why Use Popple Tree Creek Farms Elderberry Syrup?
Our gummies start with American elderberry syrup, made from fresh-frozen elderberries grown here in northern Minnesota.
Unlike most elderberry products on the market:
Never imported
Never from concentrate
Always made in small batches
That means every gummy is made with real, farm-grown ingredients you can trust.
Are Vegan Elderberry Gummies Good for You?
These gummies are made with real elderberry syrup, which contains naturally occurring antioxidants.
They’re a simple, plant-based way to make elderberry part of your daily routine.
When to Take Elderberry Gummies
As part of a daily wellness routine
During cold and flu season
As an easy option for kids
Anytime you want a convenient alternative to syrup
Read this full article about how much elderberry to take.
More Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup
If you enjoy these, you can also use elderberry syrup in:
Tea
Sparkling drinks
Hot toddies
Homemade sodas
It’s one of the most versatile ingredients to keep on hand.
Read this full list of 25+ ways to use elderberry syrup beyond the spoonful.
FAQs About Vegan Elderberry Gummies
Do these contain honey?
Our syrups are all sweetened using raw unfiltered honey. If your vegan diet excludes honey, you can start with your own syrup using this recipe and whichever sweetener you prefer.
Do I have to boil agar agar?
Yes, agar must be brought to a gentle boil to activate properly. Skipping this step will prevent the gummies from setting.
Can I use gelatin?
Gelatin is made with animal products, so is not vegan. If you are looking for a gummies recipe using gelatin, we have that recipe here.
Why did my gummies turn out too firm or brittle?
This usually means too much agar was used. Agar sets firmer than gelatin, so small adjustments make a big difference.
Can I use agar flakes instead of powder?
This recipe is designed for powder. Flakes require different measurements and longer cooking time.
How long do vegan elderberry gummies last?
Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll last up to 1 week.
Can kids eat these?
Yes, they’re a great plant-based option that many kids enjoy.
Can I freeze vegan elderberry gummies?
You can, but texture may change slightly after thawing.
Final Thoughts
Elderberry gummies are a fun, healthy, and effective way to get the benefits of elderberry every day.
With this vegan agar agar recipe, you’ll have a family-friendly treat that supports your routine with every bite.
👉 Ready to try this recipe? Grab a bottle of Popple Tree Creek Farms American elderberry syrup and turn it into gummies your whole family will love.
