Making homemade fruit roll-ups is easy and foolproof. Kids love this healthy snack, and I have to admit, it’s a great treat for kids at heart, too! This recipe contains pure ingredients; no junk allowed! Plus, you can use whatever fruit you have in your fridge. Pro tip: Sneak in those veggies too!
This snack is excellent for on-the-go fun. We take it to the beach, on road trips, to the playground, and even on errands. Your kids will never guess they’re getting in a hefty dose of produce!
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Why DIY Snacks?
Fruity snacks are so tempting to little ones. Bright packages and beloved characters make it impossible for children to resist them! Raising healthy kids doesn’t mean eating bland food, and your kids will be more likely to eat clean if they have fun, nutritious treats.
My parents used their dehydrator often, and this fruit roll-up recipe was always on repeat. I have fond memories of the sweet, fruity smell wafting up the stairs!
You may be able to find some “healthy” fruit roll-ups on the market, but even if they were toxin-free, they’d put a dent in your wallet! Here are a few reasons to try this recipe.
Sugar-Free is the Way to Be
Store-bought fruit roll-ups often contain multiple forms of sugar. Leading brands of fruit snacks include sugar, corn syrup, and maltodextrin. (1) Sugar can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation. This inflammation can cause aches, pains, and even chronic disease. (2)
This recipe doesn’t contain any sugar! Plus, store-bought fruit roll-ups include minimal fruit, if any. The main ingredient in this recipe is vitamin C-filled fruit that will strengthen your body against “bugs.” The choice is clear!
Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups Don’t Contain Dyes
Store-bought fruit roll-ups often contain dyes to make them zany colors. This is a great marketing move, but it’s detrimental to consumers. The first warning sign is that the dye is made from petroleum. (3) Yuck!
As you can expect, an ingredient derived from petroleum can wreak havoc. Many children are sensitive to dyes, and they’ve been linked to behavioral problems.
These issues aren’t because dye contains sugar but because this toxin can change chemical levels in the brain. (4) That’s one risk we can’t afford to take on ourselves or our children!
Unlimited Potential
Unlike store-bought fruit roll-ups that seem to work against your health, homemade versions can work for you. For example, if your child needs a little extra vitamin C, you can add a splash of lemon juice. If you’re iron-deficient, add a handful of spinach.
Plus, you can customize these homemade fruit roll-ups to fit your dietary needs. For example, if you’re vegan, use a healthy alternative to gelatin. The sky is the limit!
Healthy Snack Ingredients 101
This recipe requires just two ingredients and one handy kitchen tool. Here’s what you need to add to your shopping cart.
Fruit: This recipe calls for 4 cups of fruit. I like to sneak in a few vegetables for good measure! You can use whatever you have on hand, and since it’s going to be pureed anyway, it doesn’t have to be pretty.
This snack is one of my favorite ways to use less-than-ideal produce! Not sure what to include in your mix? Here are some of our tried and true combinations:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Cherries
- Cranberries
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapple
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Spinach or kale
- Strawberries
Gelatin or Gelatin Substitute: These homemade fruit roll-ups have the best texture when you add a gelatin-like substance to them. This ingredient thickens them up and gives them chewiness and moisture. Grass-fed beef gelatin is always a great option, plus it adds a boost of protein.
You can use a gelatin substitute like agar-agar if you’re following a vegan diet.
Food Dehydrator: A dehydrator is one of the most valuable tools a chef can own, but it’s often the most overlooked. Aside from making amazing homemade fruit roll-ups, you can preserve your garden bounty or even produce you find on sale at the store.
With a dehydrator, you can make apple or banana chips, grass-fed beef jerky, re-crisp stale gluten-free crackers, make potpourri, or dehydrate sprouted nuts.
Non-Stick Dehydrator Sheets: This dehydrator accessory is a lifesaver! It allows you to peel your roll-ups with ease, even if they’ve been sitting there a while. The best part is that these dehydrator sheets are reusable, so you don’t have to continue purchasing them!
If you’re in a pinch, you can use parchment paper.
Make Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups
Preparing these fruit roll-ups is a cinch. In a few minutes, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, vitamin-packed snack!
- 4 cups organic fruit
- 2 tablespoons organic grass-fed beef gelatin or agar-agar
- Purified or distilled water
- Blender
- Dehydrator
- Non-stick dehydrator sheets
- Place the fruit in a blender and blend at high speed until pureed. Thicker fruits like bananas may need ¼ cup water to reach the right consistency.
- Add the gelatin and blend again until thoroughly mixed.
- Lay non-stick dehydrator sheets over the tray grates and pour fruit puree on top.
- Tilt the tray as needed to spread puree into a ¼-inch thick layer.
- Dehydrate at 140°F or a low setting for 6-10 hours or overnight. Time will vary based on your climate.
- Bend the dehydrator sheet to remove the fruit leather in one flexible sheet when finished.
- Roll in a clean piece of parchment paper and store in an air-tight container for up to 3 months.
Step One: Create the Fruit Puree
Place your fruit of choice in a blender and blend at high speed until pureed. Depending on what type of fruit you used, you may need to add ¼ cup of water. Add the gelatin and blend again until thoroughly mixed.
Step Two: Dehydrate the Roll-Ups
Lay the dehydrator sheets over the grates on the tray and pour the puree on top. Tilt your tray as needed to spread the mixture. Your puree layer should be ¼-inch thick.
Dehydrate your fruit roll at 140° or on low for 6-10 hours or overnight. Cooking time will vary based on your climate.
Step Three: Store Properly
When the puree is dry, gently bend the dehydrator sheet. Your fruit leather should peel up into one flexible piece. Roll your fruit layer on a clean sheet of parchment paper for storage. Place in an air-tight container and use within the next few months. Enjoy!
Want to learn how to makeover more of your family’s favorite foods? Dr. Z and Mama Z’s Toxic-Free Healthy Home Makeover is full of practical tips and tricks that will help you make your entire home a non-toxic haven.
You’ll learn more ways to use your dehydrator and how to get the best, most nutritious foods out of your garden without using toxins! Plus, you’ll get Mama Z’s Recipe Makeover Guide, which is a priceless tool full of simple substitutions to help you practice clean eating.
