It’s that time of year again, when sniffles start, schedules get busier, and your body craves extra support. One of my favorite wellness rituals every fall and winter is making a batch of these Homemade Elderberry & Cherry Immunity Gummies. They’re naturally sweet, packed with antioxidants, and a fun, easy way to sneak in daily immune support for both adults and kids.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good gummy vitamin moment?

Why Elderberry Deserves Its Superfood Status

Elderberries have been used for centuries as a natural immune booster, and for good reason. They’re rich in vitamin C, fiber, and powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins (the same compounds that give berries their deep purple hue). Studies suggest elderberries can help:

Reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu
Support your immune system’s natural defenses
Help fight inflammation and oxidative stress
Support respiratory health, especially during seasonal transitions

Pairing elderberries with tart cherry juice adds extra antioxidants and melatonin, making these gummies not only good for your immune system but also a gentle sleep and recovery aid.

Why You Should Make Homemade Gummies

All-natural ingredients – no corn syrup, dyes, or artificial flavoring.
Immune support that tastes like a treat.
Kid-approved (but also teen and adult approved).
Quick to make and fun to customize, try adding citrus juice, cinnamon, or ginger for a little warmth.

My Favorite Tools & Ingredients

Silicone large gummy bear molds – cute shapes make them more fun to take!
Grass-fed gelatin – adds protein and gut health benefits.
Organic elderberry syrup – the star ingredient for immune support. (also love this Elderberry syrup with functional mushrooms!)
Organic tart cherry juice – rich in antioxidants and natural melatonin.

Don’t Buy Gummies Make Your Own

Elderberry gummies are such a simple, cozy way to nourish your immune system, and making them yourself means you skip the processed syrups and questionable sweeteners. Instead, you get the pure power of fruit, antioxidants, and collagen-rich gelatin in every bite.

They’ve become a little seasonal ritual for me, I make a fresh batch every couple of weeks once fall hits. It’s one of those small, daily things that makes you feel like you’re taking care of yourself in the most natural, intentional way.

So next time you’re craving a boost, skip the store-bought bottle and make your own!

Gina

Ingredients

1 cup (8 oz) unsweetened or lightly sweetened elderberry syrup
1 cup tart cherry juice
1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
4 Tbsp grass-fed gelatin powder
a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth and flavor optional but highly recommended
1-2 Tbsp lemon juice optional

Instructions

Pour the cherry juice and the elderberry syrup into a saucepan then sprinkle the gelatin on top and let the gelatin “bloom” for 10 minutes (it will look spongy).
Gently heat the mixture over medium low heat while stirring until the gelatin in completely dissolved (just warm, not boiling)
Remove from heat and add honey and cinnamon and/or ginger and whisk until completely incorporated.
Pour the mixture into a glass dish (may want to remove any bubbles by skimming the top layer with a spoon for a best results) or silicone gummy molds.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Pop gummies out of molds or cut into small squares if using a pan.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Elderberry syrup can be pricey, so if you want to use a little bit less; try using 1/2 cup of the elderberry syrup and use more cherry juice. As long as the total amount of liquid is 2 cups, they will turn out great!