Healthy Sugar-Free Jello with Electrolytes

This healthy sugar-free jello recipe will transport you back to childhood summers in an instant. The combination of plain gelatin with Ultima electrolyte powder creates a sweet, attractive treat without any sugar, artificial sweeteners, synthetic flavors or dyes, making it a healthy dessert or snack. This is one homemade jello recipe that you and your kids can enjoy all summer.

But Wait, Is Jello Bad for You?

Traditional Jell-O

Traditional Jell-O is often a go-to summer dessert for its fun texture and flavors, but it’s full of sugar, artificial flavors, and synthetic dyes that are used as a marketing ploy to make it look appetizing.

Sugar-Free Jell-O

Store-bought Sugar-Free Jell-O isn’t any better, as it’s sweetened with the chemical sweetener aspartame. Many studies indicate aspartame may harm your gut bacteria. It’s also classified as a potential carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It’s best to avoid anything containing artificial sweeteners.

Dye-free, Sugar-free Jello

On the flip side, plain gelatin is a protein dense food with a variety of uses. When combined with Ultima electrolyte powder containing naturally sweet stevia, plant-based flavorings and colors, plain gelatin makes a delicious and healthy jello.

Preparation Tips for Perfect Jello

• Stir, don’t whisk: Stir the gelatin and electrolytes with a spoon. Whisking creates bubbles that will blemish the texture.
• Let it settle: The electrolyte powder may not dissolve completely–that’s normal. Allow the residue to settle at the bottom of your mixing bowl before carefully pouring the liquid into your setting containers. This yields a clearer jello without the grit.

Homemade Jello Ingredients

• PLAIN GELATIN – This dye free jello recipe uses 2 packets. You can find it in the baking aisle at most grocery stores.
• ULTIMA ELECTROLYTES – Use any flavor you prefer. I’ve made lemon jello and watermelon jello with this method. Because the electrolytes use plant-based food coloring, some flavors have vibrant color, and some don’t. You can experiment with different plant-based food colorings to make them look pretty, but it’s not necessary.

Thrive Market has a wide assortment of Ultima flavors for a great price. [Enjoy 40% off your first box with my partner code.]

Optional Ingredients

• PLANT-BASED FOOD COLORING – 8 drops of yellow is enough to make the lemon jello sunshine bright. You can find plant-based food coloring at health food stores such as Whole Foods.
• COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM, FRESH BERRIES and MINT LEAVES – For garnishing.

How to Make Sugar-Free Jello with Electrolytes

1. Combine the gelatin and electrolytes with one cup of cold water in a small glass or stainless-steel mixing bowl. Stir gently until fully dissolved to avoid introducing air bubbles (about 1 minute).
2. Bring the remaining cup of water to a boil and then pour it over the gelatin mixture. Stir for about 30 seconds.
3. Carefully pour the mixture into your chosen molds or dishes. For a sheet of jello, use a rectangular baking dish; for individual servings, ramekins or coupe glasses work well. Refrigerate for approximately three hours, or until the jello is firm to the touch. Then garnish as desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Fun shapes: Once set, this versatile sugar-free jello can be dressed up for a party or served simply. For a festive look, cut the jello sheet into fun shapes with cookie cutters or slice into cubes.

• Garnishes: A dollop of coconut whipped cream, fresh berries, and mint leaves add a pop of texture and color.

Jello as a Colonoscopy Prep Food

I bet you weren’t expecting this curve ball, were you? 😉

Current guidelines recommend people get their first colonoscopy at age 45. However, if you suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, more frequent colonoscopies will likely be part of your healthcare routine. Unfortunately, colonoscopy prep food options are extremely limited (your gastroenterologist will give you a list of approved foods).

Traditional Lemon Jell-O is allowed, but may not the best choice, especially if you’re already inflamed. That’s why I created this healthy sugar-free jello recipe using Ultima electrolyte powder. It’s an easy, tasty way to get protein and nutrients while preparing for your procedure.

Modifying for Colonoscopy Prep

With these simple modifications you should be able to enjoy this recipe before your procedure, but always follow any instructions from your gastroenterologist.

• Make the recipe above for lemon jello (nothing red, pink or purple is allowed).
• Don’t add any coloring (plant-based or otherwise), it needs to be as light and clear as possible
• Omit all garnishes

Summary

With the addition of electrolyte powder, this sugar-free jello recipe offers a unique twist on a classic, playful dessert that’s healthy enough to eat as a summer snack.

Whether you need a colonoscopy prep food, or an easy and attractive dessert that brings you back to your childhood, this homemade jello is a yummy treat.

🩷 Give it a try and let me know your favorite flavor in the comments below!

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This recipe was originally published May 14, 2025. It was last updated May 31, 2025