How to Make Homemade Jello with Cranberry Tea

Dec 23, 2024

dye-free Red Jello in a Jar made with tea

Jello is such a timeless dessert — but unfortunately, most store-bought options these days are full of harmful dyes, additives, preservatives, and a whole bunch of other nasties. That’s why we like to make homemade jello with tea instead!

Our better-for-you twist is easy to make, free from unnecessary additives, and full of flavor. Plus, there are so many benefits to be found in herbal tea… that of course will make their way into this homemade jello recipe. A jello that actually may be good for you? Say no more!

Learn how to make homemade jello with our simple and healthy recipe that uses cranberry tea and natural ingredients! Homemade jello is a flavorful and additive-free alternative to store-bought options, with benefits from cranberries, hibiscus, ginger, and more to boot. Our homemade jello recipe is colorful, tasty, and full of so many potential health perks, making it perfect for mamas with littles to feed!

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Cooking with Tea

If you’re here, you likely already enjoy drinking a cup of tea or two. Did you know that there are so many ways to use tea, beyond your favorite cuppa? Herbal teas in particular can be used to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. They often boast complex flavors, great natural colors, and wellness benefits that are much more, well, beneficial than what you’d find in standard flavorings.

Tea can bring so much when used in desserts like Grandma's homemade jello salad. Cranberry tea, for example, adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a beautiful deep red color.

Herbal tea is also incredibly versatile! You can brew it strong for a super bold flavor, or keep it light to impart just a hint. Cooking with tea is the perfect way to customize recipes to suit your and your kiddos’ needs.

Why Homemade Jello is So Much Better than Store-Bought

Store-bought jello is definitely convenient, but many commercial brands contain additives like high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetic dyes. These ingredients not only alter the taste — some may like that super-sweet flavor, but we usually don’t — but also raise concerns about their impact on our health, especially for our children.

When you make jello yourself, you take back control of what goes into your dessert! Homemade versions can be naturally sweetened, flavored with wholesome ingredients like herbal tea, and free from preservatives.

Also… making things from scratch is just plain satisfying. You can experiment with flavors and colors, or add extra ingredients for fun. You could even get your kids involved in the process!

Benefits of Cranberries

Before we jump into our homemade jello recipe, let’s talk about some of the benefits of consuming cranberries. We flavor our recipe with an organic cranberry spice tea blend (that also features a handful of other beneficial ingredients).

Cranberries are a superfood that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the key advantages:

Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants that help combat free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Excellent for urinary tract health, cranberries contain compounds that prevent harmful bacteria from getting stuck in the bladder, reducing the risk of infections.
With high levels of vitamin C, these tart berries also support a strong immune system.
The fiber in cranberries could promote a healthy gut and aid digestion.

What’s more, the tart flavor of cranberry tea also pairs wonderfully with the other warming spices and herbs in our blend. It really is the ideal base for jello!

Other ingredients in our cranberry tea

The cranberry tea blend we’re using also boasts the following ingredients:

Hibiscus: Known for its vibrant red color and tart flavor, hibiscus is rich in vitamin C and could lower blood pressure (Source).
Cinnamon: A warming anti-inflammatory spice, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels (Source).
Lemongrass: This citrus-y herb could aid digestion and support stress reduction (Source).
Cloves: Full of antimicrobial properties, cloves support oral health among other things (Source).
Ginger: Often used for its anti-nausea and digestive benefits (Source).

Each additional ingredient adds so much in terms of flavor — and wellness benefits!

How to Make Homemade Jello

Now that you’re familiar with the key ingredients, let’s dive into our recipe. Learning how to make homemade jello is surprisingly simple. It’s ready in just a few steps!

Homemade Jello Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between jello and gelatin?

Jello is a sweet dessert made with gelatin, while gelatin is a flavorless protein made from animal collagen. Jello also contains added sugar, color, and flavorings, while gelatin is typically used as a base. It’s also key to getting the signature texture you all know and love about jello!

Can I use any type of tea to make homemade jello?

Yes! Definitely feel free to experiment with different types of tea in your homemade jello recipe. While we went with cranberry tea here, other herbal options like chamomile, hibiscus, or even green tea (as long as you don’t mind the caffeine) can be used. Just keep in mind that the flavor and color of the jello will change depending on the tea you choose.

How long does homemade jello need to set in the fridge?

Homemade jello typically needs to chill for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. We usually leave it overnight for the best results. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm.

Cooking with Tea is Fun!

Now that you know how to make homemade jello, you’re off to the races! By combining cranberry tea and a few other simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s just as tasty as it is good for you. Once you taste the difference, you’ll never go back to store-bought again! We love the versatility this recipe offers. While you can make this mulled cranberry jello for Christmas, you can also make tropical tulsi jello with coconut cream for summer potlucks and any other flavor for any other time of year using this same recipe.

Want to learn even more about cooking with tea? Download our FREE Cooking with Tea Ebook for even more of our favorite recipes!

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