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Energy gels and chews are staples for many endurance athletes who want a boost to fuel them throughout long efforts. But a lot of these products come with lengthy ingredient lists or even questionable sourcing. Take control of your fuel by making Coffee Jelly Energy Bites at home with a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time.
These homemade energy chews are a functional nod to coffee jelly, a Japanese summertime treat that combines coffee-flavored gelatin with milk or cream. While you certainly could enjoy these Coffee Jelly Energy Bites by the spoonful with a plant-based Paleo milk, we like that these gummies can serve a purpose for anyone on their ride or run.
This recipe is PaleoFLEX™ because, while gelatin is an animal byproduct, it still goes through a certain level of processing, and some brands have a fair number of additives included. We suggest buying pure, unflavored gelatin from grass-fed animals. Additionally, though we naturally sweeten these Coffee Jelly Energy Bites with a little maple syrup for color, flavor, and consistency, it is not a fully Paleo ingredient either. Like anything in life, these gummies are best enjoyed in moderation. Thankfully, one batch will keep in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
The easiest way to prep Coffee Jelly Energy Bites is with a silicone candy mold and a food-safe dropper or syringe for filling the cavities. We used coffee-bean shaped molds to stick with the theme, but you can use any size or shape mold you prefer. We also suggest setting the molds on a baking sheet for speedy transfer to and from the fridge during the setting time.
Even if you don’t have silicone molds, you can still make these gummies by pouring the liquid into a small jelly roll pan or baking dish to set, then slicing into bite-sized squares and scooping them out with a spatula.
TIP: If storing for long periods of time, toss in arrowroot starch or spray with a Paleo-friendly cooking oil to keep them from sticking together.
Makes about 100 small gummies
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Coffee Jelly Energy Bites
- Recipe by: Andrea Dehnke
- Serves: 10
- Serving Size: 5-10 gummies
- Meal: Lifestyle
- Serves: 10
- Serving Size: 5-10 gummies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
1 tsp. ground espresso
1⁄3 cup hot water
21⁄2 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
1 Tbsp. cold water
2 tsp. maple syrup
Directions
Brew espresso in hot water for 4–5 minutes. Discard grounds.
While espresso brews, in a measuring cup, stir gelatin into cold water until no powdery clumps remain. Let bloom for about 5 minutes.
Add brewed espresso and maple syrup to gelatin and gently whisk until gelatin has dissolved, taking care to not create many air bubbles.
Pour mixture into a silicone candy mold, filling the cavities all the way. Place molds in refrigerator until set, about 30 minutes for small gummies.
Once set, carefully remove gummies from molds. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days or up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
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