Description
This bariatric gelatin recipe is a light, protein-rich snack perfect for post-surgery recovery, gut health, and weight management. Just 3 ingredients, ready in 15 minutes, incredibly easy to digest.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder (preferably grass-fed)
1 cup water, divided (½ cup cold, ½ cup hot)
1 cup sugar-free flavored liquid (options below)
Flavor Options:
Sugar-free fruit juice (diluted if needed)
Flavored electrolyte drinks (Gatorade Zero, Powerade Zero)
Herbal tea (cooled)
Crystal Light or sugar-free drink mixes
Bone broth (for savory version)
Optional Protein Boosters:
1 scoop unflavored collagen powder (adds 10g protein)
2–3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (for creamy texture)
Fresh lemon or lime juice (brightens flavor)
Sugar-free vanilla or almond extract (few drops)
Soft berries (if cleared for soft foods)
Instructions
1. Pour ½ cup COLD water into a medium bowl. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over the water surface. Let sit undisturbed for 5 full minutes to bloom. Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for smooth texture.
2. Heat remaining ½ cup water until very hot but not boiling (about 90 seconds in microwave). The water should be steaming but not at a rolling boil.
3. Pour hot water over bloomed gelatin and stir gently but thoroughly for about 1 minute until completely dissolved. The mixture should be clear with no granules visible.
4. Add your chosen flavored liquid (juice, electrolyte drink, tea, etc.) and stir until well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed with lemon juice or sugar-free sweetener.
5. If adding optional boosters (collagen powder or Greek yogurt), add them now and whisk or blend until completely smooth.
6. Pour mixture into small cups, ramekins, or 4-ounce containers. Use silicone molds for fun shapes if desired.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight until completely set. The gelatin should be firm but jiggly, not rubbery.
8. Serve chilled. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze as it changes the texture.
Notes
Gelatin Quality: Use grass-fed unflavored gelatin for best nutritional benefits and cleanest ingredient profile.
Blooming is Essential: The 5-minute blooming step in COLD water is crucial. Skipping or rushing this creates grainy, lumpy gelatin.
Avoid These Fruits: Do not use fresh pineapple, kiwi, papaya, or mango as they contain enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting. Cooked or canned versions are fine.
Bariatric Diet Stages: Typically safe starting at Stage 2 (full liquids), but always follow your surgical team’s specific guidelines. Add yogurt and berries only when cleared for pureed/soft foods.
Protein Content: Base recipe provides 7g protein per serving. Add collagen powder for 17g total. Add Greek yogurt for 20g total.
Texture Troubleshooting: Too soft? Add ½ tsp more gelatin next time. Too rubbery? Reduce gelatin slightly or add more liquid.
Meal Prep: Make double batches on Sunday. Portion into small containers and refrigerate for easy grab-and-go snacks all week.
Diabetic-Friendly: When made with sugar-free liquids, this is safe for diabetics. The protein helps stabilize blood sugar.
Never Use Boiling Water: Water that’s too hot breaks down gelatin proteins. Use very hot but not boiling water.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days covered. Do not freeze – it ruins the texture when thawed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 4 ounces)
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bariatric gelatin recipe, bariatric diet, weight loss snack, high protein dessert, post-surgery food, gut health recipe, collagen recipe, sugar-free gelatin