Introduction

Jello Worms are a fun and playful treat that bring a bit of whimsy to any party or snack time. These colorful, gelatin-filled straws look just like wiggly worms and are surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for Halloween or a kid’s gathering, they’re sure to delight and intrigue all ages.

A white metal cup with a hammered texture is filled with thick, bright pink gummy worms that have a glossy, shiny surface. The gummy worms are tangled and coiled inside the cup, showing a smooth and slightly translucent texture with fine ridges running along their sides. At the bottom of the image, a woman's hand is holding the cup against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package Raspberry Jello (regular sized box, not large)
3 packages Unflavoured Gelatin
3 cups Boiling Water
125 Flexible Straws
3/4 cup Whipping Cream
15 drops Green Food Colouring
1 Wide Mouth Mason Jar (4 cup size) or Round Cylindrical Glass Vase

Instructions

Step 1: In a large measuring cup, combine the Raspberry Jello and unflavoured gelatin.
Step 2: Add the boiling water and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Step 3: Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 20 minutes or until it becomes lukewarm.
Step 4: Stretch each flexible straw to extend the flexible parts, then place the straws upright into the mason jar with the flexible side toward the bottom.
Step 5: Add the green food colouring to the whipping cream and stir gently until combined; do not whip the cream.
Step 6: Pour the coloured whipping cream into the Jello mixture and stir well until fully combined.
Step 7: Carefully pour this mixture into the jar to fill the straws and container; the liquid will self-level inside the straws.
Step 8: Chill the jar in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, allowing the gelatin to fully set.
Step 9: To release the worms, run each straw under hot water for a few seconds, then pinch and squeeze from the top down to push out each worm.
Step 10: If preparing ahead, place the worms onto a waxed paper lined baking sheet and store covered in the fridge until ready to serve (up to 2 days in advance).

Tips & Variations

Use different Jello flavors and matching food colorings to create a variety of worm colors.
If green food colouring is unavailable, try using matcha powder or lime juice for a natural tint in the cream.
Make sure not to whip the cream after adding food coloring to keep the mixture pourable for filling straws.
Flexible straws with clear, wider diameters work best for easier filling and worm removal.

Storage

Store the prepared jello worms in a sealed container or covered baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To serve, gently reheat by briefly running the straws under warm water for easy worm removal. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture of the gelatin.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with glossy, bright pink gummy worms piled loosely inside, showing smooth, slightly translucent textures and small segmented details on some worms, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin?

It’s best to use unflavored gelatin along with your chosen Jello flavor to control the sweetness and maintain the intended taste. Using all flavored gelatin may overpower the cream and alter the texture.

What type of straws work best for making jello worms?

Flexible, clear plastic straws with wider diameters are ideal. They allow the gelatin to fill easily and the worms to slide out without breaking. Avoid very thin or paper straws, as they can be difficult to fill or remove gelatin from.