5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Bear Gummy Mold

Making gummy bears at home sounds easy, right? But if you’ve ever tried it, you know it can get messy fast. Using a bear gummy mold the right way can help you get perfect, soft, and shiny gummies every time. Let’s look at five common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.

1. Pouring the Mixture Too Hot

Many people pour their gummy mix straight from the stove into the mold. That’s a mistake.
When the mixture is too hot, it can damage the mold or make your gummies turn cloudy.
Always let it cool for a few minutes before pouring. The mix should be warm, not boiling.
This helps the gelatin set evenly and keeps the cute bear shape crisp and smooth.

Quick Tip: Test the temperature with your finger — it should feel warm, not burning.

2. Skipping the Oil or Spray

Another common mistake is forgetting to oil the mold. Silicone molds are non-stick, but a tiny bit of oil spray makes a big difference. Without it, the bears may tear or lose their shape when you try to pop them out.
Use a paper towel to spread a light, even coat of oil. It keeps your bears glossy and makes cleanup easier.

Pro Tip: Coconut oil works great and adds a light sweet scent.

3. Using the Wrong Gelatin Ratio

If your gummies turn out too soft or too hard, the gelatin-to-liquid ratio is likely off.
Too little gelatin and your bears melt quickly. Too much, and they feel rubbery.
The best mix is about 1 tablespoon of gelatin for every ½ cup of liquid.
Stir it well so it dissolves completely before heating. This gives your gummies the perfect chewy bite.

Remember: Bloom your gelatin first by soaking it in cold water before heating — that helps it dissolve smoothly.

4. Forgetting to Remove Air Bubbles

Air bubbles can ruin the clean look of your gummy bears. They get trapped while pouring or stirring.
To fix this, tap the mold tray lightly on the counter after filling it.
This pushes out bubbles and evens the surface.
Some makers even use a dropper to fill each bear one at a time — it’s slower but gives perfect results.

5. Storing Gummies the Wrong Way

Even if you make great gummies, storing them wrong can make them sticky or dry.
Avoid putting them in the fridge without sealing. Moisture can make them clump together.
Instead, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours to dry a bit.
Then store in an airtight container. If you want them firmer, you can refrigerate after that.

Bonus Tip: Add a sprinkle of cornstarch before storing. It stops them from sticking.

Fun with Shapes and Colours

Once you get used to your bear mold, you can try different gummy candy shapes.
Hearts, stars, and fruit shapes all use the same basic recipe.
Experiment with flavours like strawberry, mango, or lemonade.
Natural colouring from fruit juice or beet powder can make your gummies look bright and fun — no artificial dyes needed.

Simple Step-by-Step Process

Here’s a quick recap of how to make perfect bear gummies:

1. Mix juice, sugar (optional), and gelatin in a pan.
2. Let the gelatin bloom for a few minutes.
3. Warm it slowly while stirring until smooth.
4. Let it cool for 3–5 minutes.
5. Lightly oil your bear gummy mold.
6. Fill the molds with a dropper to avoid spills.
7. Tap to release air bubbles.
8. Chill in the fridge for 30–45 minutes.
9. Pop out gently and store properly.

Follow these steps and you’ll never waste ingredients again.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Final Thoughts

Working with gummy molds is fun and simple once you know what not to do. Take your time, measure correctly, and let your mixture cool. These small steps make a big difference in how your bear gummies turn out.If you’re looking for a durable, food-grade bear gummy mold that’s easy to use and clean, check out PJ Bold. Their molds are BPA-free and perfect for both beginners and candy lovers