Fruit Roll Ups

Who knew fruit could turn into edible tape? These homemade Fruit Roll Ups are sticky, sweet, and way better than the store-bought kind. No mystery ingredients—just real fruit, a little patience, and zero risk of getting scolded for eating dessert before dinner.

What You Need

• 4 cups chopped fruit (strawberries, mangoes, or mixed berries work best)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to keep things bright and fresh)

Prep Time

• 10 minutes (plus 4-6 hours drying time)

Servings

• Makes about 10 strips

Nutrition Info (per serving)

• Calories: 35
• Carbs: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g

How to Make Fruit Roll Ups

1. Blend the Fruit
   Toss your chopped fruit into a blender. Add honey (if using) and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp water.
2. Strain (Optional)
   For smoother roll-ups, strain the puree to remove seeds or pulp. Skip this step if you like texture.
3. Spread It Out
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the puree onto the sheet and spread it evenly (about 1/8 inch thick). A spatula works best—no finger-painting allowed.
4. Dry It Out
   Set your oven to the lowest temperature (around 170°F or 75°C). Bake for 4-6 hours until the fruit is dry but still slightly tacky. No oven? Use a dehydrator at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours.
5. Cut and Roll
   Once cool, peel the fruit sheet off the parchment. Cut into strips with scissors, then roll them up. Store in an airtight container (if they last that long).

Pro Tips

• Too sticky? Dry it longer.
• Too crisp? You’ve gone too far—try again next time.
• Flavor boost? Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla before blending.

Are Fruit Roll Ups Gluten Free?

Yes! This homemade Fruit Roll Ups recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Why They’re Gluten-Free

• The recipe uses only fruit, sweetener (optional), and lemon juice—no grains, flour, or gluten-containing ingredients.
• Store-bought versions usually avoid gluten, but always check labels for additives or cross-contamination warnings.

Watch Out For

• Store-bought brands: Some may include thickeners or flavorings with gluten. Look for a “gluten-free” label.
• Cross-contamination: If you’re highly sensitive, ensure your kitchen tools (blender, baking sheet) are thoroughly cleaned.

Bottom Line: Whip these up worry-free—they’re fruity, chewy, and 100% gluten-free! 🎉

Are Fruit Roll Ups Vegan?

Short Answer: This recipe can be vegan—it just depends on your sweetener!

Why They’re (Usually) Vegan

• Fruit is always plant-based.
• Lemon juice is vegan.
• Sweetener options:
  • Maple syrup = vegan ✅
  • Honey = not vegan (it’s made by bees) ❌

Non-Vegan Traps in Store-Bought Versions

Some brands add:

• Gelatin (made from animal bones)
• Beeswax or honey
• Milk derivatives (like whey)

How to Keep It 100% Vegan

• Use maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar instead of honey.
• Check labels if buying store-bought—look for “vegan” certification.

Verdict: With one easy swap, these Fruit Roll Ups are totally vegan-friendly! 🌱🍓

Are Fruit Roll Ups Halal?

Short Answer:

✅ Homemade Fruit Roll Ups = Halal (if ingredients are halal)
⚠️ Store-Bought = Depends on ingredients (may contain non-halal gelatin or alcohol-based flavors)

Why Homemade Is Usually Halal

✔ Only fruit, sweetener (like honey or maple syrup), and lemon juice – all halal-friendly.
✔ No gelatin or questionable additives (since you control the ingredients).

Why Store-Bought May Not Be Halal

❌ Gelatin – Often derived from pork (haram) or non-zabihah beef (questionable).
❌ Alcohol-based natural flavors – Some artificial flavors use alcohol as a carrier.
❌ Cross-contamination – Made in facilities that process haram ingredients.

Popular Brands & Halal Status:

• General Mills Fruit Roll-Ups (USA): Typically contain pork gelatin → not halal.
• Kosher-certified brands (e.g., Stretch Island): Often use fish or plant-based gelatin → check labels.
• International brands: Some Muslim countries produce halal-certified versions.

How to Ensure Halal Compliance

1. Make them at home (easiest halal option).
2. Look for halal/kosher certification on store-bought brands.
3. Avoid gelatin unless sourced from halal animals (or use vegan alternatives like agar-agar).

Final Verdict:

• ✅ Homemade = Safest choice.
• ⚠️ Store-bought = Check labels carefully! Most mainstream brands are not halal.

For strict halal adherence, stick to DIY or certified products. 🕌🍎

Do Fruit Roll Ups Have Gelatin?

Homemade Version:

✅ No gelatin! This recipe is just fruit, sweetener (optional), and lemon juice—completely gelatin-free.

Store-Bought Versions:

⚠️ Sometimes, yes! Many classic brands (like General Mills’ Fruit Roll-Ups) do contain gelatin (derived from animal collagen) to make them chewy.

How to Avoid Gelatin in Store-Bought:

• Look for “vegan” or “gelatin-free” labels.
• Check ingredients for pectin or tapioca starch instead (common vegan thickeners).
• Brands like Stretch Island Fruit Leather and That’s It. bars are gelatin-free.

Bottom Line:

• Homemade? No gelatin.
• Store-bought? Often yes—read the label!
• Want vegan/gelatin-free? Stick to this recipe or pick brands wisely. 🍏✂️

Are Fruit Roll Ups Healthy?

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

✅ Homemade (This Recipe):
✔ Real fruit – vitamins, fiber, natural sugars
✔ No artificial additives – just fruit + optional sweetener
✔ Low calorie – about 35 calories per roll-up
❌ Still high in sugar – fruit sugar (fructose) is natural but should be eaten in moderation

⚠️ Store-Bought (Most Brands):
✔ Convenient – but often less nutritious
❌ Added sugar – sometimes more than real fruit
❌ Artificial colors/flavors – in many kids’ brands
❌ Gelatin or preservatives – in some varieties

Healthier Swaps & Tips

• Use low-sugar fruits like strawberries or raspberries instead of mangoes.
• Skip added honey/maple syrup if watching sugar.
• Portion control! Even homemade versions are a treat, not a health food.

Final Verdict

👍 Homemade = A decent snack (better than candy, but still sugary).
👎 Store-bought = More like a candy substitute.
Best for: Lunchbox treats, post-workout carbs, or satisfying a sweet tooth naturally. 🍓🍌

How Many Calories Are in a Fruit Roll Up?

Homemade Fruit Roll Ups (This Recipe)

• Calories per roll-up: ~35
• Macros (per serving):
  • Carbs: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 7g (natural from fruit)

Store-Bought Fruit Roll Ups (General Mills Brand)

• Calories per roll-up: ~50
• Macros (per serving):
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 8g (often includes added sugar)

Key Differences

✅ Homemade = Fewer calories, no additives, real fruit fiber
❌ Store-bought = More processed, often extra sugar, no fiber

Calorie-Saving Tip

Use less honey or try sugar-free fruits (like raspberries) to cut calories further.

Bottom Line: Homemade wins for nutrition, but both are still a sweet treat—not a health food! 🍎🍬

Is Fruit Roll Up Candy?

Store-bought Fruit Roll Ups are basically candy disguised as fruit. Homemade versions are closer to real fruit but still a sweet treat.

Why Store-Bought = Candy

• Added sugar (often more than real fruit)
• Artificial flavors/colors (like Red 40, Blue 1)
• Gelatin or syrups = similar to gummy candy texture
• Nutritionally empty (no fiber, just sugar)

Why Homemade = Not Exactly Candy

• Made from real fruit (with natural sugars + fiber)
• No fake additives
• Less sugar (if you skip extra sweeteners)
• Still a treat, but closer to dried fruit than candy

The Verdict

🍭 Store-bought = Fruit-flavored candy (marketed as a “snack”)
🍓 Homemade = A healthier sweet snack (but still not health food!)

Best for: An occasional treat—better than Skittles, but no substitute for an apple. 😉

Do Fruit Roll Ups Expire?

✅ Yes—but they last a long time!

• Homemade: 2–4 weeks (fridge) or 1–2 months (freezer).
• Store-bought: 6–12 months (unopened, pantry), 2–4 weeks (opened).

Homemade Fruit Roll Ups

✔ Best within: 2 weeks (stored airtight at room temp).
✔ Fridge: Up to 4 weeks (may get sticky).
✔ Freezer: 1–2 months (thaw before eating).
⚠️ Signs of spoilage: Mold, off smells, or excessive hardness.

Store-Bought Fruit Roll Ups

✔ Unopened: 6–12 months (check “best by” date).
✔ Opened: 2–4 weeks (keep sealed).
⚠️ Still safe after expiration? Likely, if unopened and stored properly—but texture/flavor fades.

How to Extend Freshness

• Store in airtight containers (away from heat/humidity).
• Add a silica gel packet (absorbs moisture).
• Freeze for long-term storage (prevents mold).

Fun Fact:
Store-bought versions last forever thanks to preservatives—but homemade tastes better (and won’t survive as long because you’ll eat them faster!). 😋

Bottom Line:
They won’t “expire” like milk, but quality declines over time. When in doubt, toss it out! 🗑️🍏

Can Dogs Eat Fruit Roll Ups?

🚫 Not recommended—especially store-bought!
✔ Tiny amounts of homemade might be safe (if no toxic ingredients).

Why Store-Bought Are Dangerous for Dogs

❌ Xylitol (common in sugar-free brands): Extremely toxic—can cause liver failure.
❌ Artificial colors/flavors: Linked to allergies and hyperactivity.
❌ High sugar content: Risks obesity, diabetes, and upset stomach.
❌ Gelatin (often pork-based): Hard to digest and may contain unsafe additives.

Homemade Version Risks

⚠️ Natural fruit sugars: Can cause diarrhea or pancreatitis in large amounts.
⚠️ Citrus (lemon juice): Irritates some dogs’ stomachs.
⚠️ Honey (optional): Safe in tiny doses, but high in sugar.

Safe Fruits for Dogs:

• Apple (no seeds), banana, blueberries (plain, not dried).

What to Do If Your Dog Eats One

1. Check ingredients for xylitol (emergency vet if present).
2. Monitor for vomiting/diarrhea.
3. Call your vet if large amounts were eaten.

Better Alternatives:

• Freeze plain mashed banana or pumpkin as a chewy treat.
• Apple slices (seedless) for a crunchy snack.

Final Verdict:
Skip the Fruit Roll Up—share dog-safe fruits instead! 🚫🍬

Final Thought

This recipe is easy, cheap, and fun. You’ll feel like a snack wizard. Plus, kids think you’re magic for making candy out of fruit. Win-win. Try it once and you’ll never look at the store-bought kind the same way again.
Enjoy your homemade edible fruit tape—no glue required!

Continue to Content

Fruit Roll Ups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

**Sweet, chewy, and bursting with real fruit flavor!** These homemade Fruit Roll Ups are a fun, healthier twist on the classic snack—no weird additives, just pure fruity goodness. Perfect for lunchboxes, hiking snacks, or satisfying a sweet tooth naturally. Roll ’em up and enjoy! 🌟🍓🍍

Print

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped fruit (strawberries, mangoes, or mixed berries work best)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Blend
Add fruit, honey (optional), and lemon juice to blender. Blend until smooth. Thin with 1-2 tbsp water if needed.

2. Strain (Optional)
For smoother texture, strain out seeds/pulp.

3. Spread
Line baking sheet with parchment. Spread puree evenly (1/8" thick).

4. Dry
Bake at 170°F (75°C) for 4-6 hours until tacky. Or dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours.

5. Cut & Store
Cool, peel, cut into strips, and roll up. Keep airtight.

Notes

• Sticky? Dry longer.

• Too crisp? Bake less next time.

• More flavor? Blend in cinnamon or vanilla.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 35Carbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 7g