Cool off this summer with this easy Dye Free Kool Aid. Made with only 3 ingredients in under 20 minutes, you'll have a refreshing pitcher-sized drink to sip on all summer long!
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Why You'll Love This Homemade Kool Aid
- So nostalgic! Kool Aid was such a big part of my childhood. We would make it weekly in the summer and I loved trying all of the different flavors! Serve with other nostalgic recipes, like dinosaur chicken nuggets, homemade spaghettios, and alphabet soup.
- No added preservatives or dyes! If you're looking for a dye free alternative to the store-bought kind, this recipe has no preservatives, anti-caking agents, artificial flavors, or dyes. It is made with all natural freeze dried fruit.
- Lower sugar option! This homemade Kool Aid includes less sugar than the one from the store. You can also adjust the amount of sugar added to your own personal tastes or forego it altogether.
- Customizable, yet so easy! Choose between different freeze dried fruits for your preferred flavors. No matter what you choose, this recipe will still take only 20 minutes with 3 simple ingredients.
Ingredients
A few notes about the ingredients:
- Freeze Dried Fruits: These dried fruits get blended into a find powder, similar in consistency to the store-bought Kool Aid packets. Use any flavor freeze dried fruits of your choosing. I liked strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries the best.
- Granulated Sugar: The sugar gets blended with the fruits to turn it into a fine powder, as well. This helps it stir into the water easier too. If you prefer to use honey or another liquid sweetener, don't blend it with the fruit. Add it into the water after the powder has been whisked in, instead.
- Water: The amount of water you use will determine how strong the fruit flavor is. I like the ratios as written in the recipe, but if you like a stronger or weaker fruity flavor, feel free to use more or less water.
⭐️ See recipe card below for descriptions and quantities of each ingredient!
Instructions
- Step 1: Add freeze dried fruit and sugar to a food processor. Process until the fruit is a fine powder consistency.
- Step 2: Add water to a large pitcher or glass measuring cup. Whisk in the powdered fruit. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the mixture into a pitcher for serving. Serve Kool Aid chilled or on ice.
⭐️ Tip: The powdered mixture might clump up in the water, so you'll need to whisk it well to thoroughly incorporate the two.
Substitutions and Alterations
- Freeze Dried Fruit - Any flavor should work well. However, make sure to use freeze dried fruits, NOT dried fruits because dried fruits will turn gummy when blended.
- Granulated Sugar - You can use honey or another liquid sweetener instead of sugar. However, don't add it to the fruit in the food processor. Add liquid sweetener of choice at the end instead.
How to Store Dye Free Kool Aid
To store: Store homemade kool aid in a large pitcher in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
To freeze: You can freeze this dye free kool aid in a freezer safe pitcher or container for up to 6 months.
Top tip!
I do not recommend making the powder ahead of time. Because of added moisture in the air, as well as moisture from the sugar, the powder will become sticky the longer it sits out, which will make it harder to mix into the water.
Therefore, I recommend blending the freeze dried fruit and sugar right before making the Kool Aid. This only takes about 5 minutes. Then, make the Kool Aid according to the recipe below.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe has less sugar and no artificial additives, flavors, or dyes. It is also made from real fruit.
This pitcher of kool aid can serve about 8 people.
No, unfortunately this is not recommended. The moisture in the air, as well as from the added sugar, will cause the powder to turn sticky over time.
Instead, it is recommended to blend the freeze dried fruit and sugar right before making this. It only takes about 5 minutes!
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Share your cooking with me! If you make this recipe, I'd love to know. Leave a comment with a rating at the bottom of this page!
Dye Free Kool Aid
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 (2 ounce) bags freeze dried fruit (strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 cups water
Instructions
- Add freeze dried fruit and sugar to a food processor. Process until the fruit is a fine powder consistency.
- Add water to a large pitcher or glass measuring cup. Whisk in the powdered fruit.* Let sit for about 10 minutes.
- Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the mixture into a pitcher for serving. Serve Kool Aid chilled or on ice.
Notes
- *The mixture might get clumpy but just trust the process. Try to whisk it vigorously to incorporate as much of the dried fruit into the water as possible.
- I do not recommend making the powder ahead of time. Because of added moisture in the air, as well as moisture from the sugar, the powder will become sticky the longer it sits out, which will make it harder to mix into the water. Therefore, I recommend blending the freeze dried fruit and sugar right before making the Kool Aid. This only takes about 5 minutes. Then, make the Kool Aid according to the recipe above.
Nutrition
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