Jello With Worms

This Jello With Worms recipe is my go-to when I want a creepy, kid-approved Halloween treat. The “worms” are made from colorful gelatin and set inside straws to create a wriggly, lifelike texture that’s both fun and gross in the best way. Served in cups or on a platter, this treat never fails to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how playful and creative this dessert is. It’s perfect for Halloween parties or themed events, and it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients. The gelatin worms look impressively realistic, and the entire treat is wiggly, sweet, and fun to eat. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids—and adults too.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Gelatin mix (cherry or grape works well for color)

• Unflavored gelatin (for extra firmness)

• Boiling water

• Heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk (for opaque effect)

• Flexible plastic straws (with bendy tops if possible)

• Rubber band or tall container to hold straws

• Clear plastic cups (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. I combine flavored gelatin and unflavored gelatin in a bowl, then pour in boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.

2. I stir in the cream or condensed milk to give the worms a more realistic, opaque look.

3. I bunch the straws together with a rubber band and place them upright (bendy side down) in a tall container or jar.

4. I pour the gelatin mixture into the straws slowly until filled, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

5. Once firm, I run warm water over the outside of the straws briefly to loosen the gelatin, then squeeze and push the worms out onto a plate.

6. I serve the worms in clear Jello “dirt” cups or pile them up for a creepy display.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings of worms, depending on the number of straws used, and takes around 5 hours total (15 minutes prep, 4+ hours chilling).

Variations

• I mix different gelatin flavors for multi-colored worms.

• For extra realism, I add a few drops of green or brown food coloring.

• I layer the worms over crushed cookies for a dirt cup effect.

• I serve them in a large bowl of green or red Jello to make it look like a worm-filled swamp.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the finished worms in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don’t freeze or reheat them—they’re best served cold and fresh.

FAQs

Do I need to use bendy straws?

Bendy straws create the segmented worm look, which makes them more realistic. I prefer using them, but straight straws work too.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes, but the worms will be more translucent. The cream gives them that pale, fleshy worm vibe that’s extra spooky.

How do I get the worms out of the straws?

I warm the outside of the straws briefly with hot water, then squeeze from the bottom and slide the worm out.

Can I make this with agar or vegan gelatin?

Yes, I’ve made them with agar for a vegetarian version. I just follow the same steps with the correct proportions.

How far in advance can I make these?

I usually make them a day ahead. They keep well in the fridge for a couple of days and don’t lose their shape.

Conclusion

Jello With Worms is the perfect mix of spooky and silly. Whether I’m making them for a Halloween party, a kids’ event, or just to surprise someone, they always get a reaction. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these gummy treats are as fun to play with as they are to devour.

Jello With Worms

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Jello With Worms is a spooky, kid-friendly Halloween treat made by setting gelatin in straws to create realistic, wiggly worms. Perfect for parties, this creepy dessert is playful, easy to make, and always gets a reaction.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American / Halloween
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (cherry or grape)
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (for firmness)
• 1 cup boiling water
• ½ cup heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk
• 80–100 flexible plastic straws (with bendy tops preferred)
• 1 tall container or jar (to hold straws)
• Rubber band (to bundle straws)
• Optional: clear cups and crushed cookies for serving

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flavored and unflavored gelatin. Pour in boiling water and stir until fully dissolved.
2. Stir in heavy cream or condensed milk to create a more opaque mixture.
3. Bundle the straws with a rubber band and place bendy side down into a tall container.
4. Carefully pour gelatin mixture into the straws until filled. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set.
5. To remove worms, briefly run warm water over the outside of the straws. Squeeze or roll each straw to release the worm.
6. Serve in cups with crushed cookies or pile on a plate for a creepy display.

Notes

• Use bendy straws for a more realistic, segmented worm effect.
• Add drops of green or brown food coloring for more realism.
• Layer over crushed cookies or red/green Jello for a dirt or swamp effect.
• Store worms in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Can be made vegetarian with agar—adjust ratios accordingly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg