Recipe · Scented

Fruit-scented slime (no essential oils)

A clear slime that smells like strawberry or lemon, thanks to flavored gelatin dessert mix: the recipe, and why it’s best to skip essential oils.

By the Slime & Co editorial team · Updated October 18, 2026

Fruit-flavored gummy candies — Photo: Evie Fjord on Unsplash.

DifficultyEasy
Time15 minutes
Makes1 ball
Recommended ageAges 6+, with an adult

To add scent to slime without essential oils, the Little Bins for Little Hands trick is to stir in a spoonful of flavored gelatin dessert mix (the fruit-flavored powder sold in small boxes). The slime picks up the smell and a light color. Use the regular, sweetened kind: the “sugar-free” version doesn’t work.

Heads up: this slime smells good, but it’s not for eating.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) clear washable PVA glue
½ cup (120 ml) water
1 tbsp (15 ml) flavored gelatin dessert mix (strawberry, lemon, orange…), the regular sweetened kind
¼ to ½ tsp (1.25 to 2.5 ml) baking soda
1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) contact lens solution (boric acid + sodium borate)
Fruit-shaped confetti or glitter (optional)

Supplies: a bowl, a spoon.

Why these ingredients? What the activator does and which glue to choose.

Steps

Mix the glue, water, and flavored powder.
Add the confetti or glitter.
Mix in the baking soda.
An adult adds 1 tbsp of solution, then a little more if needed.
Knead; if you like, let it rest for 3 minutes.

The most common slime fails

It barely smells: Flavors vary from brand to brand: next time, add an extra ½ tbsp of powder.
It’s still sticky after 1 tbsp of solution: That’s expected: with flavored powder, it sometimes takes up to 2 tbsp. An adult adds a little at a time; then knead and let it rest for 3 minutes before you decide.

Another problem? The Slime Fixer goes through every symptom.