Retro Jello Recipes That Are Actually Delicious and You Need to Try Today (2024)

FAQs

What happened to 123 Jell-O? ›

Jell-O 1-2-3 was a Jell-O gelatin product introduced in 1969 and discontinued in 1996. The product was one 4.3 ounce (121 g) powdered mix that, when properly prepared, separated and solidified into three distinct layers: a creamy top, a mousse-like middle, and regular Jell-O bottom.

It was economical: A housewife could stretch her family's leftovers by encasing them in gelatin. And, since sugar was already included in the flavored mixes, the new packaged gelatins didn't require cooks to use up their household stores of sugar.

Jell-O is one of the most versatile shortcut ingredients to keep around the house. You can soak it into cakes, mix it with fruits, or even serve it straight! Think gorgeous shards of colorful Jell-O floating like stained glass. Or even better, layers of bright, citrusy sweetness topped with whipped cream.

There are a few reasons: Jell-O is easy to swallow and digest, making it suitable for patients who have difficulty eating solid foods or have digestive issues. It's smooth texture and mild flavor make it more tolerable for those with sensitive stomachs or who are recovering from surgery.

The original gelatin dessert began in Le Roy, New York, in 1897, when Pearle Bixby Wait trademarked the name Jell-O. He and his wife May had made the product by adding strawberry, raspberry, orange, and lemon flavoring to sugar and granulated gelatin (which had been patented in 1845).

Jello is high in sugar and low in fiber and protein, making it an unhealthy food choice. One serving (6.4 grams of dry mix) of sugar-free jello made with aspartame has only 13 calories, 1 gram of protein and no sugar. Still, artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on your health ( 2 , 3 ).

Jello is not the healthiest food option, but eating it in moderation likely won't hurt you. Even though it contains artificial ingredients and has very little nutritional value, many people still eat jello because they enjoy its flavor, consistency, and convenience.

Utah eats more Jell-O than any other state

The people in Utah love their Jell-O! The state has an entire holiday week dedicated to the jiggly treat, and it's even Utah's official state food.

Gelatin contains proteins and antioxidants, which help protect the cells in the body, that can support the health of the digestive system, bones, skin, joints, and more. It's also an excellent source of: Calcium.

Does jello help your stomach? ›

Digestion. Gelatin contains glutamic acid, which the body can form into glutamine. This substance may help promote a healthy mucosal lining in the stomach and aid digestion. Learn some more ways to improve digestion.

Kraft introduced Jell-O 1-2-3, labeled as "gelatin with two toppings," to unassuming American markets in 1969. This was a period during which Kraft had adopted some unearned hubris about the greater appeal of Jell-O. The Jell-O 1-2-3 would come in five flavors: Strawberry, Raspberry, Orange, Cherry, and Lime.

Popsicle stopped making them around 2010, due to a lack of demand, and that was the end of store bought pudding pops forever. Yes, sadly, they're now extinct, but if you're despairing that you'll never have the chance to enjoy this treat again, fear not.

Despite strong sales into the 1990s, Pudding Pops were eventually discontinued due to no longer being profitable. They were reintroduced to grocery stores in 2004 under the brand name Popsicle.

In 1897, Pearle Wait, a carpenter in LeRoy, was developing a cough remedy and laxative tea in his home. He experimented with gelatine and came up with a fruit flavored dessert which his wife, May, named JELL-O. He tried to market his product but he lacked the capital and the experience.