10 Vintage Jell-O Flavors You Won’t Believe Existed
Updated: Dec. 30, 2021
Would you cook with a box of celery-flavored Jell-O? It was perfect for vintage Jell-O recipes in the '50s!
There’s no denying that Jell-O has a permanent place in the home cooking Hall of Fame. Each box of flavored instant gelatin has the ability to transform fruit, vegetables and even whipped topping into kaleidoscope salads. But it hasn’t always been made in flavors like cherry, strawberry and lime. The unusual flavors of vintage Jell-O gave cooks the ability to make all sorts of on-trend gelatin salads.
Can you believe Jell-O has been on the shelf for more than 120 years? Find the other vintage foods have been around longer than you think!
Why ’50s Cooks Loved Jell-O
In the 1950s, most Americans were embracing innovative convenience foods, and Jell-O was heavily marketed to homemakers as the most versatile ingredient in kitchen. You could use Jell-O to make food more flavorful! Your leftovers could be used up! For the diet-conscious, Jell-O was low in calories! Plus, foods suspended or coated in Jell-O stayed fresher longer—and that includes vegetables, meats and even sandwiches.
Jell-O molds and salads gained popularity. The creativity of home cooks was on display in visually dazzling creations, perfect for parties, potlucks and church suppers.
Here’s what you can make with Jell-O, even today.
Yes, Cooks Even Loved Savory Jell-O Salads
Jell-O was always a natural pairing for desserts, with flavors like lemon, lime and cherry working beautifully in recipes made with fresh fruit, marshmallows and whipped cream. But mid-century, savory Jell-O recipes were also very popular! Molded salads using veggies (like in this asparagus salad), hard-cooked eggs (here’s one) and meats were en vogue for social events like luncheons, bridge games and cocktail hours.
See 11 more fun things you didn’t know about Jell-O.
They Made What Flavors?
Not surprisingly the creators of Jell-O have introduced—and subsequently discontinued—dozens of flavors over the decades, hoping to keep the Jell-O craze alive. Here are some of the most surprising savory Jell-O flavors that have come and gone:
- Celery
- Italian Salad
- Mixed Vegetable
- Seasoned Tomato
Not every sweet flavor makes the cut, either:
- Bubble Gum
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Cola
- Cotton Candy
- Orange-Pineapple
- Maple Syrup
- Sparkling Mandarin Orange
By the ’80s, the popularity of Jell-O dwindled, especially for savory recipes. The company refocused on sweets and snacks, especially products geared towards kids. (Have you heard about Jell-O’s edible slime?) Fortunately, you can still find a lot of Jell-O creativity out there! What will we see next?
The Jell-O Recipes That Will Amaze Your Guests
This refreshing salad has two layers - a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. -Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois
Rainbow Gelatin CubesThese layered jello cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion. Kids of all ages snatch them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Pretzel Gelatin DessertThis is one of my mother's absolute favorite desserts. The salty pretzel crust is the perfect complement to the sweet cream cheese filling. —Erin Frakes, Moline, Illinois
Simple Lime Gelatin SaladLooking for a festive dish to light up the buffet? This pretty green gelatin salad is eye-catching and has a delightful, tangy flavor. —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Easy Citrus SlushOur church’s hostess committee has relied on this refreshing drink for bridal and baby showers and other events. We often use different flavors and colors of gelatin to match the decor of the occasion. —Joy Bruce, Welch, Oklahoma
Apricot FluffWhen we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it's become a must-have at every barbecue I attend. It's sublime with peaches and peach gelatin, too. —Melissa Meinke, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania
Jellied Champagne DessertThis refreshing dessert looks just like a glass of bubbling champagne.—Vickie McLaughlin, Kingsport, Tennessee
Spiced Apple Cider Jelly ShotsThese spiced, spiked gelatin squares are sure to get the party started at fall get-togethers. If you’re going for the more traditional shot-style look, pour the mixture into 2-ounce plastic cups and refrigerate until set. — Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home
Peach Panna CottaThis no-bake dessert is guaranteed to cool you off in the summer heat. I really enjoy the texture—rich and creamy Panna Cotta balanced by the sweet and pulpy texture of the peach puree. —Andrea Campbell, Los Angeles, California
Peach BavarianFruit molds are my specialty. This one, with its refreshing peach taste, makes a colorful salad or dessert. —Adeline Piscitelli, Sayreville, New Jersey
Homemade Mango MarshmallowsHomemade marshmallows are much better than bagged ones. I had yummy results when I flavored my recipe with mango nectar. Look for it in your store’s Mexican food section. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Patriotic Gelatin SaladAlmost as spectacular as the fireworks, this lovely salad makes quite a "bang" at our July Fourth meal. It's exciting to serve, and our guests loved the cool fruity and creamy layers. This salad really added to my patriotic theme. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Rosey Raspberry SaladWhenever I make this pretty raspberry salad, people talk! It's a festive side dish that works well for celebrations throughout the year. —Jane Vanderground, Macedonia, Ohio
Easy Pink Lemonade PieI love bringing something sweet to a potluck, but I don’t like spending all day in the kitchen. Saltine crust is amazing with a no-bake, tart-sweet strawberry lemonade filling. — Gina Nistico, Taste of Home Food Editor
Red, White 'n' Blue SaladOur striking "flag" salad drew plenty of attention at our Independence Day party. The shimmering stripes are formed with distinctive gelatin layers. It makes you want to salute before spooning some up! —Laurie Neverman, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Originally Published: March 06, 2019
