Highlights
1. Jelly and Jello are essentially the same thing, with Jello being a specific brand name sold in the US.
2. Jelly is made from fruit juice, sugar, and gelatin, while Jello is made from water, sugar, gelatin, and food colors.
3. Although all Jello is jelly, not all jelly is Jello.
Introduction
Jelly and Jello are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? In this article, we will explore the differences (if any) between jelly and Jello, and see if there is more to these popular desserts than meets the eye.
Jelly
Jelly is a sweet preserve made from fruit juice that has been sweetened and set with the help of pectin. It is a soft and elastic substance that is mainly composed of water and fruit juice, with gelatin used for setting. Sugar is added for sweetening, and various flavors can be included to cater to different tastes. When heated, the protein fibers in gelatin break apart, but upon cooling, they intertwine again, creating small spaces that trap water molecules. This is what gives jelly its unique shape and consistency. Jelly melts at around 35 degrees Celsius, which is why it is semi-solid when eaten, but quickly becomes liquid in the mouth.
Jello
Jello is a brand of gelatin that is popular in the United States. It is made from water, sugar, gelatin, and food colors. The gelatin used in Jello comes from the collagen found in the bones and connective tissues of cows and pigs. Jello is sold in powdered form, and it needs to be mixed with water, heated, and then allowed to cool down in order to set and take the shape of jelly. Jello is not only a specific type of gelatin dessert but also a well-known brand marketed by Kraft Foods.
Jelly vs Jello
In summary, jelly and Jello are essentially the same thing, with Jello being a brand of gelatin dessert sold in the United States. All Jello can be considered jelly, but not all jelly can be called Jello. The term Jello is often used in the US to describe any type of jelly, regardless of the specific brand. Hopefully, this article has shed some light on the similarities and differences between these two beloved desserts.
