Would you cook with a box of celery-flavored Jell-O? It was perfect for vintage Jell-O recipes in the '50s!
10 Vintage Jell-O Flavors You Won’t Believe Existed
Updated on Dec. 18, 2023
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, 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 Jello CubesMake your next party a hit with rainbow layer Jell-O. A sweet, fun and nostalgic treat for all ages. With patience and a little attention to detail, you’ll create a stunning dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeI prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
Seven-Layer Gelatin SaladThis colorful, showstopping seven-layer gelatin salad is a dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious. It can be customized with your favorite colors and flavors.
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
Pina Colada JamIf you like pina coladas, you’ll love this! But here’s the kicker: The secret ingredient is fresh zucchini. Spread the jam on crackers and cheese or add to a pan sauce to give chicken or pork chops a tropical twist. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Lime Gelatin SaladJiggly retro desserts are back! Bust out your vintage molds for our creamy, citrusy lime gelatin salad recipe.
Orange Gelatin Pretzel SaladSalty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
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
Raspberry CakeIndulge in this easy-to-make raspberry cake bursting with fresh raspberry flavor and topped with a luscious whipped raspberry frosting.
Ribbon JelloRibbon jello traditionally makes an appearance over the holiday season and it’s a fun recipe to prepare if you’ve got kids to keep busy. But you’re never too old to enjoy the fruity flavor and sweet, creamy middle layer.
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
Molded Cranberry-Orange SaladWhen I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
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 Recipes
Fluffy Key Lime PieFor a taste of paradise, try this no-bake Key lime pie recipe. It's low in fat, sugar and fuss. It truly is the best Key lime pie recipe ever! —Frances VanFossan, Warren, Michigan
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
Fluffy Cranberry MousseThis is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it's so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California
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
Swedish CremeSwedish cream is similar to panna cotta, because it is set with gelatin, but the tender dessert includes sour cream for subtle tanginess.
Grandmother’s Orange SaladThis orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Pink Lemonade PieA cool comfort food is this pie for my family. On very hot days, I serve it straight from the freezer. That way, it's slightly frosty and extra refreshing.—Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan
Pina Colada Molded SaladMy gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Green Flop Jell-OGet ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
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
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue RosesEat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Red-White-and-Blue Berry DelightLoaded with fresh strawberries and blueberries, this luscious JELL-O is perfect for any Fourth of July celebration! —Constance Fennell, Grand Junction, Michigan
Raspberry Bavarian CakeThis recipe is an all-time favorite with my family and everyone else who tastes it. It’s so easy but makes an impressive company dessert. Because it doesn’t seem light, everyone feels like they’re sinfully over-indulging! —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire
