National Eat Your Jello Day (July 12th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every July 12th
It's also known as:	Eat Your Jell-O Day
Tagged as:	Dessert Food & Drink
What are the hashtags?	#NationalEatYourJelloDay #EatYourJellODay
We first published this page on:	Dec 6th, 2023
We last updated this page:	Jan 15th, 2025

National Eat Your Jello Day is a wiggly, jiggly, and oh-so-fun occasion to celebrate.

Jello has been an American household staple since the 1800s. It is more than just a jiggling, sweet dessert.

For many, it is also a craft ingredient, a party favorite, and, for many, a nostalgic trip down memory lane. So grab those spoons — it’s time to dig into National Eat Your Jello Day.

How to Celebrate National Eat Your Jello Day

Celebrating National Eat Your Jello Day can be as straightforward or as elaborate as one wishes. Here are some fun, whimsical, and unique ideas to make the most of this jiggly holiday:

Homemade Jello Creations

Start with the basics by making homemade Jello. Experiment with different flavors and colors. Try layering multiple flavors to create a rainbow effect for an extra twist.

Anyone feeling adventurous may want to mix up a few custom flavors with unflavored gelatin.

Jello Art

Unleash the inner artist by using Jello as a medium. Create edible sculptures, or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. For a more challenging project, try making a Jello mosaic or a layered Jello cake.

Jello Tasting Party

Host a National Eat Your Jello Day tasting party. Reach out and invite friends and family. Include a variety of flavors and ask guests to bring their unique Jello creations.

Have categories like ‘Most Creative Jello Dish’ or ‘Best Tasting Jello.’ Give out Jello-themed prizes, like new Jello molds or Jello recipe books.

Jello Sculpture Contest

Call up some artistic friends and family members — it’s time for a National Eat Your Jello Day sculpting contest. Before they arrive, make Jello of different colors and flavors.

Give each participant a workstation with spoons, knives, and other sculpting tools. Give them 30 minutes to be as creative as possible. Offer brightly-colored prizes to the winners.

Educational Fun

Use National Eat Your Jello Day to educate kids about the science behind this dessert. Discuss how gelatin works and why Jello solidifies. It’s a fun and tasty science lesson!

Jello in Culinary Creations

Beyond desserts, incorporate Jello into savory dishes. Gelatin can be used in aspics or to create exciting textures in gourmet dishes.

Craft with Jello

Jello isn’t just for eating. Use it for crafts like making homemade Play-Doh or Jello lip gloss. It’s a fun way to explore the versatility of this product.

Jello History Time

Dive into the history of Jello and share fun facts with others, or even create a trivia game based on Jello’s history and facts.

Jello Photography

Capture the beauty of Jello in photographs. Play with lighting to highlight its translucent quality and vibrant colors.

Community Involvement

Spread the joy by sharing Jello desserts with neighbors, friends, or local community centers. It’s a sweet way to bring smiles to others’ faces.

National Eat Your Jello Day is more than just about eating Jello; it celebrates the treat’s creativity, fun, and nostalgia.

Whether making it, eating it, playing with it, or learning about it, there’s no wrong way to celebrate this delightful day. So, grab a spoon (or some art supplies) and enjoy Jello in all its wobbly glory!

History of National Eat Your Jello Day

The story of Jello is as colorful as the tasty treat itself. The nutritional value of gelatin has been recognized since the 1800s; gelatin also gives Jello its wiggly form and the ability to mold and shape.

However, it wasn’t until 1897 that Jello received its trademark in New York, marking the official birth of this beloved dessert. The original Jello formula was a far cry from the delicious rainbow of flavors we know and love today.

It took several years and some innovative thinking to transform it into the fun and fruity dessert that is a global phenomenon.

In 1930, a milestone in Jello’s history was achieved with the invention of Lime Jello, a flavor that still remains popular today.

The 1950s saw another significant development – the invention of Jello shots. An American musician named Tom Lehrer had the great idea of adding vodka or rum to Jello, creating a party favorite that continues to be a hit at gatherings across North America.

Jello’s popularity soared to such heights that in 2001, the state of Utah named it the official state snack. This recognition was more than just an acknowledgment of its ongoing popularity; it was a testament to Jello’s cultural significance in America.

While the actual founding date and history of National Eat Your Jello Day remain unclear, we can all agree that it’s a great excuse to enjoy eating some colorful, yummy Jello.

National Eat Your Jello Day FAQs

What unusual foods have been made with Jell-O?

Chefs have experimented with bizarre Jell-O combinations over the years.

For example, the 1950s brought creations like Jell-O salads with mayonnaise and vegetables.

Some even made molded Jell-O dishes with shrimp or tuna, reflecting the mid-century fascination with gelatin cuisine.

Why does Jell-O make a “wiggling” sound?

The sound comes from the elastic nature of gelatin molecules. When disturbed, they bounce back into shape, causing vibrations that produce a wiggle sound. This unique property adds to Jell-O’s playful appeal.

Did Jell-O play a role in wartime meals?

During World War II, Jell-O offered an economical way to stretch ingredients.

Housewives used gelatin to make molded dishes with scraps of meat and vegetables. This resourceful use helped families manage rationing while maintaining creativity in the kitchen.

What’s the science behind Jell-O’s texture?

Jell-O’s texture comes from gelatin, a protein derived from collagen. When mixed with hot water, the proteins unravel and form a network as they cool, trapping water inside. This process creates the signature wobbly consistency loved by many.

Has Jell-O ever been part of a prank?

Yes! A famous TV prank involved encasing an office stapler in Jell-O on The Office. Fans of the show have recreated the stunt, using Jell-O molds to prank coworkers.

The dessert’s transparency and jiggle make it perfect for light-hearted tricks.

What cultural significance does Jell-O have in communities outside the U.S.?

In Mexico, colorful gelatinas are a staple at celebrations. These include multi-layered gelatin desserts shaped like flowers, which are hand-crafted and sold at bakeries. Jell-O’s adaptability has made it a global favorite.

How is Jell-O used in modern art?

Artists have used Jell-O to create edible sculptures and installations. One project involved a full-scale Jell-O model of San Francisco, complete with wobbling skyscrapers.

The vibrant colors and pliability inspire creativity beyond the kitchen.

Did Jell-O ever inspire scientific research?

Yes, it has been used in experiments on sound waves and viscosity. Physics students often study wave patterns in gelatin to understand energy transfer.

The dessert’s transparent, flexible structure makes it ideal for visual demonstrations.

What are some fun myths about Jell-O?

A quirky myth claims Jell-O can’t set in tropical climates. In reality, it sets poorly in extreme heat but works if chilled properly. This has led to confusion and amusing stories about “Jell-O failures” on summer days.

Are there any health uses for Jell-O?

Gelatin, the main ingredient, is believed to support joint health. Some athletes consume it to help repair cartilage. Although not proven scientifically, gelatin’s protein content makes it a favorite in wellness circles.

Need some inspiration?

Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!

National Eat Your Jello Day