Molded Fruit Gelatin

Molded fruit gelatin, often called Jell-O salad or fruit gelatin dessert, is a wobbly, colorful dish made by setting fruit juice or flavored gelatin with fresh or canned fruit pieces. It typically includes gelatin, sugar, water, and a variety of fruits like pineapple, peaches, or berries, and is a popular retro side dish or dessert in American home cooking.

🍳 View the full Molded Fruit Gelatin recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates from sugar and fruit, with negligible fat and protein. A standard half-cup serving provides about 70-100 calories, mainly from simple sugars, and offers minimal vitamins beyond any from the added fruit.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	140 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	34 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	32 g
Sodium	85 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Potassium	45 mg
Phosphorus	20 mg
Calcium	15 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.05 mg
Folate	10 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, molded gelatin salads became a symbol of mid-20th-century American entertaining, showcasing creativity and modern convenience. Nutritionally, it's unique for being a hydrating, low-fat treat, though its nutritional value depends heavily on the type and amount of fruit included.