Jelly, that wibbly wobbly childhood favorite, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Once relegated to children’s parties and hospital fare, jelly is now taking center stage at top restaurants, trendy gatherings, and even haute couture fashion campaigns. This jiggly treat is getting a sophisticated makeover, delighting diners and fashionistas alike with its playful textures and innovative flavors.
The Nostalgia Factor
Part of jelly’s appeal lies in its ability to evoke fond childhood memories. As London chef Anna Tobias notes, “It’s an excellent example of a pudding that pulls on people’s heartstrings.” The loosened rules around jelly consumption – slurping it up was part of the fun – add to its nostalgic charm. Savoring a spoonful of jelly can transport you back to carefree birthday celebrations and simpler times.
Artisanal Jellies Take the Stage
While supermarket jelly sales are on the rise, it’s the artisanal jellies crafted by top chefs that are truly stealing the show. At supper clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants, jellies are being elevated to showstopping status with elaborate molds, delicate flavors, and inventive ingredient pairings. From delicate quince and rhubarb creations at London’s Café Deco to blood orange and juniper delights at Jikoni, chefs are pushing the boundaries of what jelly can be.
“Generally, if a food moves on your plate you’d be alarmed. When jelly does, you’re delighted.”
– Sam Bompas, co-founder of Bompas & Parr
Jelly as Art and Spectacle
London-based creative studio Bompas & Parr, known as “the jellymongers,” have taken jelly to new heights as an artistic medium. Their mesmerizing, large-scale jelly installations, like glow-in-the-dark creations and architectural replicas, have captivated audiences. As co-founder Sam Bompas explains, the unexpected movement of jelly on a plate creates a sense of wonder and delight.
This jelly-as-art trend has spilled over into social media, where mesmerizing videos of elaborate, wobbling jellies garner hundreds of thousands of views. Vintage jelly mold sales have skyrocketed as home cooks aim to recreate these eye-catching desserts. The #jellyart hashtag is filled with stunning, Instagram-worthy creations in every color and shape imaginable.
Jelly’s Fashionable Moment
Even the fashion world is embracing the jelly craze. In a recent campaign for Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand, the star wasn’t a Hollywood A-lister, but a shimmering, undulating pink jelly. This quirky choice reflects jelly’s current status as an unexpected icon of style and playfulness. Across runways and ad campaigns, jellies are adding a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to high fashion.
A Vehicle for Flavor and Wellness
Beyond its visual appeal, jelly is also being celebrated as a versatile “vehicle for flavor.” Chefs are infusing jellies with everything from classic fruits to trendy spirits and spices. On TikTok, bite-sized boozy jellies like lychee martini cubes are all the rage. Jelly is also riding the wellness wave, with brands touting the health benefits of grass-fed gelatine and vegan varieties made with seaweed.
“Jelly checks all the zeitgeist boxes. Retro always comes back around… Now, it’s jelly time.”
– Zoe Messinger, founder of Gelée
As the jelly renaissance continues to sweep the culinary and cultural landscape, it’s clear that this humble dessert is anything but child’s play. With its potent combination of nostalgia, artistry, and pure fun, jelly has solidified its status as the ultimate trendy treat. So next time you spot a mesmerizing, technicolor jelly creation, don’t be surprised – just grab a spoon and savor the moment. Jelly’s reign as the queen of sweets is just beginning.
- Jelly’s comeback is fueled by nostalgia, artistry, and pure fun
- Top chefs are elevating jellies with innovative flavors and molds
- Jelly is a versatile vehicle for both flavor and wellness benefits
