The Composition of Jelly Drops
Jelly Drops are specially formulated sweets designed to combat dehydration, particularly in individuals with dementia or other conditions that reduce fluid intake. The ingredients are carefully chosen to provide hydration and essential nutrients in an appealing and easy-to-consume format.
Primary Ingredients for Hydration and Texture
The fundamental component of Jelly Drops is water, which makes up 95% of their total volume. This high-water content is central to their purpose. To achieve their distinct solid, yet smooth and easy-to-chew texture, they use a blend of plant-based gelling agents rather than animal gelatin, making them suitable for vegans.
- Water (95%): The main ingredient, providing the core hydration benefit.
- Maltodextrin and Dextrin: These carbohydrates contribute to the substance and consistency of the drops.
- Gelling Agents: A proprietary blend of gellan gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, acacia gum, and agar provides the unique jelly-like, but non-bursting, texture.
Added Electrolytes and Vitamins
To enhance their hydrating properties and provide additional nutritional benefits, Jelly Drops are fortified with electrolytes and vitamins. These additions are crucial for the body's fluid balance and overall function.
- Electrolytes: Sodium citrate, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride help the body retain fluids more effectively than plain water.
- Vitamins: The formulation includes B-complex vitamins, specifically Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Folic Acid (B9), and Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin). These support normal cognitive function and the immune system.
Flavoring, Coloring, and Sweetening
The appeal of Jelly Drops lies in their bright, colorful appearance and fruity taste, which encourages consistent consumption. The product uses natural sources for flavor and color, avoiding artificial additives.
- Natural Flavorings: Responsible for the fruity taste of each drop.
- Natural Colors: Derived from sources like curcumin and concentrated carrot extract to create the vibrant visual appeal.
- Sucralose: This sugar-free sweetener is used to make the drops palatable without the need for added sugar, a key consideration for oral hygiene and for those managing conditions like diabetes.
- Flavor Enhancers: Lactic acid, malic acid, and citric acid are included to balance and enhance the natural fruit flavors.
Preservatives and Other Ingredients
To ensure product safety and shelf life, food-grade preservatives are included in the formulation.
- Preservatives: Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate help maintain the product's quality and freshness.
A Comparison: Jelly Drops vs. Standard Gummy Vitamins
| Feature | Jelly Drops | Standard Gummy Vitamins |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Hydration support. | Vitamin and mineral supplementation. |
| Main Ingredient | 95% Water. | Sugar, glucose syrup, or pectin base. |
| Sugar Content | Sugar-free. | Often contain added sugars or corn syrup. |
| Additional Benefit | Added electrolytes and B-complex vitamins. | Concentrated vitamins and minerals. |
| Texture | Solid, smooth, and easy to chew. | Chewy and sometimes sticky. |
| Intended User | Individuals with hydration challenges, such as people with dementia. | General population seeking dietary supplements. |
The Evolution of Jelly Drops
Following customer feedback, the Jelly Drops company has evolved its product from a tray format to more compact and environmentally friendly snack pots. This change improved accessibility and reduced packaging by 50%. The recipe was also enhanced to create a smoother, more enjoyable texture. The commitment to creating an effective, stigma-free hydration aid remains at the core of the product's design.
Conclusion
In summary, the ingredients in Jelly Drops create a unique and effective hydration aid. The careful formulation, consisting of 95% water, gelling agents for a specific texture, and essential electrolytes and vitamins, is designed to encourage consistent fluid intake. The use of natural flavorings and a sugar-free sweetener ensures a healthy and palatable treat. This product fills an important gap in care, providing a dignified and engaging way for individuals, particularly those with dementia, to maintain proper hydration levels. The simple yet thoughtful combination of ingredients and design has made Jelly Drops a successful and celebrated solution to a common health challenge.
The Founder's Inspiration
The story behind Jelly Drops began with a personal experience. Lewis Hornby was motivated to create the sweets after his grandmother, Pat, who had dementia, was hospitalized due to dehydration. He observed that her love for sweets, combined with her difficulty with traditional drinking, was a potential opportunity for a solution. By developing a bright, easy-to-handle sweet that was 95% water, he created an accessible and enjoyable way to help her, and many others, increase their fluid intake.
Note: While designed for a specific need, the ingredients make Jelly Drops a healthy and enjoyable option for anyone looking for a hydrating snack. For those with specific health conditions like diabetes, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, even though the product is sugar-free. For individuals with swallowing difficulties, consultation with a speech and language therapist is advised.
