As Christmas approaches, many in the UK are gearing up to enjoy one of the nation’s beloved sweets: Jelly Babies. These gummy confections, known for their vibrant colours and soft texture, have captured the hearts of many and even topped a survey last year, with 65% of respondents naming them as their favourite candy. Following Jelly Babies in popularity were Fruit Pastilles and Fruit Gums, showcasing the enduring appeal of these retro treats.
A recent study revealed that 78% of people in the UK cherish sweets as a nostalgic connection to their childhood. Jonathan Horsley, a representative from Perspectus Global, noted, “Sweets are one of life’s simple pleasures. You can see how they provoke feelings of nostalgia.” Yet, Jelly Babies possess a lesser-known feature that may surprise consumers: each of the six varieties has its own unique name and shape.
Unveiling the Names of Jelly Babies
According to Richard Price, a British grocery expert at BritSuperstore.co.uk, many consumers do not realize that these sweets have distinct titles. “As part of their rebrand in 1953, Bassetts gave each colour a distinct shape and name,” he explained. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the candy that has been a staple in British confectionery for over a century.
The history of Jelly Babies dates back to 1864, when they were first created by an Austrian confectioner working for Fryers of Lancashire. Initially designed to resemble Jelly Bears, the sweets ended up looking more like newborn infants, leading to their endearing name. Following the First World War, they were briefly rebranded as “Peace Babies.”
Sweet Confusions: A TikTok Revelation
Jelly Babies are not the only sweets causing confusion among consumers. Recently, TikTok user Joe Lewis shared his surprise at discovering that he had been misnaming Blue Riband bars for years. After ordering a substantial box of biscuits from Amazon, he realized the error while unboxing. “So please tell me I’m not the only person that’s ever noticed this?” he questioned in his video.
Lewis went on to express disbelief, stating, “I’ve just got this big box of biscuits – 71 of them. Toffee Crisps, Yorkies, Kit Kats… and Blue Ribands. Blue Riband? I am 100% sure that it’s always been Blue Ribbon!” His post resonated with many viewers, with comments flooding in from others who shared his sentiment. “Definitely always been blue ribbon,” one commenter said, while another added, “Blue ribbon 100%.”
As the festive season draws near, the nostalgia associated with sweets like Jelly Babies continues to evoke fond memories for many. With their unique names and rich history, these treats remain a cherished part of British culture, ready to bring joy to both young and old alike.
