Jellyatrics: Celebrating 90 years of Jelly Babies

Whilst in B&M Bargains recently I was quite bemused when I spotted these odd novelty sweets called Jellyatrics. According to the pack they're to celebrate 90 years of jelly babies (and yes, that is a set of false teeth you can see in the pic):

For readers outside the UK who may not have heard of jelly babies, they are a classic British jelly sweet that is usually coated in starch powder. They're also Doctor Who's favourite sweet. According to wikipedia, they were created by Bassett's in 1918 and were originally called "Peace Babies" to mark the end of World War 1. Production was suspended during World War 2 due to wartime shortages, and they were re-launched as "Jelly Babies" in 1953. For more on their history see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jelly_Babies

Unlike jelly babies, Jellyatrics are based on old-aged pensioners, and have their own names: Bill Bird ("Binoculars at the ready"), Mister Miser ("Penny pinching pensioner"), Pearl Stitch ("Speed knitting champion"), Frau Zimmer ("Legs like jelly") and Benny Dorm ("Karaoke king of the Costas").

I really liked the concept of these and think they're a fun take on jelly babies. It surprised me that they're not made by Bassett's though, since they're to celebrate 90 years of jelly babies (the packet says "Specially packed for Barnack Confectionery Ltd"). They have a facebook page set up in 2011 and a website which still seems to be under construction.

The jellies only look vaguely like pensioners. Which is probably a good thing, as the thought of eating granny-shaped sweets is a bit weird, but then you could say the same of jelly babies, I guess. They're coated in starch powder, which according to wikipedia is "...left over from the manufacturing process where it is used to aid release from the mould". Nothing like a starch-coated pensioner!

Taste-wise, they were pleasantly sweet and fruity, and chewier in texture than Bassett's Jelly Babies, which I guess is fitting. I shared them with my family and we all enjoyed them whilst giggling at the names.

Overall, I think Jellyatrics are a fun product and they taste pretty good. They're great for a giggle and a nice snack for sharing. So go on, gobble a grandad or gnaw a nanny!

Nutritional facts: Contains beef (or horse?) gelatin, plus nettle & spinach concentrates.
Price: 99p at B&M Bargains.