© History Oasis
Discontinued: 1908
Coffee Jell-O launched to capture America’s coffee culture. But it failed spectacularly. The gelatin provided coffee flavor without caffeine. Who wants decaf Jell-O? The flavor offered none of the kick you could find with your morning brew.
Discontinued: 1942
Cola Jell-O appeared and vanished in 1942. The company gave no explanation for this swift removal. The flavor attempted to translate soda fountain culture into gelatin form, but consumer reception was apparently so poor that it disappeared faster than any other Jell-O product in history.
Discontinued: Mid-1970s
Celery Jell-O was launched during the mid-century gelatin salad craze. This savory flavor provided a subtle vegetable taste for elaborate molded dishes popular at dinner parties. The product worked like vegetable stock in soup, adding depth without overwhelming sweetness. When gelatin molds fell from fashion, the celery-flavored snack was soon discontinued.
Discontinued: 1970s
Taking veggie-flavored snacks to the next level, Mixed Vegetable Jell-O targeted home cooks, making complex gelatin salads. This savory base paired perfectly with ham, tuna, and vegetables. The flavor served as the foundation for non-dessert gelatin dishes that dominated 1950s entertainment. As fresh salads gained popularity, mixed vegetables lost relevance.
Discontinued: Unknown
Black Raspberry Jell-O joined the “deep, dark, delicious” lineup in 1956 alongside Black Cherry and Grape. Advertisements promoted all three as sophisticated flavors. While its companions survived, Black Raspberry mysteriously vanished from production.
Discontinued: 1970s
Another veggie flavor in the graveyards of gelatin. Italian Salad Jell-O tasted like Italian dressing mixed with pasta flavoring. Sounds gross. This bizarre creation targeted the gelatin salad trend when cooks packed meat, vegetables, and seasonings into molded aspic. Magazine ads promised solutions for hosts wanting “gelatin salad that’s not dessert at heart.”
Discontinued: 1970s
Yes, there was a tomato-flavored Jell-O. Seasoned Tomato Jell-O served the aspic tradition in American homes. This savory flavor supported complex molded dishes featuring vegetables, meats, and garnishes suspended in gelatin. Home cooks used tomato flavor for elegant presentations at dinner parties. When simple, fresh foods gained favor, the seasoned tomato became obsolete.
Discontinued: Early 1970s
Wild Berry Series offered intensified versions of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry in 1968. These flavors promised a sweeter, more concentrated berry taste than the original versions. The company expected wild berries to become standard, but consumers preferred familiar flavors. The series vanished within a few years of launch.
Discontinued: 1996
Jell-O 1-2-3 created three distinct layers from one powder. It had a clear bottom, mousse middle, and fluffy top. The Jell-O required blender preparation and complex timing. It was one of Jell-O’s most difficult offerings ever. Despite initial popularity, the elaborate process frustrated busy families. Sales declined in the 1980s as simpler foods gained market share.
Discontinued: Unknown
Maple Syrup Jell-O attempted breakfast flavors in gelatin form. The sweet, caramelized taste could work with nuts, fruit, or cake as a dessert base. However, maple syrup flavor never translated well to gelatin’s light texture. The product failed to find its audience.
Discontinued: Unknown
Strawberry Kiwi Jell-O joined the Tropical Blends line in 1996. Unlike typical kid-focused marketing, this flavor targeted adults. Commercials featured couples on beaches, positioning strawberry kiwi as sophisticated. The exotic combination couldn’t sustain consumer interest beyond initial novelty. But Island Pineapple survived, while its cousin flavor failed.
Discontinued: Unknown
Peach Passion Fruit Jell-O represented exotic flavor experimentation in the mid-1990s. This tropical blend launched alongside other international-inspired varieties as Jell-O sought new markets. The combination offered complex fruit flavors beyond traditional options. Limited appeal and production costs likely led to quiet discontinuation.
Discontinued: 1997
Sparkling White Grape Jell-O marked the company’s 100th anniversary in 1997. Marketed as “the Champagne of Jell-O,” this limited edition used club soda instead of water for effervescent bubbles. The sophisticated positioning and fizzy texture created novelty. But it was only available for one year.
Discontinued: 2010s
Mixed Fruit Jell-O blended multiple fruit flavors in one product. Fans used this variety for cranberry salads and family dinners, calling it a “crucial” ingredient. But low overall sales led to discontinuation.
Discontinued: Unknown
Jell-O Pudding Bites transformed popular pudding flavors into chewy, fruit snack-style pieces. This 2004 innovation attempted to capture portable snack market trends. The texture and taste received poor consumer reviews, failing to match expectations set by traditional pudding cups. Market rejection led to swift removal.