17 Jell-O Flavors (Ranked Worst to Best)

Ever wondered which Jell-O flavors reign supreme? Let’s find out together! 

Jell-O has been a staple in our kitchens for years. Known for its fun, jiggly texture, it’s a favorite among kids and adults.

People love Jell-O for many reasons. It reminds us of our childhood and is excellent for making shots. It’s also a key ingredient in mousses, cakes, and pies!

Jell-O comes in a wide variety of flavors. Some are classic, others are new. Some are sweet, and others are sugar-free.

But which Jell-O flavors truly take the cake? This ranking will help you decide which ones to buy and those to skip out on.

Jell-O Flavors Ranked from Worst to Best

17. Strawberry Banana

The Strawberry Banana Jell-O does a commendable job capturing the timeless duo of strawberries and bananas. This flavor is satisfyingly sweet without an overpowering artificial flavor. 

The problem lies in the texture. While it tastes like a banana, it doesn’t give you that tender banana feel.

It’s also a bit of a rare find. Many grocery stores don’t stock it, and online prices can give you a jolt. 

16. Berry Blue

Berry Blue Jell-O might grab your attention with its vibrant color but falls short on flavor. It’s meant to mimic strawberries and blueberries. But it’s overly sweet and artificial, lacking real fruit’s natural, refreshing notes. 

Despite its appealing hue,  Berry Blue’s intense color can stain surfaces and make cleanup a chore.

15. Blueberry Pomegranate

Blue Pomegranate Jell-O’s vibrant hue is enticing but may disappoint you. You’d expect a rich, tangy pomegranate flavor, but it misses the mark. It leans more towards an overly sweet, almost artificial taste. 

Also, Blue Pomegranate’s vibrant color can stain surfaces, making cleanup difficult.

14. Lime

Lime Jell-O can be a bit hit-or-miss. Its festive color is great for holidays and cocktail mixes. But the flavor doesn’t always hit the sweet spot. 

Some say it tastes more medicinal than dessert-like. Others complain about its artificial flavor.

Another issue is it sometimes doesn’t set properly. This can be a disappointment for those expecting a firm, jiggly treat. 

13. Lemon

Lemon Jell-O seems like a good idea, right? It’s bright and promises a sweet lemonade flavor. But the taste is a little disappointing. Instead of a punchy lemon flavor, it’s more like weak lemon juice. The sweetness isn’t there, and neither is the tart kick of real lemon. 

So, while some people might like it, not everyone is a fan.

12. Island Pineapple

Island Pineapple Jello is a taste of vacation in a dessert. It’s like having a piña colada on a plate. But there’s a problem. Iit’s hard to find. 

People love the flavor, but they can’t always get it in their local store. It’s frustrating when you crave that tropical hit and can’t find it anywhere. 

So, while the taste gets a thumbs up, the hard-to-find factor lets it down.

11. Cranberry

Cranberry Jell-O is a bit of a wildcard. It might not be your everyday pick, but it shines during the holiday season. 

Many people use it as a festive cranberry sauce substitute for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It hits the right balance between tangy and sweet, making it great for Jell-O shots. 

But it’s typically only available around the holidays. So, while it’s a hit, its seasonal availability holds it back a bit.

10. Mango

Number 10 on the list is Mango Jell-O. It sounds like a dream, but unfortunately, it falls short. 

The flavor is a bit underwhelming. It would be better with a stronger, more pronounced mango taste. 

Mix it with pineapple or add cut-up fruit to add to its tropical flavor. But as a stand-alone dessert, don’t expect it to deliver.

9. Black Cherry

This delightful treat channels the sweetness of black cherries into a dessert. Its deep burgundy color adds a touch of elegance. It’s a more sophisticated version of its classic cherry counterpart. 

However, finding in stores can be challenging, requiring a dedicated search online. But for true Jell-O enthusiasts, it’s a worthy endeavor.

8. Apricot

Apricot Jell-O offers the taste of fresh apricots all year round. Fans describe it as the perfect light snack on a summer day. It strikes a balance of sweetness without a lingering sugary aftertaste. 

However, opinions differ, and some find the flavor artificial. Nonetheless, positive reviews outweigh the negatives, making it worth a try for Jell-O enthusiasts.

7. Cherry

Cherry Jell-O is a timeless classic. Its bright taste and vibrant color make it a delightful treat year-round. But there’s a reason it didn’t make it to the top 5 or 6. Its association with cough syrup held it back.

But if you have no negative connotations with cherry flavor, it might become your favorite! The undeniably fruity and nostalgic taste brings cheerfulness to any occasion. 

6. Grape

Grape Jell-O holds a special place in many hearts, evoking nostalgia and childhood memories. Its sweet and fruity flavor captures the essence of grape, reminiscent of grape-flavored Kool-Aid. 

However, there are some mixed reviews. Some customers find the aftertaste a bit chalky. Others suggest using multiple packs for a stronger flavor. 

5. Raspberry

Welcome to the top five! Raspberry Jell-O is a go-to choice for me. Its classic flavor stands out, whether enjoyed alone or with a dollop of whipped cream. 

Raspberries can be tricky to handle, and finding the perfect ripeness is a challenge. That’s why Raspberry Jell-O is a smart choice. It captures the essence of raspberries without the hassle. 

4. Peach

Peach Jell-O brings a bit of summer into your day. It’s like a ripe peach, fresh from a Southern tree. It brings a taste of those lazy, sunny moments. 

It’s not just for dessert either. It pairs well with vodka or makes a fun, fruity pie filling. You can even enjoy it in your post-workout smoothies. 

The only catch is it can be a bit tricky to find, unlike the more common flavors. But trust me, it’s worth the search. 

3. Watermelon

Watermelon Jell-O is like a bite of summer. Imagine coming home tired and hot. You open the fridge, and voila! There’s this cool treat, just waiting for you. Bright pink and refreshing, it’s always a delightful surprise. 

It’s also a hit at parties, especially with kids. Think of it as a Pink Starburst, but more refreshing. The sweet, candy-like taste is just unbeatable. That’s why it lands third on the list.

2. Strawberry

Strawberry Jell-O holds a special place in many people’s hearts. It’s like a bowl of nostalgia, bringing back memories of simple desserts from childhood. When mom was too tired after a long day, it was the quick, easy treat that saved the day. 

It’s versatile, too. It’s great for recipes, classic Jell-O shots, or just on its own. The bright red color and comforting taste are loved by many, no matter the season.

It’s easy to find and affordable, making it a beloved runner-up flavor.

1. Orange

Orange Jell-O is like a summer’s day in dessert. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying. It takes the zesty, beloved taste of oranges and gives it a fun twist. It reminds you of those fresh oranges from roadside stands.

Orange Jell-O doesn’t try to be fancy or exotic. It’s just simply good, like a comforting, familiar favorite.

It’s a go-to when you want a taste of joy and warmth, even at bedtime. For these reasons, it’s the clear winner.

What Were the 7 Original Flavors of Jell-O? 

The seven OG flavors of Jell-O are lemon, orange, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, chocolate, and peach.

Believe it or not, Jell-O has been around for over a century. But despite going way back, many of us associate it with the 1950s. Back then, this cheap treat became a savior for families navigating the economic downturn post-WWII. 

But the story of Jell-O goes back further, to 1897. This was the year when Jell-O first graced the U.S. It delighted everyone with four tempting flavors: lemon, orange, raspberry, and strawberry.

It began with those four, but it was immediately followed by this trio: cherry, chocolate, and peach. Cherry and chocolate were introduced in 1904, while peach hopped aboard in 1907.

Interestingly, lime, their most popular flavor, didn’t even make the initial list. Lime made its debut in 1930, complete with its recipe book. 

What Are Some Discontinued Jell-O Flavors? 

Can you imagine a world where Mixed Vegetable or Season Tomato Jell-O existed? Yes, these outrageous flavors were once a reality! 

They’re part of the quirky list of discontinued Jell-O varieties, which also includes:

• Plain
• Maple Syrup
• Sparkling White Grape
• Triple Chocolate
• Wild Raspberry
• Wild Strawberry
• Watermelon Candy

Jell-O has waved goodbye to a whole lot of blended flavors, too, the likes of:

• Orange-Banana
• Orange-Pineapple
• Passion Fruit
• Pineapple-Grapefruit
• Raspberry Mango
• Sparkling Berry
• Sparkling Mandarin Orange