Jelly Babies: A British Sweetshop Icon Through the Ages

Jelly Babies: A British Sweetshop Icon Through the Ages

Jelly Babies are one of the most recognisable sweets in the UK. Soft, chewy, dusted with sugar and packed with fruity flavour, they’ve been a staple of British sweet shops for generations.

Whether you remember picking them from jars as a kid or adding them to a Pick ’n’ Mix bag on the way home, Jelly Babies are pure nostalgia in sweet form.

Where Did Jelly Babies Come From?

Jelly Babies date back to the Victorian era. Early versions appeared in the late 1800s and were originally known as “Unclaimed Babies” — a name that didn’t last long.

By the early 20th century, the sweets had evolved into the familiar baby-shaped gummies we know today. Their popularity exploded in post-war Britain, when sweet shops became local favourites and Pick ’n’ Mix culture really took off.

Why Jelly Babies Became So Popular

Jelly Babies weren’t just tasty — they were fun. Each bag came with a mix of colours and flavours, making them perfect for sharing or carefully sorting through to find your favourites.

• Soft, chewy texture
• Balanced fruity flavours
• Ideal for Pick ’n’ Mix bags
• A true retro sweetshop classic

Flavours, Colours & That Iconic Texture

Unlike many modern sweets, Jelly Babies aren’t overly sour or sickly sweet. Their gentle fruit flavours and soft bite make them easy to enjoy, whether you’re snacking or building a nostalgic mix.

They’ve remained a favourite in jelly Pick ’n’ Mix selections and continue to sit proudly alongside other classics like retro sweets and cola bottles.

Jelly Babies Today

Today, Jelly Babies are still a Pick ’n’ Mix essential. They’re popular with all ages and work perfectly in both traditional sweet bags and modern custom mixes.

At Mayflower Munchies, our Jelly Babies are packed fresh to order, whether you’re building a full Pick ’n’ Mix or adding a retro favourite to your bag.

You can find them in our Pick ’n’ Mix range and Retro Sweets collection.

A Sweet That Never Goes Out of Style

Trends come and go, but Jelly Babies have stood the test of time. They’re comforting, familiar, and endlessly snackable — the kind of sweet that instantly takes you back to simpler times.

If you’re building a Pick ’n’ Mix and want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Jelly Babies are always a solid choice.