The JELLO DIET

The JELLO DIET is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 45 calories per serving. Recipe by That 1870's Homestead on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $5.10 total, $0.64 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Beef Gelatin (grass‑fed, pasture‑raised powdered gelatin)
  • 2 pounds Fresh Strawberries (yields about 4 cups of juice; can use frozen strawberries)
  • 2 tablespoons Strawberry Jam (low‑sugar, pectin‑based (e.g., Pomona’s))
  • 1 cup Water (filtered water to bring juice to 4 cups total)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey (optional, adjust to taste; omit for strict keto)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Strawberry Juice Base

    Combine the frozen strawberry juice concentrate with enough filtered water to make a total of 4 cups of liquid in a measuring cup. Stir in the strawberry jam until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Bloom the Gelatin

    Place 0.5 cup of the prepared strawberry juice in a small bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of beef gelatin over the juice, whisk gently, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the gelatin swells and becomes thick.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Heat the Juice Mixture

    Transfer the remaining strawberry juice and jam mixture to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to steam (do not boil).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Incorporate Bloomed Gelatin

    Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm juice mixture. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Sweeten (Optional)

    Stir in up to 2 tablespoons of honey, tasting as you go. Adjust sweetness to your preference.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Set the Jello

    Pour the hot gelatin mixture into your chosen containers or molds. Cover loosely and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 4°C

  7. Finish and Serve

    After the jello has set, give each portion a quick whisk or gentle stir to release any surface bubbles, then serve chilled.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
45
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Keto‑friendly (if honey omitted), Gluten‑free, Paleo, Low‑sugar, Dairy‑free

Allergens: Beef gelatin, Honey

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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The JELLO DIET

Recipe by That 1870's Homestead

A simple, natural strawberry gelatin made with pasture‑raised beef gelatin, fresh strawberry juice, and a touch of honey. This keto‑friendly, low‑sugar dessert captures the Appalachian “jello diet” tradition while avoiding artificial additives found in store‑bought mixes.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
38m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.10
Total cost
$0.64
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Bloom the gelatin fully before adding to the hot mixture.
  • Dissolve the gelatin completely over medium heat to avoid grainy texture.
  • Chill the mixture for a full 4 hours for proper setting.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot liquids carefully to avoid burns.
  • Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved to prevent a gritty texture.
  • Keep gelatin containers out of reach of small children; gelatin can be a choking hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade strawberry gelatin in Appalachian cuisine as featured by YouTube channel That 1870's Homestead?

A

In Appalachian tradition, simple gelatin desserts were often made at home using locally sourced fruit and animal gelatin, reflecting a self‑sufficient lifestyle. The "jello diet" story highlighted by That 1870's Homestead showcases how older Appalachian women used daily gelatin servings for perceived health benefits.

cultural
Q

How did the “jello diet” become popular among older Appalachian women, as described in the interview referenced by That 1870's Homestead?

A

The "jello diet" grew out of a doctor's recommendation in the mid‑20th century to eat a daily serving of gelatin for joint and skin health. In isolated Appalachian communities, the diet persisted because gelatin was inexpensive, easy to make at home, and could be flavored with garden fruit like strawberries.

cultural
Q

What traditional ingredients were used in historic Appalachian gelatin desserts compared to the modern beef gelatin version shown by That 1870's Homestead?

A

Historically, Appalachian gelatin desserts used pork or beef bone broth boiled down to extract natural gelatin, sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and flavored with locally grown berries. The modern recipe swaps homemade bone broth for pasture‑raised beef gelatin powder, keeping the fruit base but eliminating artificial additives.

cultural
Q

In what occasions or celebrations would an Appalachian family traditionally serve a strawberry gelatin dessert?

A

Strawberry gelatin would often appear at summer picnics, church socials, and family gatherings where fresh berries were abundant. Its bright color and easy preparation made it a popular treat for holidays like Independence Day and community potlucks.

cultural
Q

How does this homemade strawberry gelatin fit into the broader Appalachian food tradition of self‑sufficiency and resourcefulness?

A

The recipe embodies Appalachian self‑reliance by using home‑grown strawberries, homemade fruit juice, and locally sourced beef gelatin, avoiding processed box mixes. It demonstrates how simple pantry staples can be transformed into a nutritious dessert without waste or expensive ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when blooming gelatin for the strawberry jello recipe from That 1870's Homestead?

A

The biggest mistakes are adding gelatin to hot liquid instead of blooming it first, and not allowing enough time for the gelatin to hydrate. Blooming in cold juice for 5‑10 minutes ensures a smooth texture and prevents grainy spots.

technical
Q

Why does the That 1870's Homestead recipe use a 0.5‑cup juice bloom for the gelatin instead of adding gelatin directly to the hot mixture?

A

Blooming in a small amount of cold juice prevents clumping and allows the gelatin to fully hydrate before heat is applied. Adding gelatin directly to hot liquid can cause it to form lumps that never fully dissolve.

technical
Q

How can I tell when the strawberry gelatin mixture is fully dissolved and ready to pour, according to the That 1870's Homestead tutorial?

A

When the mixture is completely smooth, glossy, and no specks of gelatin remain, it is fully dissolved. A quick stir with a whisk should leave no visible particles and the liquid should coat the back of a spoon evenly.

technical
Q

Can I make this strawberry beef gelatin jello ahead of time and how should I store it for best texture, as recommended by That 1870's Homestead?

A

Yes, you can prepare the jello a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator; it will stay firm for up to five days. For longer storage, portion into freezer‑safe silicone molds, but note that freezing may alter the texture slightly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel That 1870's Homestead specialize in, and how does its approach to Appalachian cooking differ from other homestead channels?

A

That 1870's Homestead focuses on historically inspired Appalachian recipes, emphasizing self‑sufficiency, seasonal ingredients, and traditional techniques. Unlike many modern homestead channels, it often ties each dish to oral histories and health practices from the region.

channel

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