The Delicious History of Jelly Babies – Britain’s Most Adorable Sweet
Few sweets are as immediately recognisable, oddly comforting, and proudly British as the Jelly Baby. Squat, sugar-dusted, and vaguely infantile, they’re the confectionery world’s answer to eccentric charm. But don’t let their squishy nature fool you—these little characters carry more than a century of history, brand rivalries, and a cult following that stretches from old-school sweet shops to blue vegan reimaginings. And Candycrave, naturally, stocks them all—because who wants just one kind of Jelly Baby when you can have a rainbow of choice?
From Peace to Pick n Mix: A Sweet Born from War
Let’s start at the beginning—or at least, as far back as folklore will take us. Jelly Babies first appeared in 1864, credited to Fryers of Lancashire. Originally intended as jelly bears, the result looked more like, well… chubby babies. But it wasn’t until 1918, in the aftermath of World War I, that they became known nationally. Rebranded as “Peace Babies” by Bassetts to celebrate the armistice, they were sweet symbols of calm after chaos. Production paused during WWII, and when they returned in 1953, the name had changed to what we now know: Jelly Babies.
Not Just Cute—Characterful Too
Fast forward to the 1980s and Jelly Babies got a personality makeover. Bassetts assigned each colour a name and backstory: Bigheart, Brilliant, Bonny, Boofuls and Bubbles—each with their own colour, character, and candy-coated charisma. These weren’t just sweets; they were edible cartoon mascots. It was marketing genius—and it worked. The British public, already in love with their chewy charm, now had a favourite baby to root for.
The Candycrave Take on a British Classic
Today, Jelly Babies are as varied as the people who love them. At Candycrave, we’ve embraced the full evolution—from iconic originals to fizzy, vegan, and wildly colourful newcomers. Our signature Candycrave Jelly Babies offer a soft, fruity hit with that unmistakable sugar-dusted coating. They’re old-school, yes—but they’re also timeless.
Want something bigger? The Candycrave Jelly Babies Tub is your answer. Perfect for sharing (or not), this 800g tub is the pick n mix champion for Jelly Baby lovers who prefer a proper stash.
Battle of the Brands: Barratt, Haribo, Vidal & More
Of course, Candycrave doesn’t stop at house-brand sweets. We stock the best from the big names too. For traditionalists, the Barratt Jelly Babies 3kg box is the stuff of sweet shop dreams—soft, nostalgic, and beautifully British.
If you’re a fan of firmer chews and bold fruit flavours, the Haribo Jelly Babies and the Haribo Mini Jelly Babies deliver that iconic Haribo punch with a continental twist. Prefer things in a tub? The Haribo Jelly Babies Tub gives you 375 sweet reasons to dive in (without rationing yourself).
For those who love their sweets ethical and exciting, the Candycrave Fizzy Blue Babies are a revelation. Vegan, eye-catching, and mouth-wateringly sour, they’re proof that Jelly Babies are still evolving—and we’re here for it.
Vimto, Vidal and a Bubblegum Surprise
The innovation doesn’t stop there. Ever wondered what Jelly Babies would taste like infused with Vimto? Wonder no more. The Vimto Jelly Babies are a soft-centred blast of berry brilliance that brings an iconic drink to chewy life.
From Spain, the Vidal Jelly Babies 3kg pack delivers an international spin on the British classic. Known for vibrant colours and soft textures, Vidal’s version brings a little extra bounce to your biscuit tin.
And if you’re really looking to surprise your tastebuds, try the Millions Strawberry & Bubblegum Jelly Babies—two iconic flavours mashed together in one fruity, chewy bite. It’s part sweet, part bubble, and all fun.
Still Britain’s Favourite Chewy Classic
Despite the flashy flavours, quirky offshoots, and endless innovation, the original Jelly Baby remains a national treasure. They’ve seen off gummy bears, survived sugar-free trends, and held their own in sweet shops for over a century. Why? Because they’re delicious. Because they’re weird. Because nothing else tastes—or feels—quite like a Jelly Baby melting on your tongue.
Why Candycrave is the Home of Jelly Babies
At Candycrave, we’ve made it our mission to offer every kind of Jelly Baby you can imagine. From soft and fruity to fizzy and vegan, from pick n mix tubs to full 3kg bulk bags, we’ve got the Jelly Baby for you—whether you're stocking up for a party, filling jars for resale, or simply snacking like it's 1993 again.
So whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, dive into our Jelly Baby collection and rediscover a sweet with heart, heritage, and plenty of squish. After all, why settle for one type when you can try them all?