Jelly Drops

Jelly Drops is a British confectionery company, based in London, England. It produces sugar-free sweets that are made of 95% water and contain electrolytes, natural flavourings and non-artificial colours. It was founded on 28 August 2018, by Lewis Hornby who was inspired by his grandmother Pat, who had dementia and was hospitalized for dehydration.

The company uses a patented method to manufacture sugar-free gummy candy which is 95% water. The confectionery is designed to increase hydration in people who are susceptible to becoming dehydrated: originally being conceived for the elderly, especially those with dementia.

Jelly Drops are vegan and available to buy online in the UK and the US.

History
Jelly Drops were invented in 2018 by Lewis Hornby, a 24-year-old Royal College of Art student, when his grandmother almost died of dehydration. He spent a month in her nursing home and realised that while many people with dementia refused to drink, did not feel thirst or failed to recognise cups, they would still eat confectionery. He therefore invented a fruity candy made up of 95 per cent water and electrolytes.

When a video of Hornby and his grandmother was shared on Facebook it received over 48 million views, with one viewer setting up a JustGiving page, which raised more than £9,000, in order to help bring the product to market.

In 2019, Jelly Drops received a further £100,000 grant, along with access to a network of industry experts, from the Alzheimer's Society as part of their Accelerator Programme, designed to support products intending to improve care and lifestyle quality of those living with dementia. In return for the charity's investment, Jelly Drops will donate 1% of its profits to help fund further Alzheimer's research.

Jelly Drops launched to the public in the United Kingdom in 2020, and in the United States in 2022. The confectionary is also reportedly used in healthcare settings including in NHS wards.

Awards and accolades

 * Pitch@Palace Award 2019
 * World Innovation Forum IMAGINE IF! Award 2019
 * Dubai Design Week Progress Prize finalist
 * Dyson School of Design Engineering DESIRE Award for Social Impact
 * Helen Hamlyn Design Awards 2018 - Snowdon Award For Disability