Dementia Support Line
Jelly Drops 'water sweets' help to boost daily water intake
Alzheimer’s Society has supported the development of Jelly Drops, award-winning bite-sized sweets designed to increase your water intake. Jelly Drops have been helping people with dementia with an easy and tasty way to support their hydration independently.
What are Jelly Drops?
Jelly Drops are bite-sized, sugar-free sweets containing 95 per cent water and added electrolytes.
They were invented by Lewis Hornby, who was inspired by his late grandmother and her love for sweets. Lewis developed bright, raindrop-shaped sweets as an easy way to increase her daily water intake.
Lewis and his Jelly Drops team have worked alongside people with dementia, doctors and dementia psychologists to develop their fantastic product.
Lewis Hornby and his late grandmother, Pat
Alzheimer’s Society is delighted to have partnered with Lewis and the Jelly Drops team through our Accelerator Programme during the product's development.
Since launching in July 2020, we have been excited to see Jelly Drops reaching people living with dementia who need them.
What's new from the Jelly Drops team?
Following further research and development, the team have recently launched new Jelly Drops Snackpots. These are an alternative version of the popular sweet's Original Tray.
Snackpots are cheaper, easier to hold, use 50 per cent less packaging and have an enhanced flavour.
Jelly Drops are solid but with a smooth texture - they don’t have a liquid centre or pop when eaten.
'It’s wonderful to see how the Jelly Drops team have continued to improve their offering, helping people living with dementia stay hydrated', said Colin Capper, Associate Director of Evidence and Participation at Alzheimer's Society.
‘Snackpots make Jelly Drops more affordable, eco-friendly and accessible, which will hopefully help to reach even more people in the future.'
Watch a 35-second video about Jelly Drops
How Jelly Drops have helped people during coronavirus
During the pandemic, the Jelly Drops team have worked even harder to make their water sweets available to the most vulnerable people in our society.
People living in care homes have been a primary concern for the Jelly Drops team during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Jelly Drops team also helped to cater to a small number of NHS coronavirus hospital wards, not just for the patients but also for the NHS staff. Members of staff found that the long shifts and personal protective equipment (PPE) often left them feeling dehydrated.
Dehydration and dementia
Dehydration is a common challenge for older people, and especially people with dementia. Memory problems mean that people living with dementia can often forget to drink enough water.
What’s more, the part of the brain that tells you when you’re thirsty doesn’t always work properly. Unfortunately, this can lead to confusion and even hospitalisation.
The Jelly Drops team.
How can I get some Jelly Drops?
There has been a huge demand for Jelly Drops since they were first introduced to the public in June 2019. The Jelly Drops team have been building up large scale production as fast as they can, and as of April 2022 they have launched in the USA.
You can now order Jelly Drops online, either as a one-off purchase or subscription. To get hold of your own Jelly Drops, visit the Jelly Drops website today.
Order Jelly Drops today
You can buy Jelly Drops Trays or Snackpots through their website, or get a free trial when you start a discounted subscription.
This article was first published on 14 June 2019 and last updated on 26 April 2022.
Lee
saysI am very interested. For my self and others who work in a fast paced retail environment. It's extremely difficult to get even a. Sip of water during any shift. I suffer from dyhration. Resulting in terrible leg cramps. This would be a life changer!
Gerardo
saysWhere can I buy them in USA?
Hi Gerardo,
Just following up to let you know that Jelly Drops have now launched in the US. They are available to buy via the US website https://www.jellydrops.us/cart
Many thanks,
Alzheimer's Society website team
Sharon
saysMy friend has dementia and these would be brilliant for her, but she’s also vegetarian. Would they be suitable for vegetarian as well as other users?
Serena
saysI’ve been trying to track the progress of these for a while, can’t wait for these to become available. it’s an excellent idea that many people will benefit from
Madison
saysI would love to buy these for my grandmother who is going through chemo. She is unable to eat or drink and I think this products would help a lot with keeping her hydrated ! Please start selling soon
Debra Newman
saysI would love to be able to get my hands on some. Our mother suffers with Dementia and has constant UTI’S. She does not get enough fluids so would love these.
Doug Stacey
saysWould a diabetic version be available?
Jaimie
saysI work in a care home and would love to trial this. A lot of our residents would benefit from this.
Kate
saysPlease can you let me know if these will be vegetarian? I think they are a fantastic idea and would also help others with eating disorders as well as those with dementia.
kirstie vallis
saysWe would like to trial Jelly drops at our care home as we feel they would be extremely beneficial.
Richard Hyde
saysfantastic idea! This will help my Mum no end. Hope they are available soon. Well done!
Angela
saysWhat a brilliant idea, This would help my dad so much as getting him to drink is so hard, but he loves his sweets
Cheryl
saysBrilliant Idea.
My mom is one that refuses to drink water, Diet Pepsi is the only liquid she’ll drink. Is there anything we caretakers can do to help speed up the process?
Mandy Davies
saysCan’t wait until these are available to buy
Kevin Wiggins
saysSounds fantastic. I have trouble getting my 95 year old Mom to drink enough especially in this extreme weather
Please get them available ASAP thank you