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.
Wendy Burt
saysA great idea! But I would also ecco please make them diabetes friendly.
Ann Ayton
saysSimple, brilliant!
Vicki Shaw
saysA great idea as it is a constant issue to try to keep people hydrated despite best intentions. Often people will take a 'sweet' as its small but will refuse a drink out of fear of incontinence. I wish you the very best of luck.
Paula
saysJelly drops they are going to be a God send to all concerned. Brilliant idea
AJB
saysMany people with dementia also suffer from diabetes. Wouldn't it be sweet if Jelly Drops could be diabetic-friendly too?! Good luck!
(PS it may be worthwhile to state on the packaging, depending on the sugar content and eating instructions, "not suitable for diabetics".)
Gerard Scully
saysThese would have a wider application that just people with dementia. But I would be interested in how they are flavoured and sweetened. Can they be given to diabetics for instance?
Sara Gregson
saysWhat a fantastic idea. My mother loved sugary jellies in her last few years and having hydrating ones would have been even better. Well done Jelly Drops team.
Lynda smith
saysWe would love to test run these in our EMI home we have 74 residents all with varying degrees of dementia and although we really encourage fluid I take if the resident refuses then its is very difficult to keep them hydrated most of our lovely ladies and gents have a sweet tooth so this would go down a storm for sure xx
Emma
saysGreat idea but I would be cautious re. their use with a population in which swallowing difficulties are prevalent. Could pose a large choking risk. Would be interested to find out more and trial their texture.
Lee
saysI currently do these at the care home where I work. As you pointed out tho at present they are not suitable for people with Dysphasia.
Laraine Parmenter
saysI think you mean Dysphagia!
The term DysphaSIA is a speech/language issue.
Ria
saysWhat do you use now? Is it something anyone can buy? My great aunt desperately needs something like this as she never drinks enough water unless someone is there telling her take a sip to every 10 minutes. Would be amazing to get something to help. Thanks
John Yates
saysExcellent comment. One has to think "out of the box " particularly when dealing with this type of condition.
Gill Adams
saysWhat a great idea. Definately would help keep my Mother better hydrated. If you want anyone to try them for marketing research please let me know.
Dee Smart
saysI think the jelly sweets are a great and innovative. I hope these are marketed soon
Kim
saysWow so simple yet so effective well done ! I hope to see them available very soon I know it work well for my mum