Many people — especially kids — enjoy Jello as a snack or dessert, but we don’t always think about how it affects digestion. Here we look at what Jello is made of and whether it can cause or relieve constipation.
The main ingredient in Jello is gelatin, a protein made from animal collagen. Gelatin gives Jello its jelly-like texture. Store-bought mixes also contain sweeteners, flavorings, and colorings; sugar-free versions often use artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
Gelatin itself is easy to digest. Gelatin-based desserts are sometimes served after surgery because gelatin may help support the stomach lining and aid digestion. In the UK, people usually call the dessert “jelly,” while Jell-O is a common brand name in the US. Jelly usually uses sweetened fruit juice, water, gelatin, and sugar. Powdered Jell-O typically adds sweeteners, artificial flavors, and food coloring.
It’s unlikely that eating Jello in moderation will cause constipation, but overdoing any food can lead to digestive issues. Binge eating in general has been linked to constipation. If you or your child often struggles with constipation, it can help to limit “binding” foods like gelatin snacks, fruit snacks, or large amounts of Jello.
Be aware that sugar-free Jello often contains artificial sweeteners, which can have laxative effects in some people — the opposite of constipation. For others, sweeteners may cause digestive upset. Moderation is key. Some animal studies also suggest that long-term aspartame intake might lead to inflammation, though more research is needed in people.
Jelly made from fruit juice can sometimes help children with constipation, but Jello may not be as effective as other options. If you’re looking for foods that relieve constipation, try:
– High-fiber fruits like prunes, pears, and apples
– Vegetables and whole grains
– Beans and legumes
– Plenty of water
– Prune or apple juice in moderation
– Foods with probiotics like yogurt
Gelatin may help when you have diarrhea, but many commercial Jellos contain sugar or artificial sweeteners that can trigger loose stools in some people. Homemade, sugar-free Jello made with plain gelatin could be gentler on the gut. Gelatin contains amino acids such as glutamic acid, which the body converts to glutamine — a compound that supports gut health.
In short, Jello and jelly affect people differently. Eating Jello occasionally is unlikely to cause constipation, but store-bought varieties are often high in sugar or artificial sweeteners, which aren’t ideal for daily intake. If you’re constipated, cutting back on Jello and choosing fiber-rich foods and fluids will usually help get your bowels moving again.