Does Jelly contain dairy or gluten?

No, the specific grape jelly analyzed here does not contain dairy or gluten ingredients. However, always check labels for cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies.

Is Jelly good for weight loss?

No. Due to high sugar content and lack of fiber or protein, jelly does not promote satiety and can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess.

Where can I buy Jelly?

Standard grape jelly is available at all major grocery stores, big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, and online via Amazon.

Is Jelly safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. However, due to the high sugar content and potential for tooth decay, it should be given in moderation.

Is Jelly Keto?

No, standard grape jelly is not keto-friendly. If you are following a ketogenic diet, the typical jar of grape jelly found in most pantries is a definite 'no-go.' The primary reasons are the high concentration of added sugars and specific sweeteners that will immediately spike your blood glucose levels, potentially kicking you out of ketosis.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the ingredient list for standard grape jelly tells a story of rapid absorption. The first ingredients listed are usually the most abundant by weight. In this case, we see Concord grape juice concentrate followed immediately by corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

The inclusion of corn syrup is a major red flag for keto dieters. Corn syrup is almost pure glucose. It has a high glycemic index, meaning it causes a rapid spike in insulin. For a keto diet, which relies on keeping insulin low to maintain fat burning (ketosis), this ingredient is detrimental. High fructose corn syrup is similarly problematic; it is a processed sweetener derived from corn starch that is significantly sweeter than regular sugar and is known to contribute to metabolic issues and rapid fat storage when consumed in excess.

While pectin (a natural thickener derived from fruit) and the acidity regulators (citric acid, sodium citrate) are generally acceptable on keto in small amounts, they cannot offset the metabolic impact of the massive sugar load provided by the juice and syrup combination.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

corn syrupcorn

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, standard jelly is essentially a source of empty calories. A typical serving size of one tablespoon contains around 10 to 13 grams of total carbohydrates, with almost all of that being sugar. There is virtually zero fiber, fat, or protein.

For strict keto adherence, the daily carbohydrate limit is usually between 20 to 50 grams. Consuming just two tablespoons of this jelly could use up half to your entire daily carb allowance without providing any satiety or nutritional density. Because it lacks fat, it does not support the high-fat requirements of the diet, making it a poor choice for both ketosis and general health.