It seems like everyone is talking about Jelly Roll these days. The gluten-free, paleo cracker earned itself a spot on Oprah’s Most Influential List in 2018, and Twitter’s #1 spot in the Trending Topics for May 2019. If you’ve tried the tasty snacks before, you may know what made them so popular. But how did they earn that reputation as the ‘best thing since sliced bread’ and what is their secret to success? Let’s find out.
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, And Paleo
If you’ve tried Jelly Roll, you’ll know right away that it’s gluten free. You won’t find any wheat, barley, or rye in their ingredient list. Instead, you’ll notice that they’re made mostly from plants, fruits, and nuts. Yes, their base is indeed plant-based, but they are also quite high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Because of all these nutrients, people with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity-related issues can benefit from eating this type of food. This makes it a perfect fit for a health-conscious person on a gluten-free diet.
On the subject of gluten free, Jelly Roll even specifies that their croutons are made without wheat flour, allowing them to avoid the gluten issue. They also say their crackers are certified gluten free, so you know exactly what type of food you’re getting. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination when cooking as well.
Like gluten free, their dairy-free options are also perfectly suited for people with dairy sensitivities or vegan diets. Just check out their allergen-free cookie dough recipe to find out how they managed to remove all the dairy ingredients from their food.
Paleo enthusiasts will also have a field day with Jelly Roll. The company’s founder, Greg Knight, created the snacks as a way to satisfy his desire to eat healthy while also having a light heart.
“I wanted to create something that was easy to grab at work with me,” Knight said in an interview with Business Insider. “When you’re driving or eating a quick meal, sometimes you just want something that’s already there. Pre-made and ready to eat.”
According to their website, the paleo diet focuses on whole, natural foods that were available to mankind during the Stone Age. This diet helps reduce inflammation, restore the body’s natural rhythms, and provide essential nutrients. Due to the increasing popularity of the paleo diet and gluten free diets, it’s no surprise that Jelly Roll has seen a spike in business.
The Science Behind Jelly Roll
Did you know that Jelly Roll is actually based on science? The company’s snacks are based on a phenomenon known as ‘neuronal facilitation’. This is the theory that food triggers certain neurons in our brains, allowing us to perform at our best. In other words, the ‘wonder snacks’ may just be able to make your pants tight again.
In a study conducted at Pennsylvania State University, volunteers were fed either ‘high-protein’ or ‘high-carbohydrate’ foods, and then measured for physiological responses. The results of the study showed that those who ate the high-carbohydrate foods displayed significantly lower blood pressure and stress hormones than those who ingested the high-protein foods. The researchers concluded that the reason why high-carbohydrate foods work better than high-protein foods is because they provide a more consistent source of energy.
While we can’t confirm that eating Jelly Roll helps reduce blood pressure and stress levels, we can say that their snacks are definitely good for your health.
The Popularity Of Jelly Roll Is Surprising
In a separate interview with Business Insider, Knight explained that he never expected his gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo snacks to become so popular. In fact, he had to adjust his approach to marketing because people were already ‘seeing’ the foods before he started marketing them.
“I learned a lot about marketing and going above and beyond what people expect,” he said. “It’s been a really fun process and a lot of trial and error. You just have to find what works best for you and stick with it.”
According to Statista, sales of gluten free food in the United States increased by 64% from 2016 to 2018, with sales projected to hit $25 billion by next year. In 2018, people with celiac disease (or gluten intolerance) accounted for 1.7 million of the country’s 11.6 million food-related jobs, making them the largest single group in food service. In other words, there’s a whole lot of demand for these snacks, and now’s the chance for you to cash in.
Jackie Chan Would Be Proud
One of the most recognizable faces in film today, Jackie Chan is best known for his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese, earning him a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. After appearing in films such as Shanghai Noon, the octogenarian actor now counts his collaborations with Scorsese as a highlight of his career. While filming, the director would frequently send Chan vegetables that he thought the star might not get enough of in his diet. Today, Chan is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated foodies, often appearing in films where food plays a prominent role.
Chan’s love for food is so well-known that he even launched his own product line, the “Jackie Chan Collection,” which includes a Chocolatier’s Éclairs, a dark chocolate cake with strawberry filling and ganache frosting, as well as a pizza made with his own recipe. When asked about the secret to his longevity, Chan credits his love for food and drink with allowing him to maintain his health in old age. “I always say that you must look after your body with a proper diet and exercise,” he explained. “And avoiding bad habits like drugs and cigarettes. They can really mess up your life if you indulge in them.
Based on all this, it seems like these snacks were made for each other. With all these health benefits and convenient packaging, it’s not hard to see why people are going green with envy over these vegan crackers.