The Untold Truth Of Kool-Aid Jammers

The origins of Kool-Aid go back to the great state of Nebraska (where it is still the national beverage), when in the 1920s, Edwin Perkins, whose family owned a general store in Hendley, created a soft drink concentrate called Fruit Smack (via History of Nebraska). It was hugely popular, but the issue was that the bottles in which the drinks were shipped often broke before arriving at their final destination. In 1927, Perkins wised up and decided to dehydrate the concentrate, leaving only a powder, which he sold in small envelopes for a dime. The six original flavors were grape, lemon-lime, cherry, orange, raspberry, and strawberry.

This also became a hit, and was distributed to grocery stores and candy stores all over the United States. Kool-Aid with the sugar mixed in wasn't made available until 1964. The beverage was purchased by Kraft-Heinz and was added to the company's $26 billion-plus portfolio (via Business Wire). 

For years, Kool-Aid was sold exclusively in packets to be mixed with water at home. Then, the company introduced the Kool-Aid Jammer, a childhood staple for many.

The Kool-Aid Jammer comes in a tin foil pouch with an included disposable straw used to puncture the bag. The packaging naturally features one of the world's most recognizable food and beverage mascots, the Kool-Aid Man. The Kool-Aid Jammer, which was likely intended to compete with the similar Capri Sun, is currently available for purchase in eleven varieties including expected flavors like cherry and grape, but also watermelon, tropical punch, peach mango, and sharkleberry, whatever that is (via Kool-Aid). Last summer, a sour variety was made available for a limited time.

In recent years, the company has provided a series of mystery flavors as well, encouraging their kiddie customers to guess what the flavor is on social media sites (via Delish). This year, the Jammer came in a red pouch leading some to guess that it was a cherry- or strawberry-related flavor. In fact, it was cotton candy. 

As far as nutritional value, well, you guessed it: Kool-Aid Jammers aren't the healthiest beverage on the market, as they contain high fructose corn syrup, and 8 grams of sugar per 6-ounce pouch. Incidentally, kids are only supposed to have 25 grams of added sugar per day (via Heart.org).