The untold truth of Jell-O

Jell-O is weird stuff, and we're not even just talking about that love-or-hate texture and that odd, colorful transparency that makes it perfect for Halloween desserts. It's actually a modern name brand that has a long history stretching all the way back to medieval kings. So actually, if you're looking for something semi-authentic for your next Game of Thrones party, feel free to take your favorite Jell-O-based dessert.

Today, Jell-O is popular because it's fun, easy, and inexpensive, but it's also been a sweet treat only the elite could once afford. It's been a status symbol, a staple on hospital and prison trays alike, and it's also been the subject of some unsettling science experiments. There are more uses for it than you expect — so many, you should probably always keep a box or few in your kitchen — and you might be surprised to find it's not made from the stuff you think it's made from. It's a childhood favorite, sure, but it's so much more than that!