Coffee jelly (コーヒーゼリー) is a dessert dish made from a mixture of gelling agent and coffee and then cooled in a refrigerator.
Coffee jelly, a popular Japanese dessert, is a chilled dish made from coffee and a gelling agent, typically using dark roasted beans to ensure a strong, bitter taste that balances its acidity. First appearing in the Taisho period and becoming widespread in the 1960s with Mikado Coffee, this "eating coffee" is a favorite summer treat in Japan, although not well-known overseas. Coffee jelly can be easily homemade with simple ingredients like instant coffee, sugar, gelatin, and water, and it can be served with toppings such as cream or ice cream. Health benefits include its protein content from gelatin and caffeine, which assists in fat burning. Cafes across Japan offer creative versions of coffee jelly, like the tiramisu-style, parfaits, and unique drinks. It remains an intriguing combination of flavors and textures, making it a delightful and versatile dessert option.