DES MOINES, Iowa -- If you're looking for a recipe for zippy lime-flavored Jell-O salad stocked with cottage cheese, pineapple and miniature marshmallows, Des Moines is the place.
According to a new survey released Tuesday, Des Moines leads the nation in per capita Jell-O gelatin consumption, beating out Salt Lake City for top billing.The city also ranked second in per capita consumption of Jell-O products such as pudding, No Bake Desserts and ready-to-eat snack cups.
"I'm very excited we're No. 1," Mayor Preston Daniels said. "We went into this contest and came out on top."
The unscientific survey first was started in 1997 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jell-O. Company spokeswoman Allyson Furr said it was updated because every year they receive a lot of calls.
"Ninety-nine percent of Americans recognize it," Furr said. "Seventy-two percent have a box sitting in their cabinet. It's been around for so long."
In terms of sheer volume, New York buys the most Jell-O products, but its residents don't consume them at the same rate as their counterparts in Des Moines.
While Jell-O officials couldn't say why Des Moines leads the pack, some residents pointed to the prevalence of church functions, the city's family-oriented activities and the state's large elderly population, which ranks third nationally with people older than 65.
For many residents, the notoriety is surprising.
"We didn't know we sold any more than anyone else," said Charlie Lydic, grocery manager at a Dahl's supermarket in Des Moines. "I guess we're just a Jell-O eating people out here. When the corn doesn't grow, you eat Jell-O."
The mayor, who describes himself as a "Jell-O purist" and likes plain strawberry, thought the taste sensation might be a "Midwestern thing."
And he has this message for Salt Lake City: "Now that we're on top of the Jell-O pile, we intend to stay there," Daniels said.