As part of the *West Chicago Voice’s new Made in WeGo series, we are shining a spotlight on local businesses that have not only thrived but also deeply impacted our community. These features celebrate the hard work, dedication, and success of West Chicago’s homegrown companies. For our first article in this series, we proudly feature one of our community’s largest and most iconic businesses
The
Jel Sert Company
Since 1926, The Jel Sert Company has been crafting some of America’s favorite treats right here in West Chicago. From their well-known *Flavor Aid* drink mix to the beloved *Fla-Vor-Ice* freezer pops, Jel Sert has been a cornerstone of the food industry for nearly a century, offering affordable, flavorful products to families across the country. All the while, they have remained a proud, family-owned business, deeply connected to West Chicago.
The name Jel Sert, derived from “jelly” and “dessert,” reflects the company’s original focus on gelatin desserts. The business took off with the introduction of *Flavor Aid* in 1929, and in the decades that followed, Jel Sert expanded into frozen treats with the acquisition of *Pop-Ice* and the introduction of *Fla-Vor-Ice* in 1969. These products became household staples, and over time, the company grew into West Chicago’s largest employer, with over 1,000 people now working in their facility [oai_citation:9,Jel Sert – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jel_Sert) [oai_citation:8,Our Story
– The Jel Sert Company](https://jelsert.com/pages/our-story).
Jel Sert’s presence in West Chicago is more than just about business—it’s about community. Many local residents have worked at Jel Sert for decades, and the company’s commitment to its employees is evident. The workforce is treated like family, and Jel Sert has fostered a sense of belonging that runs deep through West Chicago. The company’s growth has supported the local economy and provided stable, long-term employment opportunities [oai_citation:7,The Jel Sert Company](https://jelsert.com/) [oai_citation:6,Jel Sert Company Profile | Management and Employees List](https://www.datanyze.com/companies/jel-sert/20660493).
In addition to their well-loved freezer pops and drink mixes, Jel Sert has ventured into the medical field, producing products like *Electrolyte Freezer Pops*, which help people stay hydrated during illness. Their ability to diversify shows that Jel Sert is not only a leader in food but also in healthcare solutions, continuing to innovate and expand [oai_citation:5,Jel Sert Company | Encyclopedia.com](https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/jel-sert-company).
Jel Sert’s commitment to sustainability and the environment is another point of pride. The company has partnered with TerraCycle® to reduce plastic waste by recycling freezer pop tubes and has installed honeybee hives at its facility to support local ecosystems. It’s clear that Jel Sert cares about its impact on the world just as much as it cares about its hometown [oai_citation:4,Our Story
– The Jel Sert Company](https://jelsert.com/pages/our-story) [oai_citation:3,The Jel Sert Company](https://jelsert.com/).
As West Chicago’s largest employer and one of its oldest businesses, Jel Sert is more than just a company—it’s a vital part of the community’s history and spirit. Whether you’re cooling down with a *Fla-Vor-Ice* on a summer day or sharing a dessert mix with family, you can feel proud knowing it was made right here in West Chicago. Jel Sert’s continued success is a testament to the strength of the company and the town it calls home [oai_citation:2,Jel Sert – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jel_Sert) [oai_citation:1,Jel Sert Company | Encyclopedia.com](https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/jel-sert-company).
With nearly 100 years of history and growth, The Jel Sert Company remains an enduring symbol of innovation, quality, and community connection. As they look to the future, we look forward to the next chapter in their sweet success, made right here in WeGo.
