In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, two iconic Americana consumer brands, The Jel Sert Company, the firm behind beloved freezer bar brands like Otter Pop and Fla-Vor-Ice, and Crayola, the brand synonymous with color and creativity, have teamed up to launch a limited-edition flavor created entirely by kids, for kids.

In celebration of the limited return of Dandelion — Crayola’s bright and cheerful summer-yellow crayon color that was retired in 2017 — the new, limited-edition Banana Mango freezer bar comes in a pack alongside some of Fla-Vor-Ice’s signature flavors, like Berry Punch, Lemon Lime, Strawberry, Orange and Grape.

“In the CPG industry, it’s exceptionally rare for a company to open its R&D lab and empower kids to develop a flavor that ultimately makes it to market,” said Amy Pagels, senior vice president of marketing at Jel Sert. “As a family-owned and -operated business with large-scale manufacturing capabilities, we’re uniquely positioned to bring bold, unconventional ideas to life, something that sets us apart in this space.”

“Crayola has always encouraged kids to express themselves through color and creativity, and we wanted this product to embody that same spirit,” Pagels added. “That’s why we invited kids to take the lead in developing the new flavor, encouraging them to let their imaginations guide the process. Watching them collaborate with our food scientists, experimenting and refining ideas through hands-on trial and error, was truly inspiring. This initiative with Crayola reflects our belief that creativity should be at the heart of innovation.”

Founded in West Chicago, Illinois, nearly 100 years ago, Jel Sert has deep roots within the local community. The brand turned to Wegner Elementary School, named after Jel Sert’s founding family, to gather a team of eight students to create the new flavor. Once in the lab, the kids were presented with the persona for Crayola’s Dandelion color, who is named Dan D. and described as an adventurer who loves to travel, make art and debate that dandelions aren’t weeds. Dan D. served as inspiration for the kids as they started to develop the Banana Mango flavor.

“Our exciting collaboration with Jel Sert infused the world of business with the unbounded imagination of kids, providing a unique opportunity to see how color can inspire creativity and put imagination into action,” said Anna Roca, head of global partnerships and promotions for Crayola. “That fresh, authentic perspective leading to innovation illustrates how the act of creating is an essential, lifelong skill. The development of the new Banana Mango Fla-Vor-Ice is an unexpected, playful way to remind us to live colorfully, celebrate exploration and instill creativity into our daily lives.”

Fla-Vor-Ice’s Crayola product is available in three pack sizes of freezer bars — a 200-count, 96-count and 20-count — all with a variety of fat-free flavors, including the new Banana Mango. It is available at Amazon, Sam’s Club and major retailers nationwide. The mess-free tube is excellent for kids and enjoying a frozen treat on the go.

Each box features an exclusive on-pack offer for Crayola Create and Play, the award-winning, beloved, top kids’ app known for fostering creativity and learning. Consumers can enjoy a complimentary two-month trial of the app, unlocking an interactive experience where children can discover endless hours of productive play to develop self-expression, artistic independence and confidence with digital Crayola art tools, learning activities, customized pets, creativity games and seasonal events in a parent- and teacher-approved, ad-free open-world environment. The offer is available through March 31, 2027.

About The Jel Sert Company
The Jel Sert Company is a family-owned business that’s been at the forefront of innovation in the food and beverage industry since 1926. For nearly a century, generations of families have enjoyed Jel Sert’s products, including dessert mixes, drink mixes and freezer bars. The Jel Sert Company’s products are made exclusively in West Chicago, with over 1,400 employees sharing the company’s passion for creating high-quality, high-value products.