Small, soft sweets, usually fruit flavoured, of gelatinous texture, made in various shapes and often coated with sugar. The singular term, jelly, is used to refer to jam-like products, usually clear, that are made from strained fruits containing pectins. Set with gelatin, pectin, starch, or agar, jelly sweets are a staple of sugar confectionery worldwide. Their manufacture demands precise cooking to reach the correct gel strength and moisture-proof packing to keep them soft. Sugar-free versions use alternative sweeteners and adjusted gelling systems.