Quick Answer
Sugar free jello contains approximately 5-10 calories per serving. The exact calorie count can vary slightly between flavors and brands. However, most sugar free jello desserts provide minimal calories and can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
Calories in Popular Sugar Free Jell-O Brands
Here is a breakdown of the calories found in some popular sugar free jell-o brands:
Jell-O Sugar Free Gelatin Dessert
- 5 calories per serving (1/2 cup prepared)
- 0g fat
- 0g protein
- 1g carbohydrate
Jell-O sugar free gelatin comes in a variety of flavors including strawberry, cherry, orange, lime, lemon, and more. Each 1/2 cup serving provides 5 calories regardless of flavor.
Jell-O Sugar Free Pudding
- 60 calories per serving (1/2 cup prepared)
- 1.5g fat
- 2g protein
- 11g carbohydrate
Jell-O sugar free instant pudding is slightly higher in calories than the gelatin at 60 calories per serving. It also contains small amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
Store Brand Sugar Free Gelatins
- 5-10 calories per serving
- 0-1g fat
- 0g protein
- 1-2g carbohydrate
Store brand sugar free gelatins like those made by Great Value and Generic contain about 5-10 calories per 1/2 cup serving. There can be slight variations between flavors and brands.
Calories from Supplements
Some sugar free jello products contain supplemental ingredients that can add small amounts of calories.
Sugar Free Jell-O with Fiber
- 10 calories per serving
- 2g fiber
Varieties like Jell-O Sugar Free with Fiber provide 10 calories per serving compared to regular sugar free Jell-O with 5 calories. The added fiber supplements boost the calorie count slightly.
Sugar Free Jell-O with Protein
- 60 calories per serving
- 10g protein
Protein-supplemented sugar free Jell-O like Jell-O Simply Good contains 60 calories per serving. The added collagen peptides increase the calorie and protein content.
Sugar Free Jell-O with Probiotics
- 10 calories per serving
- 1 billion active cultures
Probiotic-supplemented Jell-O like Sugar Free + Probiotics has 10 calories per serving. The live and active cultures may provide gut health benefits but also slightly boost calories.
Calorie Differences Between Regular and Sugar Free
Regular jello contains significantly more calories than the sugar free versions. Here is a comparison:
| Jell-O Product | Calories (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Regular Gelatin | 60 |
| Sugar Free Gelatin | 5 |
| Regular Pudding | 100 |
| Sugar Free Pudding | 60 |
As you can see, the sugar free versions contain far fewer calories than regular Jell-O products. This is because sugar free Jell-O is sweetened with zero-calorie artificial sweeteners rather than high-calorie sugar.
Calories from Added Ingredients
While plain sugar free Jell-O is very low in calories, what you add to it can significantly increase the calorie content. Some high-calorie mix-in ingredients include:
- Whipped cream – builds up calories quickly
- Chocolate syrup – high in sugar
- Fruit – fresh or canned in syrup
- Nuts – high in fat and calories
- Ice cream, cookies, or cake – desserts add lots of calories
To keep your sugar free Jell-O lower in calories, avoid high-calorie mix-ins. Some healthier options include:
- Fresh berries
- Sliced bananas
- Kiwi
- Melon
- Sugar free whipped topping
Focus on fresh fruit to add flavor and nutrients without piles of extra calories.
Calorie Differences Between Flavors
Most sugar free Jell-O flavors contain the same 5-10 calories per serving. However, there can be minor differences between some flavors.
Here is a look at the calories for popular sugar free Jell-O flavors:
| Sugar Free Jell-O Flavor | Calories (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | 5 |
| Raspberry | 5 |
| Orange | 5 |
| Lime | 5 |
| Lemon | 5 |
| Cherry | 10 |
| Peach | 10 |
| Mixed fruit | 5 |
As you can see, most flavors provide 5 calories per serving. However, peach and cherry tend to contain 10 calories. The differences are minor though – all sugar free flavors are very low calorie.
Daily Calorie Limits
To maintain a healthy weight, the recommended daily calorie intake is around 2,000 calories for women and 2,500 for men. Sugar free Jell-O can fit into this limit in moderation.
Some examples of daily Jell-O calorie totals include:
- 1/2 cup (5 calories) – 25 calories
- 1 cup (10 calories) – 50 calories
- 2 cups (20 calories) – 100 calories
Consuming 2 cups or less of sugar free Jell-O daily provides under 100 calories, leaving plenty of room for other foods in your diet. Just be mindful of high-calorie mix-ins that can drive up the totals.
Tips for Consuming Sugar Free Jell-O
Here are some tips for enjoying sugar free Jell-O as part of a healthy diet:
- Stick to reasonable portion sizes like 1/2 or 1 cup
- Avoid mixing in high-fat cream, nuts, or chocolate
- Focus on fresh fruit mix-ins instead of sugary canned fruit
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Consume as part of a balanced diet with protein, veggies, and whole grains
- Don’t overdo it – excessive artificial sweeteners may cause GI issues
When consumed occasionally and in moderation, sugar free Jell-O can be a smart low-calorie treat. Just be mindful of your overall calorie intake for the day.
Nutritional Profile
Here is the full nutritional profile for a 1/2 cup serving of Jell-O sugar free gelatin:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Potassium | 20mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
As you can see, regular sugar free gelatin is low in calories, fat, carbs, and sugar. It provides no significant protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Aside from hydration, the nutrition benefits are minimal.
Snack Ideas with Sugar Free Jell-O
Here are some healthy, low-calorie snacks featuring sugar free Jell-O:
- Jell-O Fruit Salad – Mix sugar free Jell-O with fresh fruit like berries, banana, peach, kiwi, or mandarin oranges.
- Jell-O Yogurt Parfait – Layer sugar free Jell-O with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
- Jell-O Pudding – Enjoy sugar free Jell-O pudding topped with light whipped cream.
- Jell-O Jigglers – Make fun shaped Jell-O jigglers using fresh fruit juice for flavor.
- Jell-O Chia Pudding – Combine sugar free Jell-O with chia seeds and almond milk for added nutrition.
With a little creativity, sugar free Jell-O can be used to create nutritious snacks and desserts the whole family will love!
Sugar Alcohols and Glycemic Impact
Sugar free Jell-O is sweetened using sugar alcohols like:
- Sorbitol
- Maltitol
- Xylitol
- Erythritol
Sugar alcohols provide about half the sweetness of sugar with fewer calories. They have a minimal effect on blood sugar levels, making sugar free Jell-O a low glycemic food.
However, sugar alcohols can cause digestive side effects like gas, bloating, and diarrhea when consumed in excess. Moderating portion sizes of sugar free Jell-O can help avoid GI upset.
Cost Comparison of Sugar Free vs Regular
Sugar free Jell-O typically costs a bit more than regular Jell-O. Here is a cost comparison:
| Jell-O Product | Ounces | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Gelatin | 3oz | $1.00 |
| Sugar Free Gelatin | 3oz | $1.25 |
| Regular Pudding | 3.4oz | $2.00 |
| Sugar Free Pudding | 3.4oz | $2.50 |
On average, the sugar free versions cost about 20-25% more than regular Jell-O products. However, the price difference is fairly small and worth it for the significant calorie reduction.
When buying sugar free Jell-O, look for coupons and sales to get the best deal. Store brands are typically cheaper than name brands too.
Sugar Free Jell-O FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sugar free Jell-O:
Does sugar free Jell-O have carbs?
Yes, but very few. Sugar free Jell-O contains 1-2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is sugar free Jell-O Keto friendly?
Yes, sugar free Jell-O can fit into a keto diet since it’s low in carbs and calories. Enjoy it in moderation.
What sweeteners are used in sugar free Jell-O?
Common sweeteners include aspartame, acesulfame potassium (ace-k), sucralose, stevia, and sugar alcohols.
Does sugar free Jell-O have aspartame?
Many varieties contain aspartame, but some are made with alternative sweeteners like sucralose for those sensitive to aspartame.
Is sugar free Jell-O gluten free?
Yes, most Jell-O brand sugar free puddings and gelatins are labeled gluten free. Always check labels to be sure.
Can diabetics eat sugar free Jell-O?
Yes, in moderation. The small amounts of carbs shouldn’t significantly impact blood sugar levels.
What’s the shelf life of sugar free Jell-O?
Dry gelatin mix lasts about 1-2 years. Once prepared, Jell-O lasts 3-4 days refrigerated.
Conclusion
In summary, sugar free Jell-O contains minimal calories – roughly 5-10 per serving – providing a low calorie treat. Consumed occasionally, it can fit into a healthy diet with careful portion control. Just be mindful of high calorie add-ins and enjoy sugar free Jell-O in moderation as part of an overall balanced approach to nutrition.
