Yes, there are sugar free versions of Jell-O pudding available. Jell-O, a popular brand of instant pudding, offers sugar free pudding in a variety of flavors including chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, and more. These sugar free puddings provide the rich and creamy texture of regular pudding, but without all the added sugar.
What is Jell-O sugar free pudding?
Jell-O sugar free pudding is a low calorie, diabetic friendly version of the classic instant pudding we all know and love. It is made with non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) instead of sugar. This allows people with diabetes, those limiting sugar intake, and anyone looking to cut calories to enjoy pudding without worrying about spiking blood sugar levels. The sugar free puddings come in convenient single serving cups and family size packages.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Jell-O sugar free chocolate pudding:
| Serving Size | 1/2 cup (120g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, the sugar free pudding has significantly fewer calories and carbohydrates compared to regular Jell-O chocolate pudding. It has 60 calories per serving compared to 100 calories in the regular version.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the ingredients list for Jell-O sugar free chocolate pudding:
- Water
- Cocoa Processed with Alkali
- Modified Food Starch
- Contains Less than 2% of: Salt, Carrageenan, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Acesulfame Potassium,Sucralose.
The main ingredients are water, cocoa powder, and modified food starch to create the pudding’s thick and creamy texture. Instead of sugar, it relies on the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) to provide sweetness without the calories and carbohydrates. Overall the ingredient list is very similar to regular Jell-O chocolate pudding, just without the added sugar.
Benefits of Jell-O Sugar Free Pudding
There are several benefits that make Jell-O sugar free pudding a smart choice:
Lower in Calories
With only 60 calories per serving, the sugar free pudding has 40% fewer calories than regular Jell-O pudding. This makes it ideal if you are watching your calorie intake.
Less Sugar and Carbs
Sugar free pudding contains less than 1g of sugar per serving and 8g net carbs. Regular pudding has 15g of sugar and 13g net carbs. Going with the sugar free version avoids unnecessary sugars and carbs.
Diabetic Friendly
The sugar free pudding won’t spike blood sugar levels, making it safe for people with diabetes. It gives the taste and texture of regular pudding in a low carb, diabetic appropriate dessert.
Tastes Great
Even with the lack of sugar, Jell-O sugar free pudding tastes rich, creamy, and decadent. It provides the satisfaction of dessert without all the sugar.
Convenient
The pudding comes ready to prepare and serves as an easy dessert option. Just whisk it with cold milk and chill in the fridge for a tasty ready-to-eat treat.
How to Make Jell-O Sugar Free Pudding
Making Jell-O sugar free pudding is quick and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Start by pouring one 4 serving package of Jell-O sugar free pudding mix into a mixing bowl.
- Add 2 cups of cold milk. Make sure to use skim or low fat milk to keep calories down.
- Using a wire whisk or hand mixer, briskly whisk the pudding mix into the milk for about 2 minutes. This helps prevent lumps from forming.
- Let the mixture rest for 2 minutes so it can thicken up.
- Whisk again until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the pudding into serving dishes, individual parfait cups, or simply eat from the bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the pudding to fully set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Making sugar free pudding from a boxed mix like Jell-O is just as fast and easy as regular pudding. In less than 10 minutes you can whip up a tasty dessert the whole family can enjoy guilt-free.
Tips
- Use cold milk straight from the refrigerator for best results.
- Whisk briskly when adding the pudding mix to prevent lumps.
- Chill pudding completely in the fridge until set, about an hour minimum.
- Consider adding a garnish like whipped cream, chocolate shavings or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Jell-O Sugar Free Pudding Flavors
Jell-O offers their instant sugar free pudding in a variety of flavors to satisfy any taste or craving.
Chocolate
Rich, smooth chocolate is a top choice for sugar free pudding. It makes a delicious dessert on its own or can be used in chocolate parfaits and trifles.
Vanilla
Vanilla sugar free pudding has a sweet creamy base perfect for mixing into fruit parfaits or layering in trifles. Its mild flavor also makes it ideal for using in low carb mug cakes and pies.
Pistachio
Pistachio pudding has a unique nutty flavor not always found in sugar free varieties. It can be dressed up with some roasted pistachios on top.
Butterscotch
For a nice change of pace, give butterscotch sugar free pudding a try. It has a sweet toasted flavor that pairs well with fresh berries.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake flavored pudding tastes like creamy New York style cheesecake in portable snack form. It’s delicious on its own or as a pie filling.
Lemon
Tart, refreshing lemon pudding is a lighter option that brightens up fruit compotes and pairs nicely with blueberries.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream sugar free pudding offers a tropical twist. Garnish with toasted coconut for added flavor.
Banana Cream
Banana cream pudding makes a nice change from vanilla. Pair it with fresh banana slices for a treat reminiscent of banana cream pie but without the crust.
White Chocolate
For an indulgent flavor, try white chocolate sugar free pudding. It tastes divine swirled with raspberries.
Serving Ideas
Sugar free Jell-O pudding is endlessly versatile and can be served in many fun ways beyond a bowl with a spoon. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:
Pudding Parfaits
Layer pudding with whipped cream and fresh fruit like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries in a parfait glass for a pretty portable dessert.
Pudding Pies
Pour pudding into a pre-baked pie crust, let set, then top with whipped cream for an easy mock pie.
Pudding Milkshakes
Blend pudding with milk and ice for a thick and creamy milkshake without the guilt.
Chocolate Dipped Fruit
Dip strawberries, banana slices, or apple wedges into chocolate pudding for a fun finger food dessert.
Pudding Cups
Kids love portable pudding cups for lunch boxes or after school snacks. Top with crushed cookies or sprinkles.
Pudding Pops
Pour pudding into popsicle molds, add popsicle sticks, and freeze for homemade fudgesicles.
Storing and Shelf Life
An unopened package of Jell-O sugar free pudding mix should be good for about 9 months past the printed expiration date if stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer unused mix to an airtight container and it should last for about 3 months.
Prepared sugar free Jell-O pudding can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep leftovers chilled in an airtight container. Due to the artificial sweeteners, prepared pudding may develop an aftertaste if kept too long.
For longer storage, prepared pudding can be frozen. Simply pour into a freezer safe container or popsicle mold, cover, and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving if frozen.
Tips for the Best Sugar Free Jell-O Pudding
Here are some tips and tricks to make sure your sugar free pudding turns out perfect every time:
- Use ice cold milk. Milk straight from the refrigerator helps the pudding thicken properly.
- Whisk vigorously. This prevents any clumping when mixing the powder into the milk.
- Chill completely. Letting the pudding fully set in the fridge for at least an hour gives it time to firm up.
- Use within 3-4 days. For best flavor and texture, consume prepared pudding within 3-4 days.
- Add extracts. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla, almond, or mint extract.
- Top it off. Whipped cream, crushed cookies, chocolate shavings take pudding to the next level.
- Enjoy as-is. Pudding is delicious eaten plain right from the serving bowl!
Potential Downsides
While sugar free Jell-O pudding provides a lower calorie dessert option, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
Artificial Sweeteners
The sugar free puddings are sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). Some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners or have sensitivities to them.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Large amounts of artificial sweeteners may cause gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some people.
Not Low Carb
Though lower in sugar than regular pudding, sugar free pudding still contains 8g net carbs per serving. It is not suitable for ketogenic or very low carb diets.
Higher Sodium
To compensate for lack of sugar, sugar free pudding contains more sodium – 270mg per serving. This is something to watch if on a sodium restricted diet.
Higher Cost
Specialty sugar free pudding costs a bit more than regular instant pudding. However, many find it worth it for the decreased calories and carbs.
Sugar Free Pudding Alternatives
In addition to Jell-O, there are some other brands that offer sugar free instant pudding options:
Snack Pack
Snack Pack makes pre-portioned sugar free pudding cups in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, flan, and butterscotch.
Kozy Shack
Kozy Shack offers ready-to-eat sugar free rice pudding in larger family sized servings. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and tapioca.
ZenSweet
ZenSweet is a brand focused on sugar free, gluten free desserts including dry pudding mixes in chocolate, vanilla, banana, pistachio, and lemon flavors.
Sugar Free Jell-O Cheesecake Pudding
Jell-O’s sugar free cheesecake pudding delivers the sweet flavor of NY style cheesecake in easy instant pudding form.
Atkins
Atkins makes a line of low carb puddings in flavors like chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, lemon meringue, and vanilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jell-O sugar free pudding gluten free?
Yes, Jell-O’s sugar free pudding flavors are certified gluten free.
Are sugar free pudding cups Keto friendly?
While lower in carbs and sugar than regular pudding, most sugar free puddings are not low enough in carbs to fit a keto diet which requires staying under 20-50g net carbs per day.
Can you make homemade sugar free pudding?
Yes, you can make sugar free pudding at home by using your own sugar free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract and substituting heavy cream or full fat coconut milk for the milk.
Is sugar free pudding safe for diabetics?
Sugar free pudding will not spike blood sugar levels making it a safe dessert option for people with diabetes. However, it’s best to enjoy in moderation as part of a healthy meal plan.
Does sugar free pudding taste the same?
Sugar free instant pudding tastes very close to the regular full sugar version. Most people find little to no difference in creamy texture and flavor satisfaction.
Conclusion
Sugar free Jell-O instant pudding provides a convenient lower calorie dessert option for those looking to cut back on sugar due to diabetes, weight loss goals, or simply for a tasty treat. It comes in delightful flavors from chocolate to pistachio and can be served in endless ways from simple snacks to decadent parfaits and pies. Sugar free pudding offers a delicious way to satisfy sweet cravings without all the sugar!
