Pudding, chocolate, made from dry mix
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
This is the classic, nostalgic chocolate pudding made from a simple dry mix, typically whisked with cold milk and chilled. It sets into a smooth, creamy, and spoonable dessert with a rich, sweet chocolate flavor and a velvety texture. Nutritionally, it's a light treat, offering a modest calorie count with a significant carbohydrate boost primarily from sugars.
💚 Why it's loved
People love its simple, nostalgic chocolate flavor and the satisfyingly smooth, creamy texture that requires no baking. It's a versatile base that can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings like whipped cream, fruit, or cookies.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content can lead to rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it less ideal for those managing diabetes or seeking low-glycemic foods. To counteract this, pair a smaller portion with a source of protein (like a handful of nuts) or fiber (like berries) to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Low in fat compared to many other desserts
- Offers a small amount of protein from the milk used
- A familiar, comforting dessert for all ages
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Instant pudding mix was popularized in the 1950s by Jell-O, and its key thickening agent is typically modified cornstarch, which allows it to set without cooking.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 72.9 g |
| Energy | 113 kcal |
| Protein | 3.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 2.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 20.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.70 g |
| Total Sugars | 16.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 104 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.24 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 97.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 171 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 362 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.46 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.12 mg |
| Niacin | 0.13 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.45 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 47.0 ug |
| Retinol | 47.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 3.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.04 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.90 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.50 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.17 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.55 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.24 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.46 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.47 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 1.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 46.0 mg |
FAQ
How does it differ from cooked pudding?
Instant pudding sets using modified starches and is mixed with cold milk, while traditional cooked pudding uses cornstarch or eggs and requires heating to thicken, resulting in a slightly different, often denser texture.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, but the texture may be less firm. Use a barista-style or full-fat oat, soy, or almond milk for best results, and note that the nutrition facts will change accordingly.
Why is it so high in sugar?
The dry mix is primarily composed of sugar and modified starch for sweetness and texture. Making it from scratch with cocoa powder and a controlled sweetener is a lower-sugar alternative.