Puddings, banana, dry mix, instant
Whole food · Sweets
Photo: Wikipedia
Instant banana pudding mix is a shelf-stable powder that transforms with cold milk into a smooth, creamy dessert with a distinct, sweet banana flavor. Its texture sets into a soft, spoonable custard-like consistency, offering a nostalgic, comforting treat. Nutritionally, it is a high-carbohydrate, high-sugar food with virtually no protein, fat, or fiber.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 99% carbs · 1% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its simple, comforting banana flavor and the ease of making a creamy dessert in minutes, often evoking childhood memories and family gatherings. It's a versatile base that can be enjoyed on its own or layered into elaborate trifles.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its high sugar content (over 76g per 100g) can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it unsuitable for diabetics or those monitoring sugar intake. To counteract this, enjoy a small portion paired with a source of protein or healthy fat (like a handful of nuts or a dollop of Greek yogurt) to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Quick and easy preparation
- Long shelf life
- Consistent flavor and texture
- No cooking required
- Affordable dessert option
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The most iconic version of banana pudding, a layered Southern US dessert, traditionally uses vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers) which soften into the pudding, creating a unique texture.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 2.8 g |
| Energy | 367 kcal |
| Energy | 1536 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.60 g |
| Ash | 3.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 92.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 76.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 6.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.12 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 804 mg |
| Potassium, K | 15.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1499 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.04 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.80 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.01 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.09 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.14 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.14 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.35 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.31 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.04 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Puddings, lemon, dry mix, instant, prepared with whole milk — USDA does not publish this profile for Puddings.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.12 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.16 g |
| Leucine | 0.26 g |
| Lysine | 0.21 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.02 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.13 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.13 g |
| Valine | 0.17 g |
| Arginine | 0.09 g |
| Histidine | 0.07 g |
| Alanine | 0.09 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.20 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.55 g |
| Glycine | 0.06 g |
| Proline | 0.25 g |
| Serine | 0.14 g |
FAQ
Is instant banana pudding mix vegan?
Most are not, as they typically contain dairy derivatives like whey or casein. Check the ingredients list for 'milk' or 'nonfat milk' to confirm.
Can I use a milk alternative?
Yes, but the pudding may not set as firmly. Almond, soy, or oat milk work, but the texture might be slightly thinner and the flavor profile will change.
Why does my pudding have a blue tint?
This is a harmless reaction between the natural phenols in banana flavoring and trace iron in the water or milk used. It's safe to eat.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.67 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 76.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 99.93 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.