Is Jello chocolate fudge instant pudding pie filling mix boxes Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing and straight at the chemical composition. The ingredients list for Jello chocolate fudge instant pudding pie filling mix is relatively short, but it contains a few items that require a closer look to determine if they are strictly plant-based.

The first flag is sugar. In the United States, refined white sugar is often processed using bone char—charred animal bones—to filter and bleach the sugar crystals. While the sugar itself is plant-derived, the processing aid makes it a gray area for many vegans. Unless the package specifically states it uses organic sugar or unrefined cane sugar, we cannot guarantee it is free from animal processing aids.

The second, and perhaps more definitive flag, is mono- and diglycerides. These are emulsifiers used to keep the powder from foaming when mixed with milk or water. While they can be derived from plant oils, they can also be sourced from animal fats (tallow). Manufacturers rarely specify the source on the packaging, making it impossible to verify without contacting the company directly. Because of this ambiguity, strict vegans typically categorize them as non-vegan.

Finally, the colorants Red 40 and Yellow 5 are synthetic dyes. While they are not animal-derived, they are frequently tested on animals, which causes some ethical vegans to avoid them. However, for most dietary vegans, these dyes are not considered animal products.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Jello chocolate fudge instant pudding pie filling mix is designed as a treat, not a health food. A standard serving (prepared with 2% low-fat milk) contains approximately 130 calories, with the majority coming from carbohydrates—specifically added sugars.

The mix itself is low in fat and contains zero cholesterol, which is a plus for heart health. However, it relies heavily on disodium phosphate and tetrasodium pyrophosphate for texture rather than whole food ingredients. It does not provide significant fiber, protein, or vitamins. It fits into a diet as an occasional indulgence, but it does not offer the nutritional density required for a health-focused lifestyle.