Is Kozy Shack Simply Well Rice Pudding Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. Kozy Shack Simply Well Rice Pudding is marketed as a lower-sugar option, but its vegan status is compromised by two key animal-derived ingredients.

The primary flag is reduced fat milk. This is the base of the pudding, providing the creamy texture and distinct flavor profile associated with traditional rice pudding. Because it is dairy-based, it immediately disqualifies the product from being vegan. Additionally, the ingredient list includes eggs. Eggs act as a binding agent and contribute to the rich, custard-like consistency of the pudding. Together, these two ingredients confirm that the product is vegetarian at best, but definitely not vegan.

It is also worth noting the presence of inulin (a prebiotic fiber often derived from chicory root) and sucralose (an artificial sweetener). While these are plant-based or synthetic, they do not override the presence of the dairy and eggs mentioned above.

Nutritional Value

Kozy Shack Simply Well Rice Pudding is positioned as a 'better-for-you' dessert option, primarily because it utilizes sucralose to achieve sweetness without adding significant calories from sugar. A single serving typically contains around 90 calories, which is quite low for a creamy dessert.

However, the trade-off for lower calories is the use of artificial sweeteners, which some consumers prefer to avoid. The fat content is kept relatively low due to the use of reduced fat milk, and the carbohydrates come primarily from the rice and the added fiber (inulin). While it fits within the limits of a low-calorie diet, the nutritional density is moderate compared to whole-food alternatives.