Is Pudding Snacks, Tapioca Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the label of Pudding Snacks, Tapioca, the verdict is clear immediately. The very first ingredient listed is skim milk. In food science, ingredients are listed by weight, meaning milk makes up the largest portion of the product. This immediately disqualifies it from a vegan diet, as it is a direct animal byproduct.

Beyond the dairy, there are other ingredients of concern. The product contains artificial colors (Yellow 5 and Yellow 6). These are synthetic dyes derived from petroleum. While technically plant-avoidant in origin, many ethical vegans avoid artificial colors due to animal testing concerns associated with their approval processes.

Finally, we have texture enhancers like sodium stearoyl lactylate and sodium alginate. The sodium stearoyl lactylate is an emulsifier often derived from stearic acid, which can be sourced from animal fats (though sometimes plant-based). However, given the presence of skim milk, the likelihood of animal-derived processing aids is high. The natural and artificial flavor is also a vague term that often hides animal-derived compounds, though in a pudding context, it is likely vanilla-based.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Pudding Snacks, Tapioca is a high-sugar, moderate-calorie treat. A single serving typically contains around 130 to 150 calories, with a significant portion coming from added sugar. Because the primary thickener is modified cornstarch rather than fiber-rich whole grains, this snack digests quickly, leading to a rapid spike in blood glucose followed by a crash.

While it does provide a small amount of calcium due to the milk and calcium phosphate, it is not a significant source of protein or healthy fats. It fits into a diet as an occasional dessert, but it does not offer the satiety or micronutrient density required for a health-conscious lifestyle.