A Guide to Knowing Which Instant Pudding is Gluten-Free?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

For those with celiac disease, a simple dessert can pose a risk, as nearly one percent of the population worldwide is affected by the condition. Therefore, learning which instant pudding is gluten-free? is key for enjoying a classic treat without worry. This guide helps you navigate the dessert aisle with confidence, highlighting trusted brands and providing crucial label-reading tips for your dietary needs.

Quick Summary

A detailed examination of instant pudding choices for gluten-free diets, identifying specific brands and flavors that are safe while also explaining the risks associated with non-certified products. This covers label-reading strategies, cross-contamination concerns, and viable alternatives, including certified options and homemade recipes.

Key Points

Certified is Safest: Choose instant pudding mixes from brands that are certified gluten-free to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.
Not All Jell-O is Safe: While many Jell-O flavors are made without gluten ingredients, the brand is not certified gluten-free, and some flavors like Cheesecake contain barley.
Read the Fine Print: When considering non-certified brands, scrutinize the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources like wheat-based flavorings.
Check Pre-Made Cups: For ready-to-eat puddings like Snack Pack or Kozy Shack, check the label for a 'gluten-free' claim, as many varieties are safe.
DIY Offers Control: Making your own instant pudding mix at home with cornstarch or arrowroot powder guarantees a 100% gluten-free dessert.
Be Aware of Cross-Contamination: Even with naturally gluten-free ingredients, potential for contamination in manufacturing facilities means certified products offer more security.
Brands to Trust: Simply Delish and Orgran are known for their certified, dedicated gluten-free instant pudding and custard mixes.

Navigating the Instant Pudding Aisle for Gluten-Free Options

For individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies, finding safe and convenient dessert options can be a challenge. While instant pudding might seem like a simple choice, not all brands or flavors are created equal. The most reliable options come from brands that are certified gluten-free, but with careful label reading, other products may also be suitable. Understanding the nuances of ingredient sourcing and manufacturing is critical to ensuring your treat is truly gluten-free.

Certified Gluten-Free Instant Pudding Brands

For those who need to be absolutely certain of their food's safety, choosing a product that is certified gluten-free is the best approach. Certification ensures that the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten and has been manufactured to avoid cross-contamination.

Simply Delish: This brand is widely recognized for its certified gluten-free instant pudding mixes. Their products are also vegan, sugar-free, fat-free, and sweetened with natural stevia, making them a popular choice for various dietary needs. They offer classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Orgran: This Australian brand specializes in allergen-free foods and offers an instant custard mix that is certified gluten-free and vegan. This is a great alternative for those looking for a different texture than traditional pudding.
Mom's Place: This brand offers a range of gluten-free products, including chocolate and vanilla instant pudding mixes. Their entire product line is guaranteed to be gluten-free.
Simple Mixes: Offering a variety of flavors like butterscotch, chocolate, and vanilla, Simple Mixes provides certified gluten-free pudding mixes, although they are not vegan as they use beef gelatin.

Reading Labels on Non-Certified Brands: The Case of Jell-O

Jell-O is a ubiquitous brand, but its instant puddings are not certified gluten-free, which can cause confusion. Here is what to know about Jell-O and other non-certified brands:

Jell-O Instant Pudding: Most Jell-O instant pudding flavors are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, like modified cornstarch (derived from corn, not wheat), dextrose, and flavorings. The manufacturer, Kraft Heinz, has a clear policy to disclose any gluten-containing ingredients on the label.
The 'Not Guaranteed' Risk: Despite this, Kraft Heinz states that it does not guarantee its products are gluten-free due to the possibility of cross-contamination from third-party suppliers who provide flavorings, colors, or spices. For individuals with celiac disease, this risk is significant and makes Jell-O a less-than-ideal choice.
The Cheesecake Exception: One specific flavor, Jell-O Instant Cheesecake Pudding & Pie Filling, is known to contain barley and is not gluten-free. This highlights the importance of checking each individual package, as ingredients can vary.

What About Prepared Puddings?

Pre-made pudding cups, like those from Snack Pack, offer another quick and easy option. Many of these are labeled gluten-free, but like all processed foods, it's essential to double-check the label.

Snack Pack: Many Snack Pack pudding cups are labeled gluten-free, including flavors like butterscotch, chocolate, and vanilla. This offers a convenient single-serving dessert for those on a gluten-free diet.
Kozy Shack: All Kozy Shack products are labeled gluten-free and have been evaluated to ensure they meet FDA standards. They are known for their rice pudding, tapioca pudding, and chocolate pudding.

DIY: Making Your Own Gluten-Free Instant Pudding Mix

For complete control over ingredients and peace of mind, you can create your own instant pudding mix at home. This allows you to avoid additives, artificial flavors, and the risk of cross-contamination entirely. A basic recipe uses common gluten-free starches like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix

1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar (or a natural sweetener of your choice)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Whisk all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. To prepare, simply add the mix to cold milk and whisk until thickened.

Comparison Table: Instant Pudding Brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Certification	Notes
Simply Delish	Yes	Certified Gluten-Free	Also vegan, sugar-free, keto-friendly.
Jell-O	Most varieties are made with naturally GF ingredients	Not Certified Gluten-Free	Read labels carefully; potential for cross-contamination. Cheesecake flavor contains barley.
Orgran	Yes	Certified Gluten-Free	Specializes in allergen-free products, also vegan.
Snack Pack	Yes (check label)	Labeled Gluten-Free	Pre-made pudding cups, great for convenience.
Kozy Shack	Yes	Labeled Gluten-Free	Pre-made puddings, includes rice and tapioca options.
Mom's Place	Yes	Certified Gluten-Free	Offers a range of gluten-free products, including pudding mixes.

Conclusion: Your Safest Bet

While some brands are naturally free of gluten ingredients, relying on certified gluten-free products is the most reliable strategy for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivity. Brands like Simply Delish and Orgran offer full transparency and guaranteed safety. For those who tolerate non-certified items, always read the ingredient list thoroughly and be aware of advisory statements and potential for cross-contamination. For ultimate control, a homemade mix is a simple, foolproof alternative that ensures a safe and delicious treat every time.

For more detailed information on gluten-free foods and label reading, consider consulting resources from organizations like Beyond Celiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Jell-O instant pudding flavors are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, but the brand is not certified gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. It is crucial to check the ingredient list for any gluten-containing items like barley, as found in their Cheesecake flavor.

Always check the ingredient list. Look for wheat, barley, or rye listed by name. Be cautious with terms like 'natural flavors' or 'spices,' as these can sometimes contain hidden gluten, especially in non-certified products. Look for a dedicated gluten-free label for guaranteed safety.

Yes, Simply Delish instant pudding mixes are not only certified gluten-free but also vegan and can be prepared with plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond, or coconut milk.

In most U.S. products, modified food starch is derived from corn. According to Kraft's policy, they will declare a wheat source if it's used. However, unless explicitly stated as wheat-free, it's safer for those with severe sensitivities to choose certified gluten-free products.

The safest options are instant pudding brands that are explicitly certified gluten-free, such as Simply Delish, Orgran, and Mom's Place. These products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet strict standards.

Yes, you can easily make a homemade mix using cornstarch, sugar, and flavorings like cocoa powder. This provides the ultimate control over all ingredients and eliminates any risk of cross-contamination.

For those with celiac disease, yes. Jell-O is not manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility and some suppliers for flavorings are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. If you have celiac disease, it is generally recommended to opt for certified gluten-free alternatives to be safe.