How many calories are in a Jello cup?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

A standard, ready-to-eat Jell-O gelatin snack cup typically has about 70 calories. The calorie count can change based on the product type (gelatin or pudding) and whether it is sugar-free.

Quick Summary

Jell-O cup calories vary, from 10 calories for sugar-free gelatin to 120 calories for regular pudding, based on the ingredients and product.

Key Points

Regular Gelatin Cups: A standard ready-to-eat Jell-O gelatin cup contains 70 calories and is fat-free but high in sugar.
Sugar-Free Gelatin Cups: The sugar-free gelatin option contains only 10 calories per cup, using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.
Pudding vs. Gelatin: Jell-O pudding cups have a higher calorie count due to containing milk and other ingredients, with regular varieties at 110-120 calories.
Nutritional Value: Most Jell-O cups offer limited nutritional benefits, containing little to no protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals.
Dietary Considerations: Sugar-free gelatin cups are a keto-friendly, low-calorie snack, but contain artificial ingredients that some may prefer to avoid.
Homemade Alternatives: To avoid artificial ingredients and gain more control over nutrition, you can make your own gelatin using unflavored powder and fruit juice.

Calorie Count by Jell-O Product Type

Understanding Jell-O cup calories involves knowing the product types available. Jell-O offers gelatin and pudding cups, each with a different nutritional profile. Sugar-free versions greatly reduce calorie count.

Jell-O Ready-to-Eat Gelatin Cups

The standard gelatin cup is a popular choice for a classic, jiggly treat. Calorie content is consistent across most fruit flavors.

Standard Gelatin Cups: A 3.4 oz cup contains about 70 calories. These calories mainly come from added sugar, with around 17 grams in a typical cup.
Sugar-Free Gelatin Cups: Sugar-free versions are a lower-calorie option, with only about 10 calories per cup. These are sweetened with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose.

Jell-O Ready-to-Eat Pudding Cups

Pudding cups, made with milk, have more fat and carbohydrates than gelatin. The calories reflect this creamier consistency.

Original Pudding Cups: Original chocolate or vanilla pudding cups have around 110 to 120 calories. They are a good calcium source but have higher calories and sugar than gelatin.
Zero Sugar Pudding Cups: Zero sugar pudding cups offer a significant calorie reduction, with about 60 calories per serving. They use artificial sweeteners to achieve the flavor.

Jell-O Cup Nutrition at a Glance: A Comparison Table

Nutritional differences between the main ready-to-eat Jell-O cup types are summarized below. The data is based on standard, single-serving sizes.


Nutrient	Regular Gelatin Cup	Sugar-Free Gelatin Cup	Regular Pudding Cup	Sugar-Free Pudding Cup
Calories	~70	~10	110-120	~60
Total Fat	0g	0g	~1.5g	~1.5g
Total Carbs	17g	<1g	~24g	~11g
Sugars	17g	0g	~19g	0g
Protein	<1g	~1g	~2g	~2g

How Jell-O Fits into a Balanced Diet

Jell-O cups can be a fun treat, but offer limited nutritional value. Gelatin varieties, particularly the sugar-free option, are low in calories and fat, making them suitable for dieters. However, they provide few vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Regular, sugar-sweetened Jell-O is high in added sugar, offering empty calories with minimal nutritional benefit.

Homemade gelatin can be a better option for a more wholesome snack. You can control sugar and ingredients by creating your own version using unflavored gelatin powder and 100% fruit juice. Adding fresh fruit pieces to homemade jello can increase the nutritional content.

Potential Concerns with Processed Jell-O

When consuming commercial Jell-O, especially sugar-free versions, consider potential concerns. These products often contain artificial sweeteners and food dyes. While the FDA deems these safe in low doses, some research links high consumption to potential health effects, including behavioral changes in children. Artificial sweeteners can also affect the gut microbiome and potentially impact insulin response. Opt for homemade alternatives or enjoy store-bought cups in moderation to minimize processed foods.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a Jell-O cup varies based on type. A regular gelatin cup has 70 calories, while its sugar-free counterpart has only 10. Creamier pudding cups have more, with regular versions at 110-120 calories and zero sugar versions at 60. Consumers can make informed choices that fit their dietary goals by reading the label and understanding the differences between gelatin and pudding. Although low in nutrients, Jell-O can still be a simple, low-calorie treat when consumed in moderation. For a more nourishing option, homemade versions offer greater control over ingredients and health benefits. For further details on the health implications of processed foods and artificial sweeteners, you can visit Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jell-O cups are generally not considered a healthy snack because they offer very little nutritional value, containing minimal vitamins, minerals, or fiber. While sugar-free varieties are very low in calories, they rely on artificial sweeteners and are not a nutrient-dense food.

Yes, sugar-free Jell-O gelatin cups are typically keto-friendly as they contain less than 1 gram of carbohydrates and no sugar per serving. It's important to check the ingredients for any additives that could affect your specific keto diet.

There is a significant calorie difference. A regular Jell-O gelatin cup has about 70 calories, whereas a regular Jell-O pudding cup has 110-120 calories. Sugar-free varieties also differ, with gelatin at 10 calories and pudding at 60 calories.

Sugar-free Jell-O gelatin cups are low in calories due to the use of artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. Since these sweeteners are essentially calorie-free, the overall energy content of the product is dramatically reduced.

For the standard, ready-to-eat gelatin snack cups, the calories are consistent across most fruit flavors, at approximately 70 calories for regular and 10 for sugar-free. However, always check the label for any specific product variations.

Sugar-free gelatin cups contain about 10 calories, while sugar-free pudding cups have around 60 calories. The difference comes from the ingredients; pudding contains milk and other components that increase its caloric content.

Yes, a healthier alternative can be made at home by combining unflavored gelatin powder with 100% fruit juice. This allows you to control the type and amount of sweetener, or even use natural fruit sugars for flavor.

Gelatin, the main ingredient in Jell-O, is derived from animal collagen. While collagen is known for potential benefits to skin, hair, and joints, the amount of gelatin in a Jell-O cup is too small to provide any significant health effects.