How Many Calories Are in One Pack of Jell-O Gelatin?

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 3-ounce box of regular Jell-O gelatin contains approximately 320 to 360 calories, depending on the flavor, and makes four half-cup servings. Knowing how many calories are in one pack of Jell-O is key to understanding its place in your dietary plan and overall nutritional value.

Quick Summary

The total calories in a pack of Jell-O vary significantly based on the product type, with regular gelatin mixes containing hundreds of calories while sugar-free versions have minimal caloric content. This count is based on the dry mix before adding water or other ingredients.

Key Points

Total Calories Vary by Type: A standard 3oz regular Jell-O gelatin pack contains about 320–360 calories, while a sugar-free pack contains only about 80 calories total.
Check the Label and Serving Size: The final calorie count of a prepared batch depends on whether it is regular or sugar-free, as well as the number of servings and any additional ingredients.
Regular Jell-O is Mostly Sugar: Regular Jell-O is primarily sugar, offering limited nutritional value and potentially high in 'empty calories'.
Pudding Mixes Differ from Gelatin: Jell-O pudding mixes, both regular and sugar-free, have different calorie profiles than gelatin mixes, with calories further increasing from the milk used during preparation.
Sugar-Free is a Lower-Calorie Alternative: For those watching caloric intake, the sugar-free Jell-O gelatin is a much lower-calorie and sugar-free dessert option, often containing just 10 calories per half-cup serving.

The Calorie Breakdown for a Standard Pack

For many, a 'pack' of Jell-O refers to the standard 3-ounce box of flavored gelatin mix. This small packet of powder is designed to make four half-cup servings of a jiggly dessert. The total calories contained within the dry mix are a direct sum of these individual servings. A single prepared serving from a 3-ounce box typically contains around 80 to 90 calories, which means the entire dry mix package holds approximately 320 to 360 calories, before any additions. These calories are sourced almost entirely from sugar, as the product is essentially flavored sugar and gelatin. The dry mix contains 17-19 grams of sugar per serving, accounting for most of its caloric value.

Exploring Sugar-Free and Other Jell-O Options

Jell-O's nutritional landscape changes dramatically when you move beyond the regular gelatin mix. Sugar-free varieties and other product lines like puddings offer different calorie counts, catering to various dietary needs.

Sugar-Free Gelatin Mixes

For those seeking a low-calorie alternative, the sugar-free gelatin mix is a popular choice. A typical 0.6-ounce box of sugar-free Jell-O yields eight half-cup servings. Each serving contains only about 10 calories, meaning the entire dry mix package contains just 80 calories total. This significant reduction in calories is due to the use of artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.

Instant Pudding Mixes

Jell-O also produces a wide range of instant pudding and pie filling mixes, which contain more calories than their gelatin counterparts. For example, a 1.5-ounce box of sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix makes six half-cup servings. A prepared serving has about 60 calories, which includes the calories from the added milk, bringing the total for the prepared pack to around 360 calories. A regular, sugar-sweetened instant pudding mix of similar size would have an even higher total calorie count.

Ready-to-Eat Snack Cups

The calorie counts in Jell-O's pre-made snack cups are worth noting as well. A single regular gelatin cup contains around 70 calories, while a sugar-free version contains just 10 calories. Pre-made sugar-free pudding cups are also available, containing about 60 calories per cup.

Nutritional Comparison: Regular vs. Sugar-Free

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of different Jell-O products and their calorie counts. Note: Calories for prepared mixes include the addition of water or milk as directed.


Product Type	Package Size	Servings per Package	Calories per Serving	Total Calories per Pack (dry mix)
Regular Gelatin Mix	3 oz	4	80-90	~320-360
Sugar-Free Gelatin Mix	0.6 oz	8	10	~80
Regular Instant Pudding Mix	3.4 oz	4	90 (dry mix)	~360 (dry mix)
Sugar-Free Instant Pudding Mix	1.5 oz	6	20 (dry mix)	~120 (dry mix)

Factors That Influence Jell-O's Calorie Count

Beyond the base mix, several factors can significantly alter the final caloric intake from a Jell-O dessert:

Added Ingredients: Recipes for layered desserts or those with added fruit, whipped cream, or other toppings will drastically increase the overall calorie count.
Preparation Method: The calories in pudding mixes are particularly affected by the preparation method, as they require the addition of milk, which contributes a notable amount of calories.
Serving Size Variation: While a standard box is designed for a specific number of servings, how one divides the finished dessert can change the calories per portion.
Product Line Variation: The distinct nutritional profiles of gelatin, instant pudding, and cook-and-serve products all yield different calorie totals.

Jell-O's Role in a Balanced Diet

For many, Jell-O serves as a low-risk, sweet treat, particularly the sugar-free varieties for those managing their weight or sugar intake. However, it is important to remember that regular Jell-O, primarily made of sugar, is considered a source of 'empty calories.' This means it provides energy without significant vitamins, minerals, or fiber. While gelatin, the protein component, has been studied for its potential benefits for skin and joints, the amount found in a standard Jell-O dessert is minimal and may not be enough to provide a substantial effect. For a more complete dietary perspective, it is always recommended to compare the nutritional information provided on product labels. You can find more specific nutritional data on the official Kraft Heinz Jell-O product pages.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Determining how many calories are in one pack of Jell-O requires more information than just knowing the product name. It hinges on the specific type—whether it's regular gelatin, sugar-free gelatin, or a pudding mix. While a regular gelatin mix offers a few hundred calories per pack, the sugar-free alternatives are a much lighter option. By checking the nutritional label, considering any extra ingredients, and understanding the different product lines, you can easily incorporate Jell-O into your dietary plan in a mindful way.

Visit the official Jell-O product page for more detailed nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, sugar-free Jell-O gelatin is not calorie-free but is very low in calories, typically 10 calories per half-cup serving once prepared from the mix.

A prepared half-cup serving of regular gelatin from a 3oz box contains around 80 calories.

Yes, adding fruit, especially canned fruit in syrup, or toppings like whipped cream will increase the total calorie count of your Jell-O dessert.

The calories in regular Jell-O come almost entirely from added sugars, which is listed as a primary ingredient in the mix.

Instant pudding mixes, whether regular or sugar-free, typically have a higher calorie count per serving than the equivalent gelatin mix, especially after adding milk for preparation.

Yes, sugar-free Jell-O is frequently used in low-calorie and diet plans due to its very low energy content. However, regular Jell-O is high in sugar and not the best choice for this purpose.

While there may be minimal variation in ingredients between flavors of the same product type, the difference is negligible. The main calorie difference comes from whether the product is regular or sugar-free.

No, the calories are not always the same. Ready-to-eat cups of gelatin are pre-portioned and may have slightly different formulations, so it's best to check the nutritional information on the specific cup for accurate data.