Understanding Simply Delish Nutrition
Simply Delish is known for its line of sugar-free, instant dessert mixes designed for keto, vegan, and low-carb lifestyles. The final calorie count of a prepared dessert is not only influenced by the mix itself but also by the type of liquid used during preparation. For example, using a standard dairy milk will significantly increase the calorie count compared to a non-dairy, sugar-free alternative like unsweetened almond or soy milk.
Most of the dry pudding and jel mixes are very low in calories, with erythritol being a key ingredient that provides sweetness without adding sugar or digestible carbs. This makes them an excellent option for those managing their weight or blood sugar levels. However, it's crucial to always read the label and account for any additions to get an accurate total. Below, we'll break down the calories for some of their most popular product lines.
Calories in Simply Delish Instant Puddings
Simply Delish offers a variety of instant puddings, and the calories in the dry mix are consistently low. The final calories will depend entirely on your choice of milk or milk substitute. The nutrition facts for the powder typically show low figures because they don't include the added liquid. Here is a closer look at a few examples:
- Chocolate Keto Pudding: The dry mix for this flavor contains approximately 25-28 calories per 1/4 package serving. The total carbohydrate count is around 9g, with 4g coming from erythritol, leading to only 4-5g of net carbs per serving of the mix. Once prepared with unsweetened almond milk, the calorie count remains low, but with full-fat dairy milk, it will rise considerably.
- Strawberry Instant Pudding: A 1/4 package serving of the dry mix has roughly 25 calories. This low number is achieved by using natural sweeteners and flavors, keeping the mix a keto-friendly and sugar-free option.
- Vanilla Keto Pudding: Similar to other pudding mixes, a 1/4 package serving has a low calorie count, often around 20-25 calories. The final calorie count hinges on the added liquid. A serving made with unsweetened almond milk would be a very different dessert than one made with a higher-fat, sweetened milk.
Calories in Simply Delish Jel Desserts
Simply Delish's Jel Desserts are even lower in calories than their puddings, as they are prepared with water and don't require the addition of milk. They are made with a plant-based gelling agent, making them vegan-friendly.
- Strawberry Plant-Based Jel: When prepared according to package directions, a serving of this jel dessert contains a minimal number of calories, often cited as around 5 calories. It is a near-zero-calorie dessert, relying on sweeteners for flavor.
- Zero Jelly (e.g., Raspberry, Lime): Some sources indicate that a 100ml serving of Simply Delish Zero Jelly can have as few as 2-3 calories. This makes it one of the lowest-calorie dessert options available.
Comparison of Simply Delish Desserts vs. Standard Alternatives
Understanding the calorie difference between Simply Delish and traditional desserts highlights why it's a popular choice for those on a strict diet or following a low-sugar lifestyle. This table provides a clear comparison.
| Dessert Type | Simply Delish (Approx. Calories) | Traditional Alternative (Approx. Calories) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pudding (Dry Mix) | 25-28 calories per 1/4 pkg | Over 100 calories per 1/2 cup serving (prepared with full-fat milk) | Simply Delish is sugar-free; final calories depend on liquid added |
| Jel Dessert (Prepared) | 2-5 calories per serving | 70-80+ calories per 1/2 cup serving | Simply Delish Jel is sugar-free and made with a plant-based gelling agent, using water for preparation |
| Baked Goods | Not applicable; Simply Delish does not make baked mixes | A small brownie can be 120+ calories | Simply Delish focuses on instant, non-baked desserts for low-calorie snacking |
How Preparation Affects Calories
Your preparation method is the single biggest factor influencing the final calorie count of a Simply Delish pudding. For example:
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Using this low-calorie milk alternative keeps the final calorie count close to the dry mix's base calories, resulting in a very low-calorie dessert.
- Skim Milk: While lower in fat than whole milk, skim milk will still add a moderate number of calories. For a typical serving, you might add 50-70 calories from the milk.
- Whole Milk: Using whole milk will result in the highest calorie count, adding significant fat and calories to your dessert, though still likely less than a traditional, sugary alternative.
Conclusion
Simply Delish products are a solid choice for those seeking low-calorie, sugar-free desserts that align with keto, vegan, or general health-conscious eating plans. The key to keeping the calorie count low is to be mindful of your preparation method, particularly the type of milk you use for the instant puddings. For the absolute lowest-calorie option, the plant-based Jel Desserts are an excellent choice, containing only a handful of calories per prepared serving. By understanding the nutrition labels and your preparation options, you can enjoy a delicious treat that won't derail your dietary goals.
To learn more about healthy dessert alternatives and ingredients, consider visiting an authoritative source like the American Diabetes Association's nutrition guides, which offer advice on managing sugar intake.
Ingredient and Preparation Details
- Dry Mix Calories: Simply Delish instant pudding mixes (e.g., chocolate) contain just 25-28 calories per 1/4 package serving, while their jel desserts (e.g., strawberry) have as few as 2-5 calories per prepared serving.
- Erythritol Sweetener: The company uses erythritol, a sugar alcohol, and stevia extract as natural sweeteners to provide a sweet taste without the sugar or calorie load of traditional desserts.
- Liquid Additions: For puddings, the type of liquid used (e.g., unsweetened almond milk vs. full-fat dairy milk) is the primary determinant of the final calorie total, as the dry mix itself is very low-calorie.
- Plant-Based and Allergen-Friendly: Most Simply Delish products are plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, and lactose-free, catering to various dietary restrictions.
- Zero Sugar Content: Both the instant puddings and jel desserts are formulated to have 0g of sugar per serving, making them suitable for managing sugar intake.
- Net Carbs: Puddings, such as the Chocolate Keto Pudding, boast a low net carb count of just 4g per serving due to the inclusion of erythritol, which is not counted in net carbs.
- Versatile Preparation: The pudding mixes are versatile, allowing for preparation with different milk substitutes like almond, soy, or coconut milk, which allows users to control calorie and fat content.
FAQ
Q: How many calories are in Simply Delish chocolate pudding? A: The dry mix for Simply Delish chocolate keto pudding contains approximately 25-28 calories per 1/4 package serving. The total prepared calorie count depends on the milk used.
Q: Are Simply Delish products suitable for a keto diet? A: Yes, many Simply Delish products, including their instant puddings, are certified keto-friendly, with low net carb counts suitable for the diet.
Q: How many calories are in Simply Delish jel dessert? A: Simply Delish jel desserts, such as the strawberry flavor, contain very few calories, often as low as 2-5 calories per prepared serving, as they are mixed with water.
Q: Do I need to count the calories from the erythritol in Simply Delish products? A: Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is not fully metabolized by the body, so it contains virtually zero calories. Most nutrition labels, including Simply Delish's, will provide a net carb count that excludes sugar alcohols.
Q: How does the type of milk affect the calories in Simply Delish pudding? A: Using unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond milk will result in a much lower final calorie count than using higher-calorie options like whole milk. The pudding mix's calories are minimal, so the liquid is the main variable.
Q: Are Simply Delish desserts completely sugar-free? A: Yes, Simply Delish instant puddings and jel desserts are made with natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol, and contain 0 grams of sugar per serving.
Q: What is the benefit of a low-calorie dessert like Simply Delish? A: A low-calorie dessert can help satisfy sweet cravings without adding a significant number of calories to your daily intake, which is beneficial for weight management and overall calorie control.
Q: Can I use Simply Delish instant pudding in other recipes? A: Yes, the instant pudding mix can be a versatile ingredient for other low-carb and keto recipes, such as layered parfaits, pies, or as a base for low-sugar frozen desserts.
Q: Are all Simply Delish products vegan? A: While most of their products are vegan-friendly, it's always best to check the specific product's packaging. Their jel desserts are plant-based, and their instant puddings can be made vegan by using a non-dairy milk substitute.
Q: Where can I find the nutrition information for Simply Delish products? A: You can find detailed nutrition facts on the product packaging, the Simply Delish website, or on retailer websites like Amazon or iHerb that list nutrition facts.
Q: How do Simply Delish products compare to traditional desserts? A: Simply Delish products offer a significantly lower-calorie and sugar-free alternative to traditional instant puddings and jellies, which often contain high amounts of sugar and processed ingredients.
Q: Is Simply Delish a good option for people with diabetes? A: Due to their sugar-free nature and use of natural, zero-calorie sweeteners, Simply Delish products can be a good dessert option for people with diabetes, but it's always wise to consult a doctor or dietitian regarding dietary choices.
