The Full Ingredient List for Great Value Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding
For a complete list of ingredients in Great Value Sugar Free Vanilla Instant Pudding & Pie Filling, please visit {Link: cooklist.com https://cooklist.com/product/great-value-sugar-free-vanilla-instant-pudding-pie-filling-170791}. The product's packaging may also alert consumers to potential cross-contamination with milk, eggs, tree nuts, and soy.
Breaking Down the Key Components
Artificial Sweeteners and Flavoring
This pudding uses Acesulfame Potassium and Aspartame as sweeteners, replacing traditional sugar. Aspartame includes phenylalanine, leading to a required warning for individuals with phenylketonuria. Artificial, and sometimes natural and artificial, flavorings provide the vanilla taste.
Thickeners and Stabilizers
Ingredients designed to thicken the pudding without cooking include:
- Modified Food Starch: This allows the pudding to thicken quickly when combined with cold milk.
- Xanthan Gum: Contributes to a smooth, thick consistency.
- Disodium Phosphate and Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate: These phosphates function as stabilizers for texture. Some sources, like the EWG, have noted concerns regarding these additives.
Colors and Preservatives
The yellow color of the pudding comes from artificial food dyes Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) and Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF). Titanium Dioxide also contributes to the coloring. Mono- and Diglycerides are emulsifiers that can contain propyl gallate and citric acid, acting as antioxidants for preservation. The EWG lists Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Propyl Gallate among food additives they view with concern.
Comparison: Great Value Sugar-Free vs. Classic Pudding Mix
| Feature | Great Value Sugar-Free Vanilla Pudding | Classic (Sugared) Vanilla Pudding | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Acesulfame Potassium, Aspartame | Sugar (sucrose) | Primary difference to achieve sugar-free status. |
| Calories | ~30 calories (per dry mix serving) | Significantly higher, due to sugar content | Sugar adds significant calories. |
| Thickening | Modified Food Starch, Xanthan Gum | Modified Food Starch, Cornstarch | Both use starch, but modified starch allows for instant thickening. |
| Allergens | May contain milk, eggs, nuts, soy | May vary by brand; some contain milk derivatives | Cross-contamination risks can differ. |
| Phenylalanine | Contains due to Aspartame | Does not contain | Crucial for individuals with PKU. |
| Processed Food Rating | Ultra-processed | Highly processed | Both are processed foods, but ingredients differ. |
Health Considerations of Ultra-Processed Ingredients
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies Great Value Sugar Free Vanilla Instant Pudding as an unhealthy ultra-processed food. Its ingredients, including multiple additives, support this classification. While it's sugar-free, its artificial sweeteners and notable sodium content (470mg per dry mix serving) are factors for dietary consideration. Additional details on these ingredients are available through resources like the EWG's Food Scores database.
Conclusion: Understanding Your Pudding
The ingredients in Great Value sugar free vanilla pudding indicate it's a processed item made for convenience and a sugar-free diet. It offers a lower-calorie alternative but includes modified starches, artificial sweeteners (like Aspartame with phenylalanine), and coloring agents. Understanding these components, potential allergens, and its sodium level is helpful for informed food choices.
