The Simply Delish brand offers a popular line of instant pudding and pie filling mixes, known for being a natural, vegan, and sugar-free alternative to conventional desserts. The specific ingredients vary slightly depending on the flavor, such as vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. Unlike traditional puddings that use granulated sugar, milk, and eggs, these mixes rely on plant-based alternatives to achieve a creamy, satisfying result. The product's commitment to clean eating means it is free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, which is a major draw for consumers following specific dietary protocols like keto.
Core Ingredients in Simply Delish Pudding
At the heart of every Simply Delish pudding mix is a set of core ingredients designed to provide a rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor without refined sugars or animal products. These base ingredients include:
- Starch: The primary thickener used to achieve the pudding's desired consistency. For most flavors, like vanilla, the starch is derived from non-GMO maize or cornstarch. The strawberry mix uses potato starch.
- Erythritol: A sugar alcohol used as a bulk sweetener. Erythritol is known for having very few calories and a low impact on blood sugar, making it popular in keto-friendly products.
- Steviol Glycosides (Stevia Extract): A high-intensity sweetener derived from the stevia plant, which provides sweetness without calories.
- Plant-Based Soluble Fiber: Ingredients like maize fiber are added to improve the mix's texture and mouthfeel while contributing to the overall fiber content.
- Emulsifiers: To ensure a smooth, uniform texture, emulsifiers like sunflower lecithin are used to prevent separation of ingredients.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is included to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Flavor-Specific Ingredients
Beyond the base formula, Simply Delish adds flavor-specific components to create its different varieties:
- Chocolate Pudding: This mix includes organic Dutch cocoa to deliver a rich chocolate flavor. Some formulations may also contain soy lecithin as an emulsifier.
- Vanilla Pudding: For a classic flavor, the vanilla mix uses a natural vanilla flavor. A natural color, like beta carotene, may be added to give it a creamy yellow hue.
- Strawberry Pudding: The strawberry version uses natural strawberry flavor and a natural color derived from beet to give it a pink appearance.
Comparison: Simply Delish vs. Traditional Pudding Mix
| Feature | Simply Delish Instant Pudding Mix | Traditional Instant Pudding Mix (e.g., Jell-O) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Stevia Extract, Erythritol, Plant-Based Soluble Fiber | Sugar, Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium) |
| Thickener | Cornstarch or Potato Starch | Cornstarch, Sodium Phosphates |
| Flavoring | Natural Flavors | Artificial Flavors |
| Coloring | Natural Colors (e.g., Beta Carotene, Beet) | Artificial Dyes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) |
| Dietary Status | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Keto-Friendly | Typically contains milk ingredients and sugar; not vegan or sugar-free. |
| Fat Content | Fat-Free | Varies, but often contains fats. |
| Preparation | Mix with dairy or plant-based milk and set | Mix with dairy milk and set. |
What Makes Simply Delish Pudding Unique?
Simply Delish stands out in the dessert market for its dedication to catering to specific dietary needs without sacrificing taste. The company's mission is to provide delicious, healthy desserts for everyone, using ethically sourced ingredients. The use of stevia and erythritol is central to its sugar-free claim, allowing individuals on ketogenic or low-sugar diets to enjoy a sweet treat. The plant-based nature of the ingredients also ensures it is suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets. Furthermore, its certification as gluten-free broadens its appeal to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. By offering a dessert that is low in calories, sugar-free, and allergen-friendly, Simply Delish fills a unique niche in the instant pudding category.
The Importance of Ingredient Transparency
For many health-conscious consumers, knowing exactly what is in their food is paramount. Simply Delish addresses this by clearly listing its all-natural, non-GMO ingredients. This transparency allows buyers to make informed decisions, especially those managing allergies or health conditions. For instance, knowing the starch is maize-based is crucial for individuals with potato allergies, while identifying sunflower lecithin versus soy lecithin helps those with soy sensitivities.
Conclusion
In summary, what are the ingredients in Simply Delicious pudding? They are a carefully selected blend of plant-based and natural components designed to create a sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly dessert. The mixes combine a starch-based thickener with natural sweeteners like erythritol and stevia, and are flavored with natural extracts and colorings. This composition allows for a guilt-free and inclusive dessert option that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions, setting it apart from traditional alternatives.
