What Sweetener Is in Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, several non-caloric sweeteners are approved for use in foods, and many are used to sweeten sugar-free cheesecake pudding. This article explores the common sugar substitutes you will find in these convenient mixes and discusses what makes them different from regular sugar.

Quick Summary

The sweeteners most commonly found in store-bought sugar-free cheesecake pudding are artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium, which provide intense sweetness without added calories. Some products also use sucralose or sugar alcohols, and specific ingredients can be confirmed by reading the product label.

Key Points

Common Sweeteners: Sugar free cheesecake pudding often uses a blend of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) to create a sweet taste without calories.
Sucralose Alternative: Some sugar-free dessert mixes utilize sucralose (Splenda), a heat-stable artificial sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar.
Label Reading is Key: The most accurate way to know which sweeteners are in a specific product is to read the ingredients list on the packaging, as recipes can vary by brand.
Homemade Alternatives: For those avoiding artificial sweeteners, homemade keto-friendly cheesecake pudding recipes often use powdered natural sweeteners like monk fruit and allulose.
Special Dietary Needs: Individuals with conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid products containing aspartame, which is clearly labeled due to its phenylalanine content.
Texture Modifiers: Some sugar-free products use sugar alcohols like erythritol to add bulk and improve texture, though instant pudding mixes primarily rely on starches and gums.

Common Sweeteners in Store-Bought Sugar Free Pudding

When you pick up a box of instant sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix, you'll find that it relies on a combination of different sugar substitutes to achieve its sweet flavor profile. These mixes often use a blend of high-intensity artificial sweeteners to mimic the taste and mouthfeel of real sugar. Aspartame, acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), and sucralose are the most frequent additions, each serving a specific purpose in the final product.

Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium: The Sweet Duo

One of the most common combinations in sugar-free puddings is aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). This pairing is a synergy in sweetener technology. Aspartame provides a quick burst of sweetness that is around 200 times sweeter than sugar, but it can sometimes have a slightly bitter aftertaste. Acesulfame potassium, which is also about 200 times sweeter than sugar, helps to create a more balanced and prolonged sweet flavor that masks aspartame's potential aftertaste. This combination is stable in the mix but is less suitable for high-heat baking applications, which is why it works well in no-bake products like instant pudding.

Sucralose: The Heat-Stable Alternative

Sucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda, is another widely used sweetener in sugar-free desserts, including some pudding mixes. Unlike aspartame, sucralose is heat-stable, making it suitable for both hot and cold dessert applications. It is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar and is derived from a process that chemically modifies sugar molecules by replacing some hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms. The body does not recognize sucralose as a carbohydrate, so it passes through without being metabolized for energy.

Sugar Alcohols: Adding Bulk and Texture

Some sugar-free products may incorporate sugar alcohols like maltitol, xylitol, or erythritol. While not as common in instant pudding mixes, they are frequently used in other sugar-free confections to add bulk and texture, which high-intensity sweeteners cannot provide alone. Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates but are not fully digested, providing fewer calories than sugar and having a lesser impact on blood sugar levels. However, excessive consumption can cause digestive discomfort for some individuals.

Comparison of Common Sugar-Free Cheesecake Pudding Sweeteners


Sweetener	Sweetness (vs. Sugar)	Heat Stability	Aftertaste Potential	Impact on Blood Sugar
Aspartame	~200x	No (breaks down with heat)	Sometimes bitter	Minimal
Acesulfame K	~200x	Yes (very stable)	Sometimes bitter (in high amounts)	Minimal
Sucralose	~600x	Yes (very stable)	Minimal	Minimal
Sugar Alcohols	Variable (lower than sugar)	Yes (can be baked)	Sometimes a cooling sensation	Lower, but not zero
Monk Fruit	100-250x	Yes (very stable)	Minimal	Minimal

Potential Health Considerations and Usage Tips

While approved sugar substitutes are generally considered safe for consumption, it is still prudent to consider your personal health goals and any potential side effects. For those on a keto diet, many store-bought sugar-free puddings work well, but it's important to read the labels for total carbohydrate count, which can sometimes be affected by other ingredients like maltodextrin. Those with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid products containing aspartame, which contains phenylalanine.

For home cooks who prefer a more natural approach, creating your own sugar-free cheesecake pudding provides greater control over ingredients. A popular keto-friendly recipe might use a blend of powdered monk fruit and allulose, which offers a clean, sugar-like taste without the drawbacks of some artificial alternatives. Xanthan gum is a great thickener for homemade versions, as it creates a creamy texture that is similar to what you would get from a store-bought mix.

How to Choose the Right Sugar Free Cheesecake Pudding

The best way to determine the sweeteners in a product is to check the ingredient list. Look for names like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, or sugar alcohols. If you have a specific dietary concern, like needing a completely keto-friendly option or avoiding certain artificial ingredients, a quick check of the label is essential. Many companies now offer options with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to cater to these consumer preferences. For instance, a quick review on Amazon will show you products that specifically highlight their lack of aspartame.

Conclusion

Sugar-free cheesecake pudding is sweetened by a variety of sugar substitutes, with aspartame and acesulfame potassium being a common combination in many instant mixes. Other products may utilize sucralose for its stability or include sugar alcohols for texture. Consumers should always read the ingredient list to understand exactly what they are consuming, especially if they have dietary restrictions or preferences regarding artificial versus natural sweeteners. For those who want maximum control, making a homemade version with a keto-friendly powdered sweetener and a thickener like xanthan gum is a simple and delicious alternative.

Authoritative Link

For more detailed information on sweeteners approved by the FDA, consult the FDA's official resource on Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jell-O brand sugar-free puddings typically contain a mix of artificial sweeteners, most commonly aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), to provide sweetness without calories. You can confirm the exact ingredients by checking the label on the box.

Most store-bought sugar-free cheesecake pudding mixes are generally keto-friendly, as they contain minimal net carbs. However, it's crucial to check the label for total carbohydrates, as some fillers like maltodextrin can affect carb count. Many homemade keto recipes exist that use alternatives like monk fruit and allulose.

Many sugar-free pudding mixes, particularly instant ones, do contain aspartame, often alongside acesulfame potassium. Products containing aspartame are required to carry a warning for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) due to the presence of phenylalanine.

Besides aspartame and acesulfame potassium, another common artificial sweetener is sucralose, which is used in many desserts. Some recipes also use sugar alcohols like erythritol.

Some high-intensity sweeteners, like acesulfame potassium, can have a slightly bitter aftertaste, especially in higher concentrations. To counteract this, manufacturers often blend it with other sweeteners, such as aspartame, to achieve a more balanced and sugar-like flavor profile.

Some sugar-free mixes, particularly those sweetened with aspartame, are not suitable for high-heat baking, as the sweetener can break down and lose its potency. Mixes containing heat-stable sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium are more appropriate for baking.

Yes, many homemade recipes for sugar-free and keto cheesecake pudding use powdered natural sweeteners derived from stevia or monk fruit. Ingredients like xanthan gum are also used to achieve the desired thick, creamy texture.