The FARM BuzzPopular dessert brand Jell-O has finally introduced a plant-based version of its beloved chocolate pudding, making it the first mainstream brand to offer dairy-free pudding on store shelves.
Tastes Just Like the Original But Vegan
Jell-o’s first plant-based chocolate pudding recipe ditches the dairy by using oat milk. Reviews suggest the new version is nearly identical to the original in texture and flavor. Some even say it tastes better, as the oat milk gives a slightly nutty flavor. “The result is a decadent dessert that tastes a bit more refined than the original chocolate pudding cups.“
Kraft Heinz Makes Dairy-Free Pudding Easy to Find and Affordable
Until now, the only dairy-free pudding options available came from smaller, specialized companies. Parent company Kraft Heinz’s first foray into the world of plant-based desserts is quite significant. As a well-known, mainstream brand name, Jell-O has significant visibility and distribution power. This means their product will be easily accessible and more affordable than pudding from smaller, less well-known brands. These factors could cause individuals and families who do not normally shop for plant-based products to be more likely to notice and explore these new, dairy-free offerings. Ideally, this could lead those customers to test even more plant-based foods.
“Transform dessert with a sweet treat that’s lactose-free and indulge without compromise! Oat milk meets Jell-O in our Jell-O Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding Snacks that bring you the lactose-free dessert option you’ve been searching for. Made with the dairy alternative oat milk, our pudding cups are plant-based, vegan and gluten-free.” – www.kraftheinz.com
Why Jello Picked Chocolate As Their First Plant-Based Flavor
Chocolate was the first flavor of instant pudding mix released by Jell-O in 1936. It was also the first flavor introduced in Jell-O Pudding Treats, the brand’s first packaged prepared pudding, in 1971. This is why, in keeping with tradition, Jell-O selected chocolate as their first dairy-free, plant-based pudding flavor. The iconic flavor remains their most popular to this day.
Why Jell-O Chose Oat Milk for Its Dairy-Free Pudding
Oat milk is one of the most popular, fastest-growing, plant-based milks on the market. Its creamy texture and mild taste make it perfect for many recipes. This is why Jell-O selected oat milk for its new dairy-free pudding. “Our first-ever plant-based pudding delivers the creamy, indulgent experience families expect from Jell-O, now made with oat milk. It’s an exciting evolution that reflects our commitment to making iconic favorites more inclusive and modern than ever,” said Lauren Gumbiner, Associate Marketing Director – Jell-O and Kraft Heinz.
The Growing Demand for Plant-Based Desserts
Demand for plant-based desserts is on the rise for many reasons. Milk is one of the most common food allergies in American kids. Over 30% of the United States population is lactose intolerant. Plant-based products are also considered to be more ethical and compassionate than dairy products. Even regular dairy users buy plant-based products from time to time. Varied reports estimate the current value of the vegan dessert market is around $2.7 billion, with the potential to surpass $8.7 billion by 2032.
Jell-O’s Eco-Friendly Goals
Kraft Heinz has recently taken significant steps toward its “sustainability and health-forward innovation” goals. The company aims to create foods that are better for you and made with sustainable ingredients. Their new, plant-based chocolate pudding is one positive step in that direction.
Where to Buy Jell-O’s New Pudding
Associate Marketing Director Gumbiner reminds us, “Jell-O has always brought joy through delicious, nostalgic treats – and now, we’re bringing that same spirit to the plant-based aisle.” Four-packs of Jell-O’s dairy-free, plant-based chocolate pudding will hit store shelves at major retailers soon with a $3.99 price tag.
The FARM Buzz
