Welcome to our latest blog post about the best milk substitutes for instant pudding! If you’re a fan of this sweet dessert but are looking to switch up your recipe due to personal preferences or dietary restrictions, you’ve come to the right place.
What is Instant Pudding?
Instant pudding is a type of dessert mix that typically comes in a box. It’s a pudding mix that you can find at your local grocery store. Jell-O pudding, or Jello pudding, is one of the most popular brands of instant pudding mixes. Jello Instant Pudding offers a variety of pudding flavors. Including chocolate, fruit-flavored puddings, and more.
One of the key ingredients in instant mix pudding recipes is milk. This primary ingredient is crucial in creating a rich texture, and providing the necessary moisture for a delicious pudding. Regular milk and heavy cream are often used in traditional pudding recipes, but what if you’re looking for a great alternative or need a dairy-free option?
Suggested Post: Can You Freeze Oat Milk?
That’s where the best milk substitutes come in! Using a little bit of creativity and experimentation, you can achieve a delicious pudding with different types of milk substitutes, like plant milks or coconut base milks. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best milk substitutes for instant pudding, including dairy-free vanilla pudding.
So whether you’re looking to create a rich and creamy chocolate pudding or a refreshing fruit pudding, we’ve got you covered! We will also show you the best way to make a delicious pudding with milk substitutes. Let’s dive in and discover the best milk substitutes for your next delicious dessert and instant pudding creation!
Why Use a Milk Substitute When Making Instant Pudding?
While cow’s milk is traditionally the key ingredient in many pudding recipes, there are several reasons why someone might choose to use a milk alternative or non-dairy milk substitute instead.
For individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, using dairy products in pudding recipes can cause discomfort or even serious health problems. Additionally, some people may choose to follow a plant-based diet and avoid animal products altogether. In these cases, plant-based milks are a good choice for making instant pudding.
When it comes to achieving the best results and a creamy texture in pudding recipes, it’s important to choose a milk substitute that has a higher fat content. Whole milk is often used for this reason, but there are several non-dairy milk substitutes that can achieve a similar result and a thicker pudding. For example, coconut milk or cashew milk. Coffee creamer is also and excellent choice to use as a milk alternative, as it is often made with a higher fat content. It can also add a rich flavor to the pudding.
Jell-O Instant Pudding and Jell-O Cook and Serve Pudding both use corn starch as a thickener. That means that the amount of liquid used in the recipe can be adjusted based on personal preferences for a thicker or thinner pudding. This also means that milk alternatives can be used in the same equal amount as cow’s milk, allowing for experimentation with different flavors and ingredients.
The Best Substitutes for Milk In Pudding
There are a variety of milk substitutes that can be used to make instant pudding, depending on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some of the best substitutes to consider:
Coconut milk
Coconut milk is a great option for making creamy and rich pudding, especially if you’re looking for a milk alternative with a nutty flavor. Coconut milk can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cow’s milk in instant pudding recipes.
Soy milk
Soy milk is a popular milk substitute and can be used to make instant pudding. It has a similar consistency to cow’s milk and can provide a thicker texture to your pudding. Unsweetened soy milk is a good substitute for regular milk in instant pudding recipes.
Suggested Post: The Best Substitutes for Greek Yogurt
Cashew milk
Cashew milk is a delicious milk alternative that can be used in instant pudding recipes. It has a richer flavor than other milk alternatives and can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cow’s milk in pudding recipes.
Rice milk
Rice milk is a thin and watery milk substitute, but it can still be used to make instant pudding. It may not provide the same thickness and creaminess as other milk substitutes, but it’s a good option for those who are allergic to nuts and soy.
Oat milk
Oat milk is a good substitute for cow’s milk in instant pudding recipes. It has a slightly sweet flavor and can add a creamy texture to your pudding. Oat milk can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cow’s milk in pudding recipes. Did you know you can freeze oat milk? Read more about that here!
Powdered milk
Powdered milk is an excellent substitute for cow’s milk in instant pudding recipes. It can be reconstituted with water to create a similar consistency to regular milk, and it can also be used as a thickening agent for your pudding.
Arrowroot powder
Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in instant pudding recipes, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch. It can provide a similar consistency to cornstarch and can be used as a 1:1 substitute.
Hemp milk
Hemp milk is a milk alternative that is rich in healthy fats and fatty acids. It can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in instant pudding recipes and can provide a nutty flavor.
Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened almond milk is a great substitute for cow’s milk in instant pudding recipes. It has a similar consistency to cow’s milk and can be used as a 1:1 substitute. Did you know that you can also freeze Almond Milk to extend its shelf life? Read more about that here!
Fruit juice
Fruit juice can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in fruit-flavored instant pudding recipes. It can provide a fruity flavor to your pudding and can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cow’s milk.
Heavy whipping cream
Heavy whipping cream is not a milk alternative, but it can be used in instant pudding recipes to create a richer and creamier pudding. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for regular milk in pudding recipes that call for heavy cream.
How to Make Instant Pudding With A Milk Substitute
Making instant pudding with a milk substitute is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine one box of instant pudding mix with 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder (if using), and any additional add-ins like 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, if desired.
- Add the desired amount of milk substitute, usually about 2 cups, to a medium saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the milk substitute from scorching.
- When the milk substitute begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.
- Slowly pour the pudding mixture into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Pour the pudding into serving dishes and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Note that the amount of milk substitute used may need to be adjusted based on personal preferences or the thickness of the milk substitute. Additionally, if using a thicker milk substitute like coconut milk, the pudding may need to be cooked over high heat to ensure a thicker consistency.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
