Pudding can be made with or without dairy, depending on the recipe. Traditional pudding recipes often call for milk or cream, making them not dairy-free. However, many dairy-free alternatives are available, such as using almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of cow’s milk. When looking for a dairy-free pudding, check the ingredients list on pre-made puddings or find a recipe specifically designed to be dairy-free.
How to Make Dairy-Free Pudding?
Chocolate pudding is the most famous and tasty pudding in the world. Here is a simple recipe to make dairy-free chocolate pudding.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any other dairy-free milk of your choice)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (you can use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: dairy-free chocolate chips or shaved dairy-free chocolate for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan until well combined.
- Gradually add the almond milk, constantly whisking to ensure there are no lumps. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the saucepan to incorporate all of the dry ingredients.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, continuing to whisk frequently. Be patient, as the mixture may take a few minutes to thicken.
- Once the pudding thickens, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, constantly whisking, for another 2-3 minutes. The pudding should become quite thick and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Transfer the pudding to individual serving dishes or one large bowl. If you’d like to prevent skin from forming on the surface of the pudding, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
- Allow the pudding to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill the pudding for at least 2 hours or until it’s fully set and cold.
- Once chilled, serve the pudding with your choice of garnish, such as dairy-free chocolate chips or shaved chocolate.
Enjoy your dairy-free chocolate pudding!
Best Dairy-Free Puddings
GoGo squeeZ AlmondBlend Pudding
A delicious and smooth pudding made with almond milk, perfect for those seeking a convenient, dairy-free snack.
Happy Tot Organics Oatmilk Pudding
A nutritious and creamy oat milk-based pudding designed for toddlers, offering a wholesome, dairy-free treat.
Simply Delish Instant Strawberry Pudding Mix – Plant-Based
A quick and easy-to-make strawberry pudding mix that uses plant-based milk, suitable for vegans and those avoiding dairy.
Sun Tropics, Pudding Rice Coconut
A rich and creamy coconut milk-based rice pudding with a tropical twist, providing a dairy-free dessert option.
Tips for Buying Dairy-Free Pudding
- Read the ingredients list carefully, looking for dairy products like milk, cream, or whey.
- Check for a “dairy-free” or “lactose-free” label on the packaging.
- Look for plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk in the ingredients.
- Be aware of potential cross-contamination if the product is produced in a facility that also processes dairy.
- Research brands known for offering dairy-free products, as they may be more reliable sources.
Is Jell-O Pudding Dairy-Free?
Jell-O instant pudding mix is vegan because it has no animal-derived ingredients like dairy, honey, or eggs. You must use plant-based ingredients when making pudding to make it 100% vegan.
Does Pudding have Gelatin?
Yes. Many pudding mixes have gelatin. Gelatin thickens the pudding, giving it a fluffy and thick texture. However, there are many vegan pudding mixes available in the market. Please note that many people on a dairy-free diet consume gelatin. Vegans and vegetarians don’t eat gelatin because it is made by boiling animal skin, bones, tendons, and joints.
Is Pudding Vegan?
Many pudding recipe mixes are vegan. They don’t have any non-vegan ingredients like milk, honey, refined sugar, or eggs. However, you must always check the ingredients before buying. Moreover, avoiding non-vegan ingredients when preparing pudding is vital to ensure that your pudding is 100% vegan.
