Puddings & Custards

Whether sweet or savory, puddings are typically made as a treat. Because puddings are often high in saturated fat and - in the case of dessert puddings – sugar, they should only be enjoyed in moderation. Refer to the calorie calculator for your favorite puddings to determine the calories and nutritional value.

Carbohydrate Content

Many puddings are high in carbohydrate content which is a major contributing factor in the number of calories the pudding contains. Dairy-based puddings have a similar nutritional profile to milk which is surprisingly high in carbs. For example, a ½-cup serving of chocolate pudding contains about 4.5 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of protein, and 28 grams carbs. Savory puddings and bread puddings are likely to be even higher in carbs. One serving of old-fashioned bread pudding has about 44 grams of carbohydrate.

Sugar Content

Dessert puddings are meant to be sweet which means that they often have a high sugar content. Eating sugary foods in moderation is unlikely to have a negative impact on your health but, if high-sugar foods like puddings, are a regular part of your diet then it could affect you. In addition to the potential for weight gain, eating too many sugary foods may impact your blood sugar levels and put you at risk for developing diabetes and other chronic conditions.

Not all puddings are created equal. While many are high in sugar and saturated fat, other puddings contain vitamins and minerals and provide decent nutritional value in general. Refer to the calorie counter for your favorite puddings to determine the calories and nutritional value.

Protein Content

Many puddings contain a decent amount of protein, especially if they are dairy-based puddings. Puddings made with milk contain anywhere from 2.5 to 4 grams of protein per serving which may not seem significant, but it is pretty good for a dessert. Some savory puddings like steak and kidney pudding are actually quite high in protein. It all depends on the ingredients used to make the pudding.

Nutritional Value

Dairy-based pudding have a similar nutrient profile to milk which means that they contain valuable amounts of certain minerals like calcium and various B vitamins. Desserts made with grains – such as rice pudding and corn pudding – may be a good source of fiber as well. Savory puddings, on the other hand, tend to be made with saturated fat which can be detrimental to your health if you consume too much. The rule to follow with puddings, then, is to enjoy them in moderation.