Sweets

Gelatin desserts, dry mix

FDC 168775package (3 oz) (85 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 5 · -4 vs Sweets median

Dry gelatin dessert mix scores 5 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low-band placement at rank 49 of 60 in Sweets, with its only real credential being a 16% DV showing of protein per serving, courtesy of the gelatin itself before any water or fruit is added.

The powder is dissolved in hot water and chilled to set into the wobbly, fruit-flavored dessert familiar from lunchboxes and buffet lines, with a standard package making several servings. As a dry mix it runs high in both sodium (466 mg per 100 g) and sugars (86 g per 100 g), figures that dilute once water is added but are worth noting on the label; marmalade, orange is a listed alternative that scores higher in the same category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gelatin desserts, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 7.8 g · 8%Carb 90.5 g · 92%Fat 0 g · 0%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories381 kcal19%
Total fat0 g0%
Saturated fat0 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium466 mg20%
Carbohydrate91 g33%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars86 g
Protein7.8 g16%
Potassium7 mg0%
Calcium3 mg0%
Iron0.13 mg1%
Magnesium2 mg0%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0 mg0%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168775

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein16% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the sweets median

Nutrient density5 vs 9 median
Protein / 100 g7.8 vs 0.8 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g466 vs 41 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Marmalade, orangeDensity 5 vs 5Syrup, CaneDensity 5 vs 5Candies, sweet chocolate coated fondantDensity 6 vs 5

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Flavored gelatin dessert mix is a powder of gelatin, sugar, and flavoring that is dissolved in boiling water, stirred together with cold water, and chilled until it sets into a wobbly, jiggly dessert. It is eaten on its own in small cups, layered with whipped topping for a parfait, folded with canned fruit into molded salads, or cut into cubes for party trays and no-bake pie fillings.

Store the dry powder in its box in a cool, dry pantry until you are ready to use it; once prepared and set, keep it covered in the refrigerator, since it can pick up odors from the fridge and will slowly weep liquid over several days. A standard 3-ounce package, about 85 grams, typically sets around two cups of finished dessert once water is added. The dry mix carries 7.8 grams of protein per 100 grams from the gelatin itself, about 16% of the Daily Value, though that figure is far more concentrated than what ends up in a single serving of the diluted, finished dessert.

Frequently asked questions about gelatin desserts

How many calories are in dry gelatin dessert mix?

381 calories per 100 grams of the dry powder before it's dissolved and chilled.

How is gelatin dessert mix prepared?

The powder is dissolved in boiling water, mixed with cold water, then refrigerated until it sets, usually within a few hours.

Does gelatin dessert mix contain protein?

The dry mix has about 7.8 grams of protein per 100 grams from the gelatin, though this is diluted once water is added.

View the USDA source record