The top instant pudding mix should be creamy, comforting, and perfectly sweet. It needs a smooth, velvety texture that melts in your mouth and a flavor that tastes homemade—or if it doesn’t, as long as it’s undeniably delicious, that’s fine too. Sometimes the best pudding mix tastes like it comes from a box, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re zonked out on pain medication after a dental procedure, craving something soft, nostalgic, and effortless.

Typically, the phrase “hospital food” doesn’t inspire confidence, but instant pudding is an exception. It’s the chicken noodle soup of desserts—a true comfort for anyone recovering from illness.

For these taste tests, we approached things a little differently. In the video, Link Neal tried all the instant Jell-O pudding mixes on camera alongside Jordan Myrick. (I sampled them all off-camera as well.) I also tried every other instant pudding mix I could find at major grocery stores. In addition to classic favorites like the best chocolate and vanilla puddings, I looked for the best banana pudding, the ideal pudding mix for homemade desserts, and the best sugar-free option.

From these tests, I learned a few things. First, Link and I have remarkably similar taste preferences (except for pistachio pudding), which I consider a badge of honor. Second, Jell-O pudding mixes are truly exceptional—they dominate this ranking because the other brands fell a bit short. Here are the seven best instant pudding mixes you can find at the grocery store, ranked.

WonderSlim Protein Pudding Mix Variety Pack – Best High-Protein

If you aren’t following a high-protein or keto-friendly diet, you don’t need this. I had a muscle-focused coworker try it, and we agreed it’s a solid option for high-protein pudding. Every flavor is very palatable. The pack includes five flavors: lemon, toffee, dark chocolate, chocolate chip with marshmallows, and banana. My favorite is toffee—it’s rich and buttery, which balances its mild sweetness. Mix with water instead of milk, and the consistency remains creamy. It’s not the tastiest instant pudding, though, so if your diet allows regular pudding, keep reading.

Rating: 6.5/10

Jell-O Sugar-Free Vanilla Instant Pudding – Best Sugar-Free

In our taste test, there was debate over whether chocolate or vanilla was the best sugar-free flavor. Chocolate has a less artificial finish, while vanilla tastes smoother and more natural. Ultimately, the best sugar-free pudding experience is enjoying both chocolate and vanilla together.

Rating: 7/10

Great Value Banana Cream Pudding – Best Banana Pudding

Banana flavor can be divisive—this one tastes like sweet, lightly tangy banana candy with a creamy finish. It’s similar to Jell-O but less artificial and more affordable. Homemade banana pudding remains the gold standard, but this satisfies a quick banana pudding craving.

Rating: 7/10

Jell-O Lemon Instant Pudding – Best for Recipes

Lemon Jell-O instant pudding has a custard-like texture with tiny air bubbles on top. It works best as a recipe ingredient, not for eating by itself. The flavor is balanced—not too sweet, sour, or tart—making it perfect for lemon pastries and pies.

Rating: 8/10

Jell-O Pistachio Instant Pudding – Best Pistachio Pudding

Neither Link nor Jordan were fans at first glance, but this pudding contains real pistachio pieces. The bright green mix may look artificial, but the flavor is fresh, nutty, and comforting. It also has subtle cherry notes thanks to the nut ingredients.

Rating: 8/10

Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding – Best Vanilla Pudding

Link chose vanilla as the best flavor over chocolate, and I agree. Jell-O vanilla pudding is complex, with a distinctive vanilla wafer flavor, bright, smooth, and perfectly sweet. It’s arguably the best instant vanilla pudding available and one of the best instant puddings overall.

Rating: 10/10

Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding – Best of the Best

Jell-O chocolate pudding is incredibly smooth, creamy, and melts in your mouth. It has the ideal milk-to-cocoa ratio, making it the best chocolate pudding we tested. The flavor is rich and satisfying, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Rating: 10/10

Other instant puddings tested: Jell-O Oreo Cookies & Creme, Butterscotch, French Vanilla, Kroger Chocolate, Osem Vanilla, Simply Delish Chocolate, Simply Delish Vanilla, Great Value Vanilla, Great Value Chocolate, Great Value Pistachio.