Do I need to refrigerate the Jel and Pudding to set?
No they both set outside the fridge – The jel will set in 60mins and the pudding will set in 5 minutes. We do suggest once set to place in the fridge to keep cold and fresh.
Setting times at a glance
| Dessert | Time to set | Fridge needed to set? |
|---|---|---|
| Simply Delish Instant Pudding (incl. Protein Pudding) | About 5 minutes | No. Chill after setting to serve cold and keep fresh |
| Simply Delish Jel Desserts | About 60 minutes | No. Chill after setting to serve cold and keep fresh |
| Traditional instant pudding mixes | About 5 minutes, then chilling to serve cold | Usually chilled to serve, and always refrigerated after |
| Cook-and-serve pudding | Cooked first, then 2 to 3 hours chilling | Yes, to fully set and cool |
| Regular gelatin desserts (jello) | 2 to 4 hours | Yes |
How long is prepared pudding good for in the fridge?
Once pudding is made up with milk, treat it like any dairy dessert: cover it, refrigerate it within 2 hours of mixing, and eat it within 3 to 4 days. The dry, unopened mix is shelf-stable in the pantry until its best-by date.
Pudding setting and storage FAQ
How long does pudding take to set?
It depends on the type. Simply Delish instant puddings, including the protein pudding, set in about 5 minutes after whisking with cold milk, with no fridge needed. Traditional instant pudding takes about 5 minutes plus chilling to serve cold, and cook-and-serve pudding needs cooking followed by 2 to 3 hours in the fridge.
Does pudding need to be refrigerated to set?
Simply Delish pudding and jel both set at room temperature: the pudding in about 5 minutes and the jel in about 60. The fridge is for serving and storage rather than setting. Traditional cook-and-serve puddings and regular gelatin desserts do need refrigeration to set fully.
How long is instant pudding good for in the fridge?
Prepared instant pudding keeps for 3 to 4 days in the fridge in a covered container, the same guideline as other dairy desserts. Refrigerate it within 2 hours of making it. The dry mix itself is shelf-stable and lives happily in the pantry until its best-by date.
How long does jel take to set?
Simply Delish Jel Desserts set in about 60 minutes and do not need the fridge to do it, though chilling after setting keeps them cold and fresh. Regular gelatin-based jello is slower, typically needing 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator to set fully.