In 1845, Peter Cooper introduced and patented a pre-packaged form of gelatin, under the brand name JELL-O. Beginning in 1936, JELL-O offered consumers a chocolate-flavored pudding that doubles as a standalone desert, or a less time consuming alternative for pie filling. JELL-O Cook & Serve Pudding flavors include chocolate, vanilla, lemon, butterscotch, chocolate fudge, coconut and banana cream. Before preparing your favorite JELL-O Cook & Serve Pudding product, it is important to check and interpret the expiration date printed on the box.

Hold the JELL-O Cook & Serve Pudding container box with the large front label facing up.

Examine the left side opening of the box. Locate the series of numbers and letters printed under “Best When Used By” print.

Determine the expiration date by examining the first three blocks of numbers and letters. The two-digit block represents the calendar day, while the next three-letter block designates the month. The third block of four digits denotes the expiration year.