1. Preparing instant pudding normally often has the consistency of a thick mixture. Therefore, according to most poskim, it would not be allowed on Shabbat in most cases. The same applies to preparing jello. Even in cases of need, it would be permitted only with the required shinuim, as discussed previously. According to some Sephardic poskim, making jello normally is permitted, as the initial mixture is liquid and it only becomes thick after a few minutes. Even when it solidifies in the refrigerator, it is similar to making ice on Shabbat, which, according to this opinion, is also permitted (Chazon Ovadia).

2. Some poskim permit preparing instant pudding or jello on Shabbat if one pours in a significant amount of liquid, which would then qualify it as a thin mixture. Accordingly, it is permitted if one employs a shinui in the order of pouring and the manner of mixing, as discussed previously (Igrot Moshe, O.C. 4:74 Losh; R. Yosef Zvi Rimon, Shabbat vol. 2). As mentioned, some allow it with only a shinui in the mixing. Other poskim hold that one may not prepare instant pudding or jello even as a thin mixture, since instant powders easily coalesce with liquid to form a unified solid (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 8:30, based on Shulchan Aruch 340:12).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.