Gluten-free baking has become increasingly popular in recent years, both for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and those simply looking to cut back on gluten in their diets. This rise in demand has led many food companies, including baking mix powerhouse Betty Crocker, to expand their offerings to include gluten-free options. But with so many new gluten-free products hitting store shelves, it can be hard to keep track of what’s still available. So does Betty Crocker still make gluten-free cake mixes that you can pick up at your local grocery store? Let’s take a closer look.
The Growth of the Gluten-Free Market
While a gluten-free diet was once considered niche, it has now firmly entered the mainstream. [1] According to one report, the global gluten-free food market is projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2027, nearly doubling from 2020 numbers. [2] Gluten-free baking products specifically are expected to be the fastest-growing segment within the industry. [3]
Several factors account for this rapid expansion. An increased awareness of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity has prompted many consumers to cut back or eliminate gluten from their diets. There is also a popular perception that gluten-free eating is healthier, even for those without an intolerance. And the quality and variety of gluten-free products available has risen substantially, making the diet easier to follow.
Major food brands have responded to the swelling consumer demand by releasing gluten-free versions of their most popular items. Betty Crocker joined this trend several years ago. [4] Let’s look at their current gluten-free cake mix offerings.
Betty Crocker’s History with Gluten-Free Baking Mixes
Betty Crocker, owned by General Mills, first launched gluten-free baking mixes in 2010-2011. [4] The initial lineup included gluten-free varieties of popular mixes like brownies, cookies, muffins, and cake. Betty Crocker was in fact one of the first major baking brands to offer gluten-free mixes on a national scale. [5]
At the time, there were very few gluten-free packaged baking mixes available from mainstream brands. So Betty Crocker’s gluten-free introduction gained significant attention and filled an important niche. The products were carried in mainstream supermarkets and grocery stores, increasing the accessibility and convenience of gluten-free baking for home cooks.
Since this successful debut, Betty Crocker has continued to expand and update their gluten-free mixes over the past decade. Let’s take a look at where gluten-free cake mixes currently stand in their product lineup.
Current Availability of Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Cake Mixes
If you browse the baking mix section of your grocery store, you’ll find that Betty Crocker still produces several varieties of gluten-free cake mixes:
- Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix
- Gluten Free Devil’s Food Cake Mix
- Gluten Free Strawberry Cake Mix
- Gluten Free Vanilla Cake Mix
- Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix
These mixes allow gluten-free bakers to whip up classic cake flavors like yellow cake, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
Betty Crocker has also released specialty gluten-free flavors over the years, including triple chocolate, lemon burst, and red velvet cake mixes. While availability of these limited edition flavors varies, the core five gluten-free varieties can be found at most major retailers that stock Betty Crocker baking mixes.
So if you’re looking to bake a birthday cake, layers for a decadent gluten-free chocolate cake, or even just quick mug cakes, Betty Crocker still has you covered with gluten-free mixes.
Gluten-Free Baking with Betty Crocker Cake Mixes
Working with gluten-free baking mixes does require some adjustments from regular baking. Here are some tips for success with Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mixes:
- Always follow package instructions closely, as ingredients and ratios may differ from conventional mixes.
- Check the expiration date, as gluten-free mixes have a shorter shelf life.
- Pay attention to the serving size – gluten-free cakes may serve fewer than non-gluten-free.
- Avoid mixing with aluminum pans or utensils.
- Allow a bit more time for gluten-free cakes to fully cook and cool.
- Test doneness by inserting a toothpick.
- Fold in eggs gently to avoid denseness.
- If frosting, let layers cool completely first.
While Betty Crocker provides basic instructions, you may need to adapt your usual techniques like creaming butter and sugar to get the right consistency with gluten-free cake batters. Taking a bit more care ensures your finished cake turns out light, fluffy, and delicious.
Nutritional Profile of Betty Crocker’s Gluten-Free Cake Mixes
Eliminating gluten also impacts the nutritional profile of baking mixes. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition found in a typical Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mix:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1/4 cup dry mix (28g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Potassium | 55mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| – Total Sugars | 12g |
| – Added Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 1g |
[6]
Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mixes, like many packaged baking mixes, are high in added sugars. But they contain minimal fat and protein.
Paying attention to serving sizes is important, as the calorie and carbohydrate count can add up when baking a whole cake versus just enjoying a small serving. Those following gluten-free diets for health reasons should be mindful of overall sugar and portion size when baking with these mixes.
Price of Betty Crocker’s Gluten-Free Cake Mixes
Specialty gluten-free baking mixes tend to come with a higher price tag than conventional alternatives. Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mixes typically retail for $4.49 to $4.99 for a 15.25oz box. [7]
By comparison, regular Betty Crocker cake mixes range from $1.99 to $3.29 per box. [8] So while the gluten-free mixes are more accessible than many smaller specialty brands, they still cost at least $2 more per box than traditional mixes.
When you break down the per serving cost, this works out to around $0.45 per serving for gluten-free cake mix compared to $0.20 per serving of conventional mixes.
The increased cost reflects the additional processing and special ingredients required to formulate gluten-free baking mixes. For those managing food budgets or baking frequently, the price of Betty Crocker’s gluten-free mixes may be prohibitive. But many gluten-free bakers feel the extra cost is worthwhile for the convenience, reliability, and peace of mind of using a well-known brand.
Where to Buy Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Cake Mixes
The good news is that Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mixes are widely available at most major supermarkets and grocery chains across the United States. Here are some of the best places to find them:
- Walmart – Carried in-store and online
- Target – Usually in stock at grocery sections
- Kroger – Carried at Kroger, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, and other store banners
- Publix – Consistently in stock
- Albertsons – Found at most locations
- Safeway – Carried at associated chains like Vons too
- Amazon – Available via Prime and subscription orders
- Instacart – Can delivery from local grocery stores
The mixes are produced in high volume and distributed widely across the country. So you should have multiple options for picking up Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mixes conveniently.
Compared to smaller gluten-free brands, Betty Crocker provides more certainty that you’ll be able to find a box or two when baking needs suddenly arise. Keep an eye out for coupons and sales as well to help offset the higher cost.
Reviews of Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Cake Mixes
Since Betty Crocker has been producing gluten-free cake mixes for over a decade, there are plenty of reviews available online assessing the taste, quality, and ease of use of the mixes.
Here is an overview of the feedback on their gluten-free cake mixes:
Positive reviews mention:
- Cakes have a tasty, appealing texture
- Flavors like chocolate and vanilla taste rich
- Easy to substitute into familiar recipes
- Light and fluffy crumb when baked right
- Kids enjoy the birthday cake-style flavors
- Cakes hold up well to frosting and decorating
Negative critiques say:
- Dense or gummy texture when instructions aren’t followed closely
- Not as consistent rise compared to non-gluten-free
- Sweetness overpowers chocolate flavor
- Short shelf life once opened
- Smaller serving sizes than expected
Many reviewers mention a learning curve to achieve the proper texture, especially adjusting moisture and leavening when substituting into existing recipes. But overall, Betty Crocker gluten-free cake mixes earn above-average marks for ease of use and end results compared to alternatives.
Gluten-Free Cake Mix Alternatives to Betty Crocker
While Betty Crocker offers wide availability, some gluten-free bakers prefer alternatives from specialty brands perceived as more natural and higher quality. Here are a few top options:
Pamela’s Products – Well-respected for their gluten-free mixes, they offer cake mixes in vanilla, chocolate, and lemon.
King Arthur – This popular brand for gluten-free flours also makes excellent cake mixes.
Glutino – Chocolate and yellow gluten-free cake mixes from this gluten-free innovator.
Kinnikinnick – Boasts mix flavors like chocolate cherry and carrot.
Cup4Cup – A multi-purpose flour blend by Chef Thomas Keller that works beautifully in cake mixes.
Trying mixes from specialty brands provides more unique flavor options and quality ingredients. Yet availability and cost may be barriers for some.
Does Betty Crocker Still Make Gluten-Free Cake Mixes? The Bottom Line
Gluten-free baking has come a long way, and Betty Crocker has stayed on top of consumer demand for gluten-free cake mixes since their initial offerings over 10 years ago. Their core lineup still includes gluten-free mixes for yellow, chocolate, vanilla, devil’s food, and strawberry cakes.
While specialty brands offer more variety and custom recipes, Betty Crocker provides convenient access to gluten-free mixes at mainstream grocers for an affordable price. Their recipes have been tested thoroughly to create decent results in gluten-free baking, which can have a steep learning curve.
For gluten-free consumers seeking the comfort of childhood favorites like birthday cake, or who want to be able to conveniently grab cake mix while shopping, Betty Crocker delivers. Their gluten-free mixes may not meet the standards of artisan bakers, but provide a dependable option for the average gluten-free household.
So for those wondering if it’s still possible to make a gluten-free cake with trusted ol’ Betty Crocker – the answer is absolutely yes. With some care and know-how, you can whip up gluten-free cakes the whole family will love using Betty’s time-tested mixes.
References
[1] NPD Group. “The Future of Eating: Who’s Eating Gluten-Free, and Why?” https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/news/press-releases/2020/the-future-of-eating-whos-eating-gluten-free-and-why/
[2] Fortune Business Insights. “Gluten-free Food Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Bakery Products, Snacks, Convenience Food, and Others), Distribution Channel (Grocery Stores, Mass Merchandisers, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020 – 2027.” https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/gluten-free-food-market-101673
[3] PR Newswire. “Gluten-Free Products Market Size Worth $7.5 Billion By 2027 | CAGR: 9.6%: Grand View Research, Inc.” https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gluten-free-products-market-size-worth-7-5-billion-by-2027–cagr-9-6-grand-view-research-inc-301220925.html
[4] Betty Crocker. “Our History of Innovation.” https://www.bettycrocker.com/our-history
[5] General Mills. “Making Bake Possible: Betty Crocker introduces new gluten-free dessert mixes.” https://www.generalmills.com/en/News/NewsReleases/Library/2011/February/betty-crocker-gluten-free-dessert-mixes
[6] Betty Crocker. “Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix.” https://www.bettycrocker.com/products/baking-mixes/gluten-free-baking-mixes/gluten-free-yellow-cake-mix
[7] Instacart. https://www.instacart.com
[8] Walmart. https://www.walmart.com
