Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues like intestinal damage, malabsorption, and inflammation. That’s why it’s important for people with gluten-related disorders to avoid gluten in their diets by being aware of which foods contain it.
One popular baking mix product that gets questioned a lot in terms of its gluten content is Krusteaz cornbread mix. Krusteaz is a major manufacturer of baking mixes sold in grocery stores across the United States. Their cornbread mix is a beloved product that promises moist, sweet cornbread with a crisp, golden crust. But can people who avoid gluten enjoy Krusteaz cornbread mix safely? Let’s take a detailed look at the answer.
Does Krusteaz Cornbread Mix Contain Gluten?
The straightforward answer is **no, Krusteaz cornbread mix does not contain gluten.**
According to the ingredient list printed on the box, the mix is made up of enriched bleached wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), whole grain yellow cornmeal, sugar, leavening (baking soda, sodium aluminum phosphate, monocalcium phosphate), salt, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, sweet dairy whey, distilled monoglycerides, soy lecithin, wheat starch, and caramel color.
The key ingredients to pay attention to are the enriched bleached wheat flour and wheat starch. Despite having “wheat” in the names, these ingredients are **gluten-free** in the case of Krusteaz cornbread mix.
Why the Wheat Ingredients are Gluten-Free
Krusteaz specifically uses **purified wheat starch** to make their cornbread gluten-free. Purified wheat starch is wheat that has been processed to remove the gluten protein while retaining starch molecules.
This allows the wheat flour and wheat starch to impart texture, binding, and lightness like regular wheat ingredients, without theproblematic gluten peptides. Through purification processes, the finished wheat starch contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the standards for gluten-free certification in the United States and Canada.
So while the enriched wheat flour and wheat starch originally came from wheat, a gluten grain, they have been modified and purified into gluten-free form before being added to Krusteaz cornbread mix.
Other Factors Supporting the Gluten-Free Status
In addition to the purified non-gluten wheat ingredients, several other factors confirm Krusteaz cornbread mix is gluten-free:
1. The Gluten-Free Certification
Krusteaz cornbread mix carries the official gluten-free certification from the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIF), an independent organization that tests and certifies products as gluten-free. The GIF symbol on the packaging indicates the mix has been rigorously tested and confirmed to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
2. The “Gluten-Free” Label
The Krusteaz cornbread mix packaging clearly states “Gluten Free” in multiple spots. This voluntary “gluten-free” claim is regulated by the FDA and means the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
3. The Company’s Stance
Krusteaz unambiguously states that their cornbread mix is gluten-free on their website:
“Yes, our Cornbread mix is gluten-free. We use purified wheat starch that has been processed to remove the protein that causes issues for those sensitive to gluten.”
So considering the purified non-gluten ingredients, third-party certification, explicit packaging labels, and company statements, Krusteaz cornbread mix can be considered definitively gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risk
While the mix itself is gluten-free, people with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should be aware of potential cross-contamination risk.
There is a chance the gluten-free cornbread mix could come into contact with sources of gluten through:
– Shared manufacturing equipment: If equipment is used to mill regular wheat flour and then used for the gluten-free mix without thorough cleaning in between, traces of gluten could get into the mix.
– Shared facility: There could be airborne flour particles in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products.
– Shared ingredients: If gluten-containing and gluten-free ingredients are handled together, inadvertent cross-contact could occur.
However, Krusteaz states they follow all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for gluten-free food production. This includes using separate facilities and equipment exclusively for gluten-free production whenever possible to reduce cross-contamination risks.
Those who are extremely sensitive should reach out to Krusteaz directly to ask about their protocols and policies for preventing contamination during manufacturing.
Making Sure Your Prep Tools Are Gluten-Free
When baking Krusteaz cornbread at home, make sure to thoroughly clean prep tools and cookware to avoid cross-contamination too. Wash bowls, utensils, baking pans and surfaces well before preparing the gluten-free cornbread, and avoid simultaneous use of floured tools that contacted wheat flour beforehand. Using fresh ingredients and clean tools will help keep the cornbread gluten-free from box to bite.
Ingredients
To recap, here are the gluten-free ingredients in Krusteaz cornbread mix:
– Enriched bleached wheat flour (gluten removed)
– Whole grain yellow cornmeal
– Sugar
– Baking soda
– Sodium aluminum phosphate
– Monocalcium phosphate
– Salt
– Partially hydrogenated soybean oil
– Sweet dairy whey
– Distilled monoglycerides
– Soy lecithin
– Wheat starch (gluten removed)
– Caramel color
As long as you stick to the packaged mix without adding any sources of gluten, like wheat flour, the resulting cornbread should be gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten. Double check any additions like shredded cheese, vegetables, or seasoning blends to ensure they are also free of gluten.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 ounce (28g) dry serving of Krusteaz cornbread mix according to the package:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Potassium | 36mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Added Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Calcium | 116mg |
| Iron | 1.4mg |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg |
The mix is low in fat, sodium, and sugar. It provides a good amount of calcium and iron. Make sure to check the nutrition facts on the package, as formulations can change.
Cost
Krusteaz cornbread mix is competitively priced with other baking mixes. Here are some average prices:
– 15.5 ounce box: $2.49
– 32 ounce bag: $3.99
– 5 lb bag: $8.99
The larger quantity bags offer the best value per ounce. You can often find coupons for Krusteaz products online or in newspaper circulars for additional savings. Store brands that offer gluten-free cornbread mixes are typically a few dollars cheaper.
Where to Buy
Krusteaz cornbread mix can be purchased at most major grocery stores in the baking aisle. Some locations to find it include:
– Walmart
– Kroger
– Safeway
– Publix
– Target
– Stop & Shop
– ShopRite
The mix is sold nationally, so check your local supermarket. Krusteaz products are also available online from retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com, and more.
How to Prepare
Making cornbread from the Krusteaz gluten-free mix is simple. Here are the basic steps:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1⁄3 cups Krusteaz cornbread mix and 1⁄2 cup milk. Stir until just blended.
3. For added texture you can also stir in 1⁄2 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels, 1⁄4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and/or 1⁄4 cup diced jalapenos if desired.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned and center is set.
6. Let cornbread cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving warm.
The mix makes an easy, moist cornbread with a hint of sweetness. Prepare it plain or customize with extra ingredients like cheese, herbs, or veggies as desired.
Gluten-Free Substitutions
The Krusteaz mix already contains the necessary gluten-free ingredients to create cornbread. But if you want to make gluten-free cornbread completely from scratch, here are some ingredient substitutions:
– Instead of wheat flour, use a gluten-free flour blend made with rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, etc. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Flour is a good option.
– Use fine yellow cornmeal for texture and grainy corn flavor. Choose a certified gluten-free brand.
– Baking powder and xanthan gum help with leavening and structure.
– Milk, butter, eggs, sugar, salt and oil are naturally gluten-free. Opt for dairy-free milk or vegan butter if needed.
Getting the ratios of alternative gluten-free flours and binding agents right can take trial and error. Using a small amount of Krusteaz mix combined with your own gluten-free flour blend helps ensure the cornbread has a good rise and texture.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Krusteaz gluten-free cornbread mix:
Does it taste different from regular cornbread?
Krusteaz gluten-free cornbread tastes quite similar to traditional cornbread. It has a tender, moist yet crumbly texture and sweet, corn-forward flavor. The mix uses non-gluten wheat ingredients to closely mimic the qualities of wheat flour. Most people find it just as enjoyable as regular cornbread, especially with some butter!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of the mix?
No, do not substitute whole wheat flour in place of the Krusteaz mix. Whole wheat contains gluten, which would make the cornbread unsafe for anyone avoiding gluten. Stick to the certified gluten-free cornbread mix, or use an all-purpose gluten-free flour alternative.
What is the shelf-life of the mix?
Unopened packages of Krusteaz cornbread mix have a 1-year shelf life from the date of production printed on the packaging. Once opened, the mixes typically last 4-6 months in the pantry before quality starts to decline. Look for an expiration or best by date on the package to determine freshness.
Can I use milk alternatives like almond or coconut milk?
Yes, the cornbread mix works well with dairy-free milk substitutes like almond, coconut, soy, oat, rice or cashew milk. Just use the same amount called for of your preferred milk alternative. Shake or stir the milk before measuring to incorporate since dairy-free milks can separate.
Conclusion
Krusteaz cornbread mix provides a reliable gluten-free option for people who need to avoid gluten but don’t want to miss out on baked corn goodness. The purified wheat ingredients, certification labels, and explicit gluten-free claims give assurance that the product is safe for gluten-free diets when prepared carefully. Mix up a batch for your next BBQ or chili night to enjoy tasty cornbread minus the gluten! Look for Krusteaz cornbread with the gluten-free logo in the baking aisle at your grocery store.
