Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those who follow a gluten free diet, finding tasty gluten free baked goods like muffins can be a challenge. Many mainstream grocery stores have limited selections of gluten free items. This leads many gluten free consumers to seek out specialty health food stores or bakeries to find gluten free muffins and other baked goods. However, one mainstream grocery store that offers a wide array of gluten free options is Trader Joe’s. In this article, we’ll take a look at whether Trader Joe’s carries gluten free muffins.
What is Gluten?
Before diving into the specifics of gluten free muffins at Trader Joe’s, let’s take a moment to understand what gluten actually is. Gluten is a type of protein found in certain grains like wheat, barley, and rye. When flour from these grains is mixed with water, the gluten forms an elastic network that gives baked goods their chewy texture. For most people, eating gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause issues like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and fatigue. The only treatment for celiac disease is adhering to a strict lifelong gluten free diet.
The Rise in Gluten Free Diets
While only around 1% of the population has celiac disease, it’s estimated that 6-7% have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This means there are millions of Americans following gluten free diets. Beyond those with medical needs, many others simply choose to go gluten free in an effort to generally feel healthier or lose weight. This swell in the numbers of gluten free consumers has led to an explosion in the availability of gluten free products in stores over the last couple decades. Major grocery chains and food manufacturers have worked diligently to meet the demand.
Gluten Free Muffins at Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s stands out from other mainstream grocers in the wide range of gluten free items they offer. Their selection goes far beyond just gluten free bread and pasta. TJ’s carries gluten free crackers, cookies, waffles, bagels, cereals, pizza crusts, flour blends and more. This includes gluten free muffins. Let’s take a look at the gluten free muffin options currently available at Trader Joe’s:
Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins
One gluten free muffin variety carried is their Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins. These have a classic muffin taste and texture with a purple blueberry studded batter. The muffins are made with a blend of gluten free flours like rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. They get natural sweetness from pineapple juice concentrate and are flavored with lemon oil. A serving is one muffin containing 150 calories. These come in a pack of two muffins.
Gluten Free Banana Muffins
Another gluten free muffin choice at Trader Joe’s is their Gluten Free Banana Muffins. Banana is a popular muffin flavor, so TJ’s offers a gluten free version. These muffins feature ripe banana puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. They contain 190 calories per one muffin serving. The banana muffins also come in packs of two.
Gluten Free Corn Muffins
For a savory gluten free muffin, shoppers can pick up Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Corn Muffins. These get both sweetness and texture from cornmeal. They have a hearty corn bread taste perfect for enjoying with a meal. The corn muffins contain 150 calories each and packs contain two muffins.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
No muffin lineup would be complete without a pumpkin option. Trader Joe’s carries Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins to satisfy seasonal pumpkin cravings without the gluten. They’re made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves. The pumpkin muffins have 150 calories per muffin and come in packs of two.
| Muffin Variety | Key Ingredients | Calories Per Muffin | Muffins Per Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins | Rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, pineapple juice concentrate, lemon oil | 150 | 2 |
| Gluten Free Banana Muffins | Banana puree, cinnamon, nutmeg | 190 | 2 |
| Gluten Free Corn Muffins | Cornmeal | 150 | 2 |
| Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins | Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves | 150 | 2 |
Availability of Gluten Free Muffins at Trader Joe’s
The availability of Trader Joe’s gluten free muffins can vary by location and season. The blueberry, banana, corn, and pumpkin varieties seem to be regularly stocked. However, other seasonal or specialty flavors may come and go. Around the holidays, shoppers may also find gluten free gingerbread or peppermint chocolate chip muffins on shelves. The best way to check current muffin availability is to contact your local Trader Joe’s store directly. Employees can inform you of their latest gluten free muffin options.
Quality of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Muffins
When it comes to taste and texture, how do Trader Joe’s gluten free muffins stack up? Overall, reviews are quite positive. Most customers agree the muffins are pleasantly moist and tender. The flavors like blueberry, banana, and pumpkin come through nicely without tasting artificial. The corn muffins have an authentic hearty corn bread profile. Due to the use of rice flours, tapioca starch and other natural ingredients, Trader Joe’s muffins don’t have the gritty texture some gluten free baked goods exhibit. For the price point, which is very affordable, the muffins offer good quality.
Benefits of Buying Gluten Free Muffins at Trader Joe’s
There are several advantages to purchasing gluten free muffins from Trader Joe’s over other stores:
Wide variety of flavors
As discussed above, shoppers will find diverse flavor options like blueberry, banana, corn, and pumpkin. Seasonal selections expand the choices even more.
Affordable prices
Pricewise, Trader Joe’s gluten free muffins cost significantly less than most competing grocery stores and health food markets. They’re a budget-friendly option.
Good taste and texture
The muffins get positive marks for having a tasty, moist, and tender crumb – not always easy with gluten free baking.
Convenient packaging
The muffins come in packs of two, perfect for grabbing and going. You don’t have to worry about carrying single loose muffins.
Widely available
With over 500 locations nationwide, Trader Joe’s offers greater accessibility than niche health food stores. Shoppers across much of the U.S. now have a gluten free muffin source.
Trust in the Trader Joe’s brand
Devoted TJ’s shoppers know they can trust the quality and reliability of the store’s products. The gluten free muffins live up to the Trader Joe’s name.
Downsides of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Muffins
The biggest complaints about Trader Joe’s gluten free muffins focus on two areas:
Limited shelf life
Since the muffins contain no artificial preservatives, they tend to mold and go stale faster than pre-packaged muffins from other stores. Muffins should be eaten within 3-5 days for best freshness.
Not nut/allergen-free
Those with nut allergies or other food sensitivities should note the muffins are produced in a facility that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, and wheat. So the muffins are not suitable for people with these allergens.
Nutrition of Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Muffins
Here is the basic nutrition profile of a Trader Joe’s gluten free blueberry muffin:
| Nutrient | Per 1 Muffin (37g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Protein | 2g |
A gluten free muffin from Trader Joe’s contains around 150 calories, which is on par for a standard muffin. It derives most of its calories from carbohydrates. The muffins are low in fat and protein. They provide a modest amount of fiber. The main drawback nutrition-wise is the high sugar content, with 14g per muffin. But this is expected for flavored muffins containing fruit purees or juices. Overall the nutritional profile is reasonable for an occasional treat. The muffins should not be consumed daily, especially by those monitoring sugar intake.
Storing and Freezing Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Muffins
To make Trader Joe’s gluten free muffins last as long as possible:
* Store muffins at room temperature up to 3 days
* To extend shelf life, refrigerate muffins up to 5 days
* Allow refrigerated muffins to come to room temp before eating for best flavor and texture
* Muffins can be frozen up to 2-3 months for longer term storage
* Thaw frozen muffins in the refrigerator overnight before serving
* Split and freeze muffins individually for easier thawing and portion control
* Microwave thawed muffins for 10-15 seconds to restore fresh-baked softness
Proper storage keeps the muffins tasting great and minimizes waste. Freezing lets you stock up on muffins while they’re available.
Other Tips for Buying Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Muffins
Here are some additional pointers for shopping for Trader Joe’s gluten free muffins:
* Inspect muffins closely and avoid ones with mold
* Check expiration dates and choose muffins with the latest dates
* Be flexible – grab whatever gluten free muffin variety is available
* Grab extras to freeze while supplies last
* Ask employee when next muffin delivery is expected
* Inquire about seasonal or special muffins not on shelves
* Look for muffins in the gluten free section or the bakery
* Check for crumbs and juice stains which can indicate dryness or staleness
* Let staff know if your local store stops carrying the muffins
Conclusion
In summary, Trader Joe’s offers a selection of quality gluten free muffins at affordable prices. Fans of the chain looking for muffins to fit a gluten free diet can shop with confidence and convenience at their local TJ’s. Just be aware the muffins have a shorter shelf life and take steps to store them properly. Rotate what you stock in your freezer so you always have tasty gluten free muffins ready to enjoy.
