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 love cornbread but need to avoid gluten, the question arises: does Trader Joe’s offer a gluten free cornbread mix?
Quick Answer
Yes, Trader Joe’s does carry a gluten free cornbread mix. Their brand is called Gluten Free Cornbread Baking Mix. It is made with cornmeal, rice flour, potato starch, and sorghum flour. The mix allows you to bake tasty cornbread that is safe for gluten sensitive diets.
About Gluten and Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps give bread and baked goods their chewy texture. However, some people’s bodies react negatively to gluten. This condition is known as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine. This damages the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the intestine and absorb nutrients. Symptoms of celiac disease can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and anemia. The only treatment is strictly following a 100% gluten free diet.
Gluten sensitivity or intolerance is a milder condition. It causes digestive discomfort when gluten is consumed. Symptoms may include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, brain fog, and fatigue. Going gluten free may help resolve these issues.
Whether due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, more and more people are cutting out gluten for their health and wellbeing. The gluten free market has exploded in recent years to meet consumer demand. Major grocery chains like Trader Joe’s now carry numerous gluten free alternatives to favorite foods like bread, bagels, crackers, pasta, cookies, and more.
The Popularity of Cornbread
Cornbread is a beloved staple in Southern American cooking. It typically consists of cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, and salt. The cornbread is baked to form a golden, crumbly, and slightly crunchy quick bread.
There are many variations on cornbread recipes. Some are sweeter and cake-like, while others have a hearty and savory profile. The bread can be served alongside barbecue, chili, greens, beans, stew, soup, or other dishes. Cornbread stuffing and cornbread salad are also popular ways to enjoy the food.
Given cornbread’s importance in traditional Southern cuisine, many gluten free eaters are reluctant to give it up. Fortunately, with the right gluten free flour blend, you can create cornbread that is just as moist and delicious as the original. Trader Joe’s gluten free cornbread mix makes it easy to whip up gluten free cornbread any time.
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix
Ingredients
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread Baking Mix contains:
– Cornmeal
– Rice flour
– Potato starch
– Sorghum flour
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Xanthan gum
Cornmeal provides the signature coarse corn flavor in cornbread. Rice flour adds structure and binding. Potato starch lightens the texture. Sorghum flour lends protein and nutrition.
Baking powder gives the cornbread rise. Xanthan gum helps with moisture retention and prevents crumbling. The mix is free of wheat, barley, rye, and gluten containing ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix:
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
A 1/3 cup serving (about 1 slice) provides 160 calories, 3g protein, 33g carbs, 2g fiber, 380mg sodium, and minimal fat. The mix offers a gluten free, low fat cornbread option.
How to Use
Making gluten free cornbread with Trader Joe’s mix is simple:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup gluten free cornbread mix, 2/3 cup milk, and 1 large egg.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.
4. Let cool 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm.
The mix can also be used to make gluten free cornbread muffins, sticks, or wedges. Just pour the batter into greased muffin tins or a cast iron skillet instead of a baking pan.
Taste and Texture
Reviewers praise Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix for producing cornbread with a tender, moist crumb and crisp edges. The corn flavor is rich and cornbread-y. The texture resembles traditional cornbread despite the lack of wheat flour.
Some say it’s the best boxed gluten free cornbread mix they’ve found. The bread has adequate structure without crumbling apart. The potato starch helps give it a nice moistness. The sorghum flour adds protein for heartiness.
Most agree the muffins taste best served warm right after baking. They have a soft, cakey interior similar to classic cornbread muffins. Letting them cool makes the texture drier and denser.
Overall, Trader Joe’s gluten free cornbread mix earns rave reviews for its great corn flavor and tender crumb. It’s an easy solution for making homemade cornbread on a gluten free diet.
Comparable Products
There are a few other gluten free cornbread mixes sold at major grocery chains:
Bisquick Gluten Free Cornbread Mix
– Made by Pillsbury
– Rice flour, sorghum flour, cornstarch blend
– 160 calories per serving
– Adds milk, egg, and butter
Betty Crocker Gluten Free Cornbread Mix
– Made by General Mills
– Rice flour, corn flour, potato starch
– 150 calories per serving
– Adds milk, egg, and butter
King Arthur Gluten Free Cornbread Mix
– Sold online and in some stores
– Non-GMO cornmeal, tapioca starch, brown rice flour
– 160 calories per serving
– Adds milk, egg, and oil
These all provide gluten free alternatives to traditional cornbread mix. However, reviews suggest Trader Joe’s mix has the best flavor and texture. The cornmeal gives it an authentic cornbread taste.
Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons for Trader Joe’s gluten free cornbread mix:
Pros
– Gluten free – safe for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity
– Delicious corn flavor
– Light, tender, moist texture
– Easy to make – just add wet ingredients
– Better taste than many gluten free mixes
– Non-GMO ingredients
– Affordable price
Cons
– Only sold at Trader Joe’s, not widely available
– Contains egg – not vegan
– Can dry out if left to cool
– May be crumbly if overbaked
– Difficult to find in some regions
Who Makes It?
Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix is one of the store brand products manufactured specifically for Trader Joe’s. The grocery chain is known for its extensive lineup of organic, gluten free, vegan, and other specialty food items.
Trader Joe’s partners with third-party manufacturers to produce certain grocery products to be sold under the Trader Joe’s name. The exact manufacturer of the gluten free cornbread mix is not disclosed.
However, Trader Joe’s requires all suppliers to meet rigorous quality standards. All foods must be free of artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, and other unwanted additives. This includes their gluten free items.
Where to Buy
The only place to purchase Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix is at Trader Joe’s stores. Trader Joe’s has over 500 locations in 42 states and Washington D.C. You can find your nearest Trader Joe’s by visiting their website and using the store locator tool.
Unfortunately Trader Joe’s does not sell any products online. You need to shop in person to buy their gluten free cornbread mix along with other unique grocery offerings.
The mix is stocked in the baking needs aisle, often near other gluten free flours and baking mixes. Make sure to check expiration dates and pick the freshest package. The mix generally costs between $3.99-$4.99 per box.
If you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s, you may be able to find their gluten free cornbread mix sold on Amazon by independent resellers. However, it will cost more than purchasing direct from the store.
Recipes
Trader Joe’s gluten free cornbread mix can be used to make all kinds of tasty cornbread recipes:
Jalapeno Cornbread
Ingredients:
– 1 box Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread Mix
– 2/3 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
– 1 jalapeno, finely diced
– 2 tbsp melted butter
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In medium bowl, whisk together cornbread mix, milk, egg, cheese, and jalapenos.
2. Pour into greased 8-inch pan. Drizzle melted butter on top.
3. Bake 20-25 minutes until browned. Let cool before slicing.
Cornbread Stuffing
Ingredients:
– 6 cups cubed gluten free cornbread
– 1 chopped onion
– 1 chopped apple
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1 tbsp chopped sage
– 1 tbsp chopped thyme
– 1 melted butter
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, mix cornbread, onion, apple, celery, sage, thyme.
2. Add melted butter and broth. Stir until combined.
3. Transfer to greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake 40 minutes until browned.
Cornbread Waffles
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Cornbread mix
– 2/3 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– Cooking oil spray
Directions:
1. Preheat waffle iron. In bowl, whisk together cornbread mix, milk, egg, and maple syrup.
2. Spray waffle iron with oil. Add batter to make waffles according to machine directions.
3. Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or chili.
Feel free to get creative and add your own twists! Try mixing in corn, bacon, cheese, scallions, or roasted veggies. The possibilities are endless with this versatile gluten free cornbread mix.
Benefits of Gluten Free Cornbread
Here are some key benefits of using a gluten free cornbread mix like Trader Joe’s:
Gluten Free
The top benefit is that it allows people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to enjoy cornbread. The mix contains no wheat, barley, or rye.
Classic Cornbread Taste
Despite the lack of regular wheat flour, this mix produces cornbread with authentic old-fashioned corn flavor.
Moist Texture
The addition of starches like potato starch gives the cornbread a light and tender crumb. It avoids being too gritty or dry.
Simple Preparation
You don’t need 10 ingredients to make gluten free cornbread from scratch. This mix allows you to whip it up with just milk and an egg.
Satisfies Southern Food Cravings
Cornbread is a staple of traditional Southern cuisine. This mix lets you enjoy it on a gluten free diet.
Versatile
The cornbread can be used in all kinds of dishes, from stuffing to cornbread salad. It’s not just limited to eating as slices.
Affordable
At just $4 per box, Trader Joe’s gluten free cornbread mix provides value compared to other specialty gluten free products.
Downsides to Consider
However, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
Contains Egg
The mix isn’t vegan, as traditional cornbread recipes use egg as a binder. Vegans would need an egg substitute.
Not Organic
Trader Joe’s gluten free cornbread mix includes non-organic, conventional cornmeal and other ingredients.
Can Dry Out
For best texture, the cornbread should be eaten warm on the day it’s baked. Storing leftovers may cause them to dry out.
Limited Availability
You can only purchase the mix at Trader Joe’s stores, which aren’t located everywhere.
Contains Gum Additive
The xanthan gum provides binding, but some people prefer to avoid this additive.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s offers a high quality gluten free cornbread baking mix that makes it simple to bake moist, delicious cornbread at home. It’s ideal for those on a gluten free diet who still want to enjoy classic cornbread flavor.
The mix earns rave reviews for its taste and ease of use. Just add wet ingredients like milk and egg, then bake and serve. Cornbread fans say it’s one of the best gluten free cornbread mixes on the market.
Be sure to try out Trader Joe’s gluten free cornbread mix in your own kitchen if you need a tasty gluten free cornbread option! Have fun cooking up different cornbread recipes, from jalapeno cornbread muffins to cornbread waffles.
