Quick Answer
Most Betty Crocker chocolate frosting varieties are gluten free, but some flavors contain wheat flour or malt and are not suitable for a gluten free diet. It’s important to check the ingredient list for each flavor of Betty Crocker chocolate frosting to confirm it does not contain gluten.
Ingredients to Check for Gluten
When reviewing the ingredient list on a Betty Crocker chocolate frosting, there are a few key ingredients to look out for that may indicate the presence of gluten:
- Wheat flour
- Barley malt
- Maltodextrin
- Dextrin
Wheat flour contains gluten, so any chocolate frosting made with wheat flour is not gluten free. Barley also contains gluten, so barley malt is not gluten free. Maltodextrin and dextrin can sometimes be derived from wheat, so it’s best to avoid chocolate frostings containing these ingredients if following a strict gluten free diet.
Gluten Free Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting Flavors
Here are some Betty Crocker chocolate frosting varieties that are labeled gluten free:
- Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Betty Crocker Creamy Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Betty Crocker Double Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Betty Crocker Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
These frostings are made without wheat, barley, maltodextrin or dextrin, according to the ingredient lists. They should be safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Non Gluten Free Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting Flavors
Some Betty Crocker chocolate frosting varieties contain ingredients derived from gluten sources. These include:
- Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Chocolate Frosting (contains wheat flour)
- Betty Crocker Chocolate Malt Frosting (contains barley malt)
It’s important to read the ingredient list and not just rely on the front label. Phrases like “wheat flour added” are usually printed on the front if the product contains gluten. But always flip over and check the back of the container to be thorough.
How to Check Ingredients on Betty Crocker Frosting
Here are some tips for checking the ingredients properly on a Betty Crocker chocolate frosting:
- Read the back label, not just the front
- Scan the entire ingredient list, don’t just look at the first few
- Look for the words “wheat”, “barley”, “maltodextrin” or “dextrin”
- Call the consumer hotline with any questions
- Check the Betty Crocker website which identifies gluten free items
- When in doubt, contact the company
Reading the full ingredient statement carefully is the only way to determine if a chocolate frosting is gluten free or contains gluten. Don’t make assumptions based on the product name or front label.
Why Choose Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting
There are a few reasons why someone may need or prefer to choose a gluten free chocolate frosting variety:
- Has celiac disease or gluten intolerance – requires a gluten free diet
- Has a wheat allergy
- Follows a gluten free diet for other health reasons
- Prefers recipes made without wheat for personal reasons
No matter what the motivation, it’s important for consumers to have access to clearly labeled gluten free options when it comes to popular products like chocolate frosting.
Tips for Using Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting
Gluten free chocolate frosting from Betty Crocker can be used in all the same ways as traditional chocolate frosting. Here are some tips:
- Use on cakes, cupcakes or brownies
- Fill or top desserts like whoopie pies
- Use as a dip for fruits or cookies
- Spread on graham crackers for easy s’mores
- Spoon on ice cream for a hot fudge sundae
- Swirl into batter before baking for chocolate chip treats
There are so many ways to creatively use chocolate frosting to decorate desserts or add a chocolate flavor boost to all kinds of foods. Gluten free options mean more people can enjoy chocolate frosting without worry.
Nutritional Profile of Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting
Here is a nutritional comparison of 2 tablespoons of Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Chocolate Fudge Frosting (gluten free) versus Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Chocolate Frosting (contains wheat):
| Nutrition Facts | Gluten Free (2 Tbsp) | Contains Wheat (2 Tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 100 | 110 |
| Fat | 3g | 4.5g |
| Carbs | 20g | 19g |
| Protein | 0g | 1g |
The two frostings have a very similar nutrition profile. The gluten free version is slightly lower in calories, fat and protein compared to the wheat-containing frosting. Carbohydrate content is nearly the same. So from a macronutrient standpoint, the gluten free chocolate frosting offers no real advantage.
Price Difference Between Gluten Free and Regular Chocolate Frosting
On average, the gluten free Betty Crocker chocolate frosting costs $0.50-$1 more per container compared to the regular wheat-containing versions. Here are some price comparisons:
| Chocolate Frosting Variety | Gluten Free Price | Regular Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rich & Creamy Chocolate Fudge (16 oz) | $2.99 | $2.49 |
| Creamy Chocolate Fudge (16 oz) | $2.79 | $1.99 |
| Double Chocolate Fudge (16 oz) | $3.49 | $2.99 |
Given the small difference in price per container, the gluten free versions provide good value and an affordable alternative to regular chocolate frosting for anyone who requires a gluten free diet.
Taste Comparison Between Gluten Free and Regular Formulas
In blind taste tests, most people are unable to distinguish between the gluten free chocolate frosting and regular chocolate frosting made with wheat. The recipes are designed to be very similar in terms of:
- Chocolate flavor
- Sweetness
- Texture
- Mouthfeel
- Appearance
Subtle differences some notice are that the gluten free frosting is slightly less stiff and more fluid in texture. But the average taster finds the two varieties extremely similar in taste when sampled side-by-side.
Homemade Gluten Free Substitutes for Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting
For those wishing to bake from scratch, there are several easy recipes to make homemade chocolate frosting that is gluten free:
Basic Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in cocoa powder until combined.
- Add milk and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Frost cupcakes, cakes or cookies as desired.
Cream Cheese Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1⁄3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually beat in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Mix in vanilla.
- Spread or pipe onto cupcakes, cake or other desserts.
These from-scratch frosting recipes eliminate the need to rely on packaged options. They provide chocolate flavor without using any ingredients containing gluten.
Are Other Betty Crocker Frosting Flavors Gluten Free?
While the majority of Betty Crocker’s chocolate frosting flavors are gluten free, other types of frosting are more likely to contain gluten:
- Cream cheese frosting: Often contains wheat flour
- Creamy vanilla frosting: May contain wheat flour
- Strawberry or other fruit flavors: Can include wheat flour or maltodextrin derived from wheat
- Peanut butter frosting: May contain dextrin from wheat source
As with the chocolate varieties, it’s essential to check the ingredient list for any indication of wheat, barley, maltodextrin or dextrin. Never assume a frosting is gluten free based on the flavor. The ingredient statement will provide the key details.
Other Brands of Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting
In addition to Betty Crocker, other brands that offer gluten free chocolate frosting include:
- Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Duncan Hines Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- Publix Bakery Chocolate Buttercream Icing
- Signature Brands Chocolate Pan Frosting (Aldi brand)
There are more gluten free frosting options on the market than ever before. This provides more choices and flexibility for gluten free baking and dessert making.
How to Store and Maintain Freshness of Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting
To maximize freshness of opened gluten free chocolate frosting:
- Store container in a cool, dry place at room temperature
- Make sure lid is tightly sealed
- Use a clean utensil each time to scoop out needed amount
- Don’t place fingers directly into frosting in container
- Use within 3-4 weeks for best quality
- Do not freeze frosting as this will negatively impact texture
With proper storage and handling, gluten free chocolate frosting will stay fresh for weeks after opening. Be careful not to introduce moisture, and avoid cross-contamination with utensils used for other non gluten free foods.
Fun Ideas and Recipes Using Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting
Gluten free chocolate frosting isn’t just for cakes and cupcakes. Get creative with these fun ideas:
- Swirl frosting on top of brownies for an indulgent dessert
- Make chocolate stuffed cookie sandwiches with frosting filling
- Blend with ice and milk for a chocolate frosting milkshake
- Fill crepes and panckes with chocolate frosting and fruit
- Top waffles with chocolate frosting, berries and whipped cream
- Frost chocolate frosting on unfrosted gluten free chocolate cake mix
- Make chocolate frosting pops: frosting frozen on sticks
Chocolate and frosting are a perfect match. With gluten free options, everyone can enjoy chocolate frosting guilt free.
Conclusion
Betty Crocker provides several varieties of chocolate frosting that are gluten free and safe for those with celiac disease or wheat allergy. Always carefully check the ingredients on any chocolate frosting to ensure it does not contain wheat, barley malt, maltodextrin or dextrin. Gluten free chocolate frosting offers the same indulgent chocolate taste and texture as standard versions, with recipes specifically formulated to remove gluten sources. With proper storage and creative uses, gluten free chocolate frosting can be enjoyed in a wide range of desserts and treats.
