Quick Answers
The short answer is that standard Duncan Hines frosting contains dairy and is not gluten-free. However, Duncan Hines does offer some dairy-free and gluten-free frosting options. Their dairy-free frostings are made with almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For gluten-free options, look for their frostings labeled as gluten-free or check the ingredients list to confirm no wheat/gluten ingredients.
Ingredients in Standard Duncan Hines Frosting
A look at the ingredients list of standard Duncan Hines frosting reveals that it contains both dairy and gluten:
- Sugar
- Water
- Vegetable shortening – contains soy in some varieties
- Milk – contains lactose and is not dairy-free
- Corn syrup
- Wheat flour – contains gluten
- Salt
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Preservatives
The two main ingredients that make standard Duncan Hines frosting unsuitable for dairy-free or gluten-free diets are the milk and wheat flour.
Milk contains the milk sugar lactose, making standard Duncan Hines frosting unsuitable for people with dairy/lactose intolerance or vegans. The wheat flour contains gluten proteins, making it unsuitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Dairy-Free Duncan Hines Frosting
For dairy-free options, Duncan Hines offers several frosting flavors made with almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk:
- Cream Cheese Flavored Frosting – made with almond milk
- Creamy Home-Style Frosting – made with almond milk
- Creamy Home-Style Chocolate Frosting – made with almond milk
- Creamy Home-Style Vanilla Frosting – made with almond milk
- Creamy Home-Style Strawberry Frosting – made with almond milk
- Coconut Pecan Frosting – made with coconut milk
When purchasing, check the ingredients list for these dairy-free frosting varieties to confirm they are made with almond milk or coconut milk and do not contain any regular milk ingredients.
Benefits of Choosing Dairy-Free Duncan Hines Frosting
There are several reasons why someone may choose these dairy-free Duncan Hines frosting options:
- Dairy/lactose intolerance – Cannot tolerate the lactose in regular milk-based frosting
- Milk allergy – Allergic to the proteins in cow’s milk
- Vegan diet – Avoid all animal products including dairy
- Prefer plant-based milks – Prefer the taste and nutrition of almond or coconut milk over regular milk
The almond milk and coconut milk used in these frostings provide the creamy texture and taste of regular milk-based frosting, but without the dairy. This allows more people to enjoy Duncan Hines frosting.
Gluten-Free Duncan Hines Frosting
If you require a gluten-free frosting, look for these Duncan Hines frosting varieties labeled as gluten-free:
- Cream Cheese Flavored Frosting
- Creamy Home-Style Chocolate Frosting
- Creamy Home-Style Strawberry Frosting
- Creamy Home-Style Vanilla Frosting
- Creamy Home-Style Coconut Pecan Frosting
The key is the “gluten-free” label, as not all Duncan Hines frostings are gluten-free. Always check the ingredients list to confirm the absence of any wheat ingredients. Note that their gluten-free frostings are also dairy-free, made with almond milk or coconut milk.
Benefits of Choosing Gluten-Free Duncan Hines Frosting
There are several reasons why someone may choose these gluten-free Duncan Hines frosting options:
- Celiac disease – Cannot tolerate the gluten protein found in wheat
- Gluten sensitivity – Experience digestive symptoms when consuming gluten
- Wheat allergy – Allergic to wheat and require wheat-free foods
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity – Experience symptoms when eating gluten but do not have celiac disease
- Prefer gluten-free diet – Feel better physically or mentally when following a gluten-free diet
The gluten-free labels and ingredients provide assurance to gluten-free consumers that these products do not contain any gluten from wheat, barley, or rye.
Nutrition Comparison of Duncan Hines Frostings
From a nutrition standpoint, the dairy-free and gluten-free Duncan Hines frosting options are very similar to the regular dairy and gluten-containing versions. The main differences are the protein sources and milk substitutes used.
| Frosting Type | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular milk and wheat flour | 100 per serving | 2g | 22g | 0g |
| Dairy-free with almond milk | 90 per serving | 3g | 20g | 0g |
| Dairy-free with coconut milk | 100 per serving | 3g | 21g | 0g |
| Gluten-free | 80 per serving | 3g | 18g | 0g |
As you can see, the dairy-free and gluten-free versions are very close in calories, fat, carbs, and protein compared to regular Duncan Hines frosting. This makes them suitable substitutes from a nutritional standpoint.
Taste and Texture of Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Duncan Hines Frosting
In terms of taste and texture, Duncan Hines customers report their dairy-free and gluten-free frosting varieties are quite close to the original:
- The almond milk and coconut milk provide a creamy, dairy-like texture and taste
- There is no noticeable difference in sweetness
- The frostings spread and pipe nicely like traditional frosting
- Gluten-free frostings may be slightly softer or fluffier in texture
- Overall flavor is maintained with chocolate, vanilla and other flavors
Of course taste preferences are individual. But many who need dairy-free or gluten-free frosting are pleased that Duncan Hines’ versions closely replicate the regular frosting experience.
Baking and Decorating Uses for Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Duncan Hines Frosting
Duncan Hines dairy-free and gluten-free frostings can be used in all the same ways as regular frosting:
- Frosting cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, bars, etc.
- Fillings for cakes and sandwich cookies
- Decorating desserts and baked goods
- Topping pies, cheesecakes, muffins, scones, etc.
- Pairing with fresh fruit
- Icing or glazing donuts, cinnamon rolls, and pastries
- Adding drizzles and accents on ice cream, puddings, etc.
The dairy-free and gluten-free status does not limit the decorating potential. Make beautiful flowers, writing, borders and other designs just like traditional frosting.
Tips for Working with Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Duncan Hines Frosting
Here are some tips when decorating or baking with the dairy-free and gluten-free Duncan Hines frosting options:
- Refrigerate frosting after opening to extend freshness
- Allow chilled frosting to soften slightly before piping or decorating
- Mix in a spoonful or two of non-dairy milk if frosting is too stiff
- Add powdered sugar to thicken up runny frosting as needed
- Use butter knives and gentle smoothing motions for best cake frosting results
- For detailed decorating, use a piping bag and quality tip
- Pair complementary flavors like chocolate frosting with vanilla cakes or cupcakes
Taking a little care when preparing the frosting and decorating can give you beautiful results using the dairy-free and gluten-free options from Duncan Hines.
Where to Buy Duncan Hines Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Frosting
You can find dairy-free and gluten-free Duncan Hines frosting at most major grocery stores and mass retailers that sell Duncan Hines products, such as:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Stop & Shop
- HEB
- Whole Foods
- ShopRite
Check the baking or frosting aisle for the dairy-free and gluten-free Duncan Hines varieties. You may also find them in the specialty diet section with other gluten-free and dairy-free products.
In addition to in-store shopping, you can order dairy-free and gluten-free Duncan Hines frosting online for delivery from sites like:
- Amazon.com
- Walmart.com
- Target.com
- Instacart
- Peapod
- FreshDirect
Purchasing online is convenient if you have difficulty finding specific dairy-free or gluten-free flavors in your local stores.
Duncan Hines Frosting FAQs
Is Duncan Hines cream cheese frosting gluten free?
Yes, Duncan Hines makes a gluten-free cream cheese flavored frosting. Check for the gluten-free label to confirm.
Is Duncan Hines vanilla frosting gluten free?
Duncan Hines makes a gluten-free creamy home-style vanilla frosting. But not all their vanilla frostings are gluten-free, so check the label.
Is Duncan Hines coconut pecan frosting gluten free?
Yes, Duncan Hines coconut pecan frosting is labeled as gluten-free and dairy-free, made with coconut milk.
Is Duncan Hines strawberry frosting gluten free?
Duncan Hines makes a gluten-free creamy home-style strawberry frosting. Watch for the gluten-free label to be sure.
Is Duncan Hines buttercream frosting gluten free?
No, regular Duncan Hines buttercream frosting contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free or dairy-free.
The Bottom Line
While standard Duncan Hines frosting contains gluten and dairy, they offer several gluten-free and dairy-free varieties sweetened with almond milk or coconut milk. Look for the gluten-free label or check ingredients lists to identify gluten and dairy-free options. These can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more for people with food allergies or intolerances. With some adjustments, those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy the decorating fun of Duncan Hines frosting.
