Gluten-free and dairy-free diets are becoming increasingly popular for people with food intolerances or who want to avoid certain ingredients. For those following these diets, knowing exactly what’s in pre-made baking mixes like Krusteaz can be important.
What is Krusteaz?
Krusteaz is a company that makes baking mixes for cakes, muffins, pancakes, waffles, and more. They offer both traditional baking mixes as well as gluten-free options. Their product line includes gluten-free pancake and waffle mix, gluten-free honey cornbread and muffin mix, and gluten-free blueberry muffin mix.
Is Krusteaz’s gluten-free blueberry muffin mix dairy free?
After carefully reviewing the ingredients list on Krusteaz’s gluten-free blueberry muffin mix, it does contain dairy. The main dairy-based ingredients are:
- Butter (cream, salt)
- Buttermilk blend (whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, maltodextrin, guar gum, mono and diglycerides)
These ingredients are used to add moisture, texture, and flavor to the muffins. So those following a vegan or completely dairy-free diet would want to avoid this particular mix.
Ingredients in Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix
Here is the full ingredients list for the Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix:
- Rice flour
- Potato starch
- Tapioca flour
- Sugar
- Butter (cream, salt)
- Baking powder
- Xanthan gum
- Salt
- Buttermilk blend (whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milkfat, maltodextrin, guar gum, mono and diglycerides)
- Natural flavor
- Blueberries
It contains several gluten-free flour alternatives like rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. However, the presence of butter and the buttermilk blend confirm this mix is not vegan or dairy-free.
Krusteaz gluten-free and dairy-free options
While Krusteaz’s gluten-free blueberry muffin mix does contain dairy, they offer some other baking mixes that can accommodate both gluten-free and dairy-free diets:
- Gluten-free pancake and waffle mix
- Gluten-free honey cornbread mix
These two mixes specifically do not contain any dairy-based ingredients. So those avoiding both gluten and dairy can safely use Krusteaz’s gluten-free pancake and waffle mix or their gluten-free honey cornbread mix.
Alternatives to Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix
For a pre-made baking mix that is both gluten-free and dairy-free, here are some good alternatives to Krusteaz’s blueberry muffin mix:
King Arthur Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffin Mix
- Made with millet flour, tapioca starch, brown rice flour and sorghum flour
- Does not contain dairy, lactose, eggs, nuts or soy
- Vegan and kosher certified
- Includes freeze-dried blueberries to add to the batter
Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mixes Blueberry Muffin Mix
- Made with gluten-free whole grains like brown rice, sorghum, millet, teff, and sweet rice
- Dairy-free, casein-free, lactose-free and kosher
- Just add eggs and oil
- Contains wild blueberries
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Blueberry Muffin Mix
- Contains whole grain sorghum flour, potato starch, whole grain millet flour and tapioca flour
- Vegan, dairy-free, egg-free and kosher
- Plant-based ingredients
- Real blueberries included
Betty Crocker Gluten Free Blueberry Muffin Mix
- Made with rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch and brown rice flour
- Free of gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts and artificial flavors
- Non-GMO
- Requires oil and carbonated water
Tips for making dairy-free blueberry muffins from scratch
Alternatively, you can make easy dairy-free blueberry muffins completely from scratch using your own gluten-free flour blend. Here are some tips:
- Use a blend of gluten-free flours like almond flour, coconut flour, cassava flour, or oat flour.
- Replace the dairy milk with non-dairy milk like almond, soy, coconut, oat, rice or cashew milk.
- Swap butter for dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
- Use egg replacers like flax eggs, banana, applesauce or aquafaba instead of eggs.
- Mix in fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries.
- Add gluten-free baking powder and xanthan gum for lift.
- Flavor with vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Top with an oat and sugar streusel before baking.
Nutrition info for Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffins
Here is the nutrition information for 1 muffin (45g) from the Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix:
| Calories | 160 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 12g |
| Added Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
The muffins are high in carbohydrates and sugars, which mainly come from the added sugar in the mix. They are low in protein and fiber. The dairy-based ingredients like butter contribute saturated fat as well.
Cost of Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix
The Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix costs around $5-6 for a 15oz box that makes 12 muffins. So each muffin ends up costing about $0.50 to make if you buy the box mix. The dairy-free gluten-free alternatives from brands like King Arthur, Bob’s Red Mill and Pamela’s tend to cost a couple dollars more.
Making gluten-free dairy-free muffins completely from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and likely ends up being cheaper per batch than using a pre-made mix. But the mixes do offer convenience if you don’t have all the necessary gluten-free flours and baking ingredients on hand.
Where to buy Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix
You can find Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix at many major grocery stores such as:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- ShopRite
- Publix
- HEB
- Wegmans
The muffin mixes are often stocked in either the gluten-free section or the baking aisle near other muffin, pancake, and waffle mixes. You can also purchase all Krusteaz products online from retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com.
Reviews of Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix
Here are some reviews from people who have tried the Krusteaz gluten-free blueberry muffin mix:
Positive reviews
- “These muffins came out perfect! Nice domed shape, fluffy, and delicious blueberry flavor. I couldn’t even tell they were gluten-free.”
- “I love how easy these mixes are to whip up. Just add some milk, eggs, oil and you’ve got tasty muffins in no time.”
- “The included blueberries give these muffins nice fruity pockets of flavor and they hold their shape well.”
- “I’m so happy Krusteaz has so many gluten-free options nowadays. These blueberry muffins are one of my favorites!”
Critical reviews
- “The muffins had a weird dense and gummy texture that I didn’t like. Not light and fluffy at all.”
- “While these are gluten-free, I was disappointed to find they still contained dairy, which I can’t have.”
- “The muffins tasted too artificial for my liking. You can tell they use artificial flavors and colors.”
- “These muffins fell totally flat after baking and were much too small in size.”
In general, reviewers praise the convenience, taste, and texture of these Krusteaz gluten-free muffins. Negative comments mention issues with gumminess, lack of rise, artificial flavors, and the presence of dairy. Experiences seem to vary batch to batch.
Conclusion
Krusteaz’s gluten-free blueberry muffin mix does contain gluten-free ingredients like rice flour and tapioca flour. However, it is not dairy-free or vegan, containing butter and a buttermilk blend. Those following a strictly dairy-free diet will want to opt for a different gluten-free muffin mix brand or make their own version at home.
Potential alternatives include muffin mixes from King Arthur, Bob’s Red Mill, Pamela’s Products or Betty Crocker. Or you can bake easy dairy-free blueberry muffins using your own flour blend of almond flour, coconut flour, oat flour, etc. Just replace the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter and swap the milk for a plant-based option like almond or oat milk.
